Photographs
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything. I also don't know where this came from.
What happened, that long time ago? Had they been in love? Had they married and lived happily-ever-after? Or had their relationship ended badly, the soft looks and gentle kisses turning sour?
The faded photographs tell a story, but do not answer the questions they raise.
One
A small girl with neat braids stands stiffly on the porch of a grand house, clutching a parrot-headed umbrella much too large for her. In the background, a young boy with a chimney-sweep brush shies away from the flash of the camera.
Two
The umbrella, only a size too big for her now, stands neatly in the umbrella stand as the two children from the previous picture exchange Valentines. A strict-looking woman can be seen coming down the stairs, an angry expression on her face.
Three
The boy, well into his teens now, sheepishly receives a kiss from the girl. She is almost unrecognisable, save for the parrot-headed umbrella clutched tightly in one white-gloved hand.
Four
It must be a trick of the light, for the girl (young woman now) seems to be descending from the clouds as the boy (now man) looks on happily.
Five
The man, caressing the woman's cheek, stares down into her eyes. It's barely visible, but her fingers are entwined with his.
Six
The woman sits demurely, hands folded neatly in her lap, umbrella cached tidily against the side of the bench. The man is on one knee, taking a box out of his pocket.
Seven
There are two children beside them, holding their hands. The woman looks down at them longingly, and he looks at her with a want equal to hers in his eyes.
Eight
A new pair of children hold onto their hands. The longing in their eyes is still there.
Nine
They are not facing the camera this time, but are facing each other. Their fingers are entwined, and his eyes, looking at her, hold all the love in the world.
Ten
The last photograph is ambiguous. The woman is either coming or going, floating lightly in the air – and the man stares after her with love in his eyes.