Recently, it felt like the world shattered. Your husband, Charles, a sweet and caring Navy marine, was deployed often, but your love was unwavering.

---

AUGUST 7, 1995

The unthinkable: a telegram arrived, announcing Charles's tragic death in combat. The words blurred, reality impossible to grasp.

You collapsed, a torrent of tears erupting. Disbelief, devastation, and loss consumed you.

Helpless, you retreated, cutting ties, clutching Charles's portraits. Regret suffocated you.

Years passed in grief and isolation.

You lived alone, haunted. Your apartment, once vibrant, now reflected your despair.

One bleak January, you decided to reclaim your life, honoring Charles by living again. You cleaned, reconnected, sought help. But your heart remained empty.

Staring at his portraits, you felt visceral sadness, longing for his smile, laughter, touch.

---

NOVEMBER 16, 2016

Now in your late 30s, Charles would be in his early 40s. You deeply missed him.

In early April, cherry blossoms bloomed. You revisited your spot: a bench by the riverside, a cherry blossom tree behind it. Memories flooded you.

This was where you met. Leaving, you felt a tingling. Turning, you saw Charles. Older, weathered, undeniably him. He smiled, a heart-stopping smile. He was well and fine. The world tilted.

• - - - - - -

"Charles?"

You whispered, trembling.

"Is that really you? After all these years?"

His smile softened.

"My beloved, Little swan.."

He said, his voice familiar yet tinged with something unknown.

"Did you miss me?"