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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Teens
- Theme: Drama / Human Interest
- Subject: Aging / Maturity
- Published: 06/24/2022
The Garden.
Born 1975, M, from Norfolk, United Kingdom.jpeg)
The garden looked bland, uninspiring, there was no colour apart from the green grass and green bushes. At the far end was a little flower bed which was empty. Jacqueline had planted some daffodil seeds in their over a year ago, but they never grew, much to her disappointment. She was now retired and mostly stayed at home. Recently she'd lost her mum, and it hurt very much.
...............
All she'd ever wanted was a garden that reminded her of her parent's garden from when she was a child, which had the most splendid colours that seemed so magical at the time. Her mum had always been a keen gardener, her dad not so much, and the sad thing was, since leaving her parent's house and moving to the big bad city where she lived for a number of years in a flat, she would miss it in a strange sort of way. City life wasn't so bad though, she worked in insurance where the pay was very good. Then one day while Jacqueline walked through the local park, she noticed how amazing the flowers looked from afar. And even though Jacqueline loved her job, she knew she had other responsibilities. That morning, she'd received a call from her mum. Her father had just been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's. This broke Jacqueline's heart, because her dad meant everything to her. Within a month, she'd left her job and moved closer to home, where she could help mum look after dad. In some ways, she didn't mind. She knew she was giving up on a good job, but family were more important. At the age of 53 maybe it was time to slow down a bit and enjoy the simpler things in life.
.................
Jacqueline walked back indoors and prepared lunch. She so wanted to make her mum proud, especially now she wasn't there anymore, but like her dad she'd never been good at growing anything.
After Jacqueline had eaten, she watched the news on TV, then decided to head to the local shop to get some milk.
In the shop, Jacqueline proceeded to where the milk was. Then she overheard two women of a similar age talking about how beautiful their gardens looked with all the wonderful flowers. In some ways, Jacqueline resented them. If her parent was still here, then mother could've helped her. But it was too late now.
If the truth be told, lately she'd struggled with her mental health. It's like her motivation had gone. A few years ago she was the most confident person she knew, but now Jacqueline lived on her own in a place where she didn't know anyone, and yes, a lot of it was her fault for shutting herself away after losing her mum. The problem was, Jacqueline didn't know what else to do.
At the counter, she paid for the milk then headed out of the shop to her vehicle, which was parked close by. Once in the car, Jacqueline thought of her parent, then said sadly, "I wish you were here. My garden is a mess, you'd know exactly what to do."
Jacqueline dried her eyes with a tissue. From somewhere, she smelt the familiar aroma of a perfume her mum used to wear.
Without giving it much thought, she started the engine and began the journey home.
..................
Young Jacqueline ran into the unfamiliar garden. With her was her mum Carole.
"Mummy, mummy, why are we here again? I don't like it here, it's boring," the little girl said disappointed. "Where are all the flowers?"
Carole bent down to her daughter. "Sweetheart, we're here to make this place look better for the lovely woman who lives here."
The girl crossed her arms because she was unhappy. "But why, I want to play with my dolls?"
The woman kissed the top of Jacqueline's head, then replied, "You can play with them later, my darling. But for now could you help me please. It's very important, you see."
The girl uncrossed her arms. "Okay, mummy. I swear I'll behave. By the way, thank-you mummy."
"Thank me for what, sweetheart. I haven't done anything."
The girl came closer and cuddled her mum. "Thank you for being my mummy," was all she said.
Carole smiled at her. "You're welcome. But we must get on. Lots to do."
For the next two hours with her daughter's help, Carole dug out a circle in the middle of the garden where seeds could be planted. Once they'd finished, Carole turned to Jacqueline while she ran around excitedly, then said, "You know I'm always with you, don't you, sweetheart. Even if I'm not here, I still am, if that makes any sense. Do you understand, Jacqueline?"
The girl then remembered something which scared her very much.
..................
Jacqueline awoke and remembered the odd dream she'd just had. She got out of bed and put some clothes on, then headed to the bathroom to wash. After that, she proceeded into the garden to have a cigarette. For years, she'd smoked heavily, but these days she'd cut down to 6 a day. Jacqueline put the cigarette into her mouth and lit it. The first puff was always the best. Suddenly, she noticed something that sent alarm bells in her head. In the middle of the area of grass was a flower bed in the shape of a circle. At that moment, she nearly lost her balance. Jacqueline needed to sit down. How was that possible, did the dream last night really happen?
Once she'd composed herself, she stood up and walked to the flower bed. Tears streamed down her face.
A part of her still didn't believe this had happened, maybe the dream she'd had and the circle appearing the next morning was just a bizarre coincidence. But if that was the case, then who'd trespassed on her property last night and did this, unless it was troublesome kids, but why would they dig a large hole in the centre of the garden, none of it made sense?
For the rest of the day, Jacqueline carried on as normal, trying to keep the strange events of last night out of her mind. If the truth be told, she didn't want to get her hopes up, just in case it wasn't true.
...................
"Darling, today we're going to tidy up the bushes, so they look nicer for the lovely lady who lives here. Also, over there we'll dig another bed out so more flowers can grow. How does that sound, sweetheart?" Carole asked the child.
The girl jumped up and down while shouting, "It sounds brilliant, mummy."
Carole laughed, "I'm happy you agree."
...................
The next morning, Jacqueline walked outside and the first thing she saw was the second flower bed at the back of the area. The surrounding bushes had been trimmed and looked much better. She then realised with sheer delight that the dreams she was having of being a child again with her mum were true. How was this possible?
"I love you, mum, and I miss you with all my heart," was all she said.
...................
The girl didn't understand. "What do you mean we're nearly finished, mummy?
Carole peered at Jacqueline, then answered sadly, "The gardens close to being complete. All that's needed now are flowers. Magical flowers of various colors, but there's a knack to this. Watch and learn, my sweetheart, and last of all, it was lovely spending so much time with you again and all the help you have given me. Without you, this wouldn't have been possible."
They cuddled.
"What now, mummy?" Jacqueline asked.
"It's time for the seeds to go in," she answered emotionally, knowing it'd be the last time of seeing her.
From her coat pocket were three bags of seeds of her favorite flowers. With planned perfection, Carole planted them in both flower beds. "Remember everything I'm just about to tell you, my sweet angel. I know I'm gone, but I'll always be here with you, please don't feel too sad about this, because one day we'll see each other again when it's time. Live your life to the full, sweet, Jacqueline. Please do it for me."
Then something magical happened, the child then turned into the woman she was now.
Jacqueline touched her mother's face, tears ran from her eyes. "I've missed you, mummy. I love you so much. Thank you for what you did, and even though I'll see you again one day, I still don't want to say goodbye now."
"I'm afraid I can't stay, sweetheart. It's time for me to go," Carole answered. Sadness in her voice.
Jacqueline watched as her mother stood up, then walk to the back of the garden where another figure stood. It was her father, as she remembered him as a child. An intense light appeared in front of them. Within a second, both were gone.
..................
She awoke, and the sadness had disappeared. Once she'd dressed, Jacqueline ran out into the garden and what she saw next took her breath away. In the two beds the flowers had already blossomed in all their glory, from different shades of blues to various pinks to light and dark reds. It was truly magnificent. And later that morning, after eating breakfast, she decided to take her mum's advice and start living life to the full again.
The End.
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