Rich walked through the grave yard carrying a bouquet of red roses, like the one he brought Grace the night he proposed to her. That memory along with all the others seemed so long ago to Rich now, as he sat down beside the grave. Grass had started to grow where the fresh dirt had once been. He placed the flowers gently in front of the head stone. "Happy one year anniversary, Gracie." He said aloud, leaning down to softly kiss the edge of the cold stone. But there was no response, and Rich knew there never would be. A tear silently rolled down his cheek as he imagined what he and Grace would have been doing on this night if Grace were there. Rich longed to know, even though he knew he never would.
"Why on earth are you crying, Richard?" A familiar voice questioned, lightheartedly. Rich looked up and there she was, wearing a flowy yellow dress. She looked just as beautiful as he remembered. "Grace?" Rich blinked, not believing what he saw, not wanting to admit that he was just imagining her. She waltzed over, picking up one of the roses, and taking in its sweet smell.
"I was hoping you would be here tonight, I knew you wouldn't forget today. You always were good at remembering anniversaries." Grace smiled.
"I would never forget, Grace. But w-why are you here?" Rich questioned, knowing it was all in his head. He just wanted her to stay and talk, but he knew she wouldn't be standing in front of him much longer. "I wanted to tell you that everything is going to be alright, Rich. I'll be here whenever you need me." And with that, Grace walked over to Rich and bent down to kiss his lips. When Rich opened his eyes, she was gone.
Grace had left as fast as she had come, but Rich knew she was in his heart forever. The simple thought of that made Rich smile. He placed a loving hand on the stone again before standing up to walk home. He felt a warm breeze and a sweet smell of violets filled the air. And for a second, Rich thought he heard that sweet voice again...
Happy Aniversary, Richard. I love you.