A time for confessions.


A walk in Washington Park is always a perfect time for confessions. This short story is inspired by the movie The Vows We Had Made. The characters belong to the talented Martha Williamson.


It was a beautiful sunny Friday afternoon in spring, around 6:00 pm. Charlie was smiling, walking through Washington Park. She was gently pushing her stoller while Eleanor babbled As she passed by, she waved to a few neighbors, then went to sit on the bench by the playground across from the lake.

Eleanor was playing with her rattle when a little blue butterfly landed on her nose and flew away again. Baby Eleanor was laughing to her mother's delight.

Suddenly, the post office employee saw a person with a satchel walking through the park and called out to her.

"Charlie, what a surprise! It's a beautiful day for a walk in the park!" Oliver exclaimed.

"Yes, it is. Rita and Norman went shopping. So, I wanted to take a walk. So, how did the department meeting go."

"Everyone had their arguments. The parking lot issue was still very complex and has been for years. I hope that issue will be resolved one day. Eleanor is growing up fast." Oliver smiled.

"Day by day. Sometimes I wish I could keep her as a baby for a very long time. I think I'm too maternal. I would do anything for her. You know in my heart of hearts, leaving my baby for adoption was a real heartbreaker. And miraculously, in Denver, I found a home and a loving family." Charlie cried.

"I heard your story. Charlie, you are a brave woman and a dedicated employee. Coming to work at DOL, pregnant, when your personal situation was complicated. You deserve a lot of credit. I am in awe. Norman, you and Rita are going to be great parents to Eleanor," Oliver said, handing her a tissue.

"A very atypical family." Charlie laughed." I've heard your story, your first marriage. I understand how complicated it must have been for you. I went through a similar situation." Charlie confessed.

"Life is a series of trials to overcome, but from which we emerge, always stronger and better. That first marriage was difficult. I was only married for six months. After she left, I would come and sit here every day and think. I had my faith. And God always makes the right choices for us. I realized that if that first marriage was a failure, it was because it wasn't right for me. When I met Shane, my life changed forever." He smiles widely.

"And now you're both married. You're made for each other. There's so much love and happiness and tenderness between the two of you. It's so sweet. Shane is a wonderful person. Take good care of her, Oliver." Charlie smiled.

"Yes, I would give my life for Shane." confessed Oliver as Charlie detected a glint of love in his eyes.

It was then that Eleanor began to cry.

"You must be hungry, honey," Charlie said, pulling a bottle out of a bag.

"I must to go. Charlie, it was a pleasure talking with you. Have a great weekend. God bless you and Eleanor."

Charlie smiled and then the postal detective continued on his way.


O'Toole family home.

Shane was very focused, putting away the few groceries. She was finishing putting away the bottles of yoo-hoo. When she turned around, she saw Oliver.

"Oliver, I didn't even hear you come in!" Shane exclaimed.

"Good evening, my love. I didn't mean to disturb you. I enjoy seeing you pensive, even while putting away groceries." He laughed.

She walked over to him with a smile, then kissed him tenderly.

"Welcome home. I'd say it's more contemplative , Mr. O'Toole. For tonight, the chef is offering one of his specialties, an experimental salad." She explains.

"My goodness! Don't tell me it has tabasco sauce, salsa, salt, pepper and mustard." Oliver remarked, worried, raising an eyebrow, hiding a smile.

"Just kidding!" She laughed. "I know you like old times. So, this is a Columella salad, a recipe from ancient Rome." Shane said.

"Wow! You impress me every day. I really can't wait to try it."

"By the way, why are you hiding your hands behind your back?" Shane asks ,winking.

"I wanted to surprise you." Oliver replied, smiling.

"Wow! What a pretty flower. What's the occasion?" Shane asked.

"It's not just any flower. It's a camellia. In Latin, the word 'camellia' translates to 'priest's helper.' In Victorian England, this flower sent a recipient the secret message that she was lovely. For, the camellia flower symbolizes love, devotion, affection and admiration. And this flower symbolizes all my deepest thoughts for you." Oliver states.

"I... Oliver. I love this message!"... You know, the day you proposed to me, I was so happy. I always imagined what it would be like one day to live with you."

"So ?" Oliver asks, in a low voice with a smile.

"It's wonderful, absolutely wonderful. I love my life with you, every moment of it." Shane replies, her heart full of happiness

"And so do I. I've... I have to admit that I've always secretly dreamed of having a real love story. And with you, Shane, I'm living a beautiful fairy tale, forever." said Oliver said, before kissing him tenderly.

The end.


Author's note: Thank you all for reading this story. Have a great day. :)