The JeanDélicieux

The warm scent of summer was in the air as I walked through the cemetery in Canterlot. Since I wasn't in a rush, I took my time. I carried a bouquet in my hand and hummed a nice melody I remembered faintly.

It was a nice walk. The gravel path I was walking on made a satisfying sound in my ears, and the only other sound I heard was the birds chirping underneath the beautiful willow tree hanging above me.

I was thinking about what to add to my menu for the summer season when I suddenly realized I'd reached my destination.

I carefully squatted down and rested my arms on my knees. "Hey, baby."

I looked down at the gravestone in front of me and felt a heavy lump in my chest as I saw the name of my late wife engraved on it. I had known it was coming for a long time, but it still sucked when it became reality.

The truth of it was that I had lost her a long time ago, so I tried telling myself that at least I was ready for it.

I felt a cool breeze blow through, gently rustling the grass I was now standing on. I silently thanked the weather for being on my side, as the heat was almost at a point where it would be too much. The willow tree above me was nearly so low that it threatened to tickle my neck.

I wiped my eye with a finger and sniffed before gently placing the flowers down on the grave.

"I hope you like them. I picked your favorite."

I took a deep breath, trying to fight off the tears I could feel welling up.

"I miss you, babe, you have no idea."

I chuckled and wiped my eyes to get rid of the building moisture. I was not going to cry, not today. I would be strong.

"I'm taking you with me to my next adventure." I said. I didn't know what else I could say to her; I didn't have any better words. I just wanted her to know that.

My life had become a different one ever since I met Willow. Where was I even headed before we met? I didn't know what kind of future I would have if I had never run into her, but I didn't think I could ever find peace in my heart if I went any other path than this one.

The journey here was hard, but I wouldn't take any of it back if it meant I wouldn't have the things I had in my life today.

I would thank the world for the time it gave me with my beloved, and I would thank it forever for letting me have my daughter back into my life.

"Thank you," I said quietly.

I reached out my hand and touched her name on the gravestone, and closed my eyes. The heat engulfed my body gently as I cherished the lost part of me that I had been able to find again.

At the end of this path leading into my new life, I reflected on everything I had been through, which was a bittersweet feeling. So many friendships, so many I cared about and so many things to look forward to. So many challenges I had gone through, so many things I could have avoided losing.

But, now was not the time for regrets. It was the time for putting the past behind me, and taking a step into what came next.

Even if I shed tears, even if it hurt, even if we were separated, I wouldn't ever forget.

No matter where I went from now on...

I'm not alone anymore.