She Heard John's Voice

They had survived forty-two years together The death of two children, loss of all of their parents This was their time to relax and enjoy the fruit of labor John passed in his sleep two weeks prior, Six days before he was to retire. Six days before their dreams would have come true. Martha was in a funk; she had not gotten dressed for days. She would not answer the door or her mail. She wanted John to come back to life. Every night she begged him, in her dreams. Her pleas were unanswered. She was down. She heard John’s voice this morning. The garden, he had whispered. My roses are blooming. She was delighted! He had come back to life! She rushed outside. Gorgeous roses were alive and happy. The fragrance reminded her of her darling husband. He had babied these florals. She took a whiff and remembered their courtship, and their marriage. You have to live, he reminded her. It was a whisper but it was enough