Smoke and Perfume, A.E. Mezza [top fiction books of all time TXT] 📗

Victor waited for her, sitting in the deep red armchair placed in the corner. He watched the dust, the thick layer of gray across all his furniture. It swept across his house like a disease, but he could do nothing of it.
As his eyes followed the shapes of the room he kept returning toward her piano, merely a mass of webs and memory now.
He remembered when his home was beautiful, when it glistened with warmth and life. Too late, always too late, it was gone. Lost to time.
The clock struck twelve, and with a soft breeze she was there, sitting by her piano, gazing at him. “Oh Victor.” She sighed, a smile across her face though tears streamed down her cheeks.
He came to her, years of emotions and unasked questions still lingering on his lips. Yet, as he sat with her on the old piano stool, he uttered none of them. He merely brought her into his embrace, feeling her soft hands reach behind his neck.
He didn’t look at her burnt dress, or the tears in the fabric. He didn’t look down at his own charred clothing either. He just held her, knowing that they would have to leave soon, knowing that there would never be enough time with her.
“How long have you been waiting?” She muttered into his chest.
“Not long.” Victor murmured, though he had been waiting for years.
“You’re a terrible liar, Victor.” She smiled, lifting her head to look at him.
Victor smiled slightly, a sad smile. “I could wait another thousand years and it would all be worth it to see you.”
Tears welled over her eyes, and he brushed them away gently, begging her not to cry.
“I’m sorry, Victor, I’m so sorry.”
But Victor shook is head, holding her tight. “Darling, nothing is your fault. It was destiny that brought us together and it is fate that breaks us apart.”
He knew that they were running out of time. She was leaving, slowly, in his grasp. She knew as well, and clutched to him, her fingers gripping his burnt shirt.
“I love you. I love you so much.” Victor muttered, wishing that time could stop, wishing she wouldn’t have to leave. But she belonged in paradise, and he? He was a wanderer. Forever.
She kissed him, years of pain and hurt evaporating as he kissed her back.
And then she was gone, with only the scent of her perfume and a dull taste of smoke to prove she was actually there.
Victor sighed, holding back tears. “I will wait for you, darling. I love you too much for my own good, Rose.”
He stood from the piano stool, sighing sadly. Victor waited for her, sitting in the deep read armchair placed in the corner.

Publication Date: 07-13-2011

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