The ring felt heavy in his pocket. On the table were plates filled with the different colors and aromas of food he so carefully chose, each one boasting exquisite tastes, and exquisite prices. But his stomach was in knots, his tongue as heavy as lead. Even the sips of water he tried to take every now and then were a struggle for his closed throat.
She was right in front of him, with her round eyes and equally round cheeks. A lady with a baby's face, people say, but a beauty only he can see.
She was all smiles tonight, the same as with every other night. But, as with all nights after their parting, no smile reached her eyes. Maybe that will change today, he thought as he closed his hand on the velvet box.
He knows how the years had been cruel to her. In fact, he experienced the same cruelty too. Once, they both wore hope on their faces, waiting for words from a person who mean so much to them.
But hope is heavy, and a person grows weary.
He was the first to give up. Perhaps the past was no longer important, or maybe they didn't mean as much. She, too, gave up eventually, or so she said. She was no longer waiting, but through her eyes, you'll see a heart that still yearns.
It was painful and cruel knowing that her heart still belongs to another while her hand was wrapped in his. It was crueler, still, to continue with this task knowing such truth.
He didn't want to imprison her in paper vows, but he also didn't want her to live always hoping. He didn't know which was kinder.
He thought of his promise, that day many years ago, when the snow first fell from the sky. I vowed that I will never make her cry,he remembered. His hand tightened on the velvet box. She should be happy.
His heart was racing as he pulled out the box from his pocket. It was a wonder how strong his grip was despite the shaking of his hand, how steady he held the ring. He looked at her then, unsure but determined.
"Takahashi, will you marry me?"