Reverie

She stood at the edge of the shore. Her long, braided hair flying truant in the gushing wind, loose strands shadowing her worried face. She steadily moved towards the water, her mind elsewhere.

"What am i going to do now?", she wondered, watching the calming rhythm of the waves crashing upon the shore.  For a minute she lost herself in it and then shook herself awake. Things have to be done. The pain has to pass. But it wouldn't let go. 

She wrapped her saree closer around her figure as though it was cold. It's been a year but it was still fresh in her memory. How would she ever go on? She stole a glance around her and made sure noone was in the vicinity. Suddenly, it seemed easy. If she could just walk into the waves, she would never have to worry again. The pain will momentarily increase but then it will be forever gone....

Her mind drew a blank. She kept walking toward the water. Her pace increased. "I can do this", she said, walking into the water.

"Mummy, are you coming to play too?"

She whirled around and found her five-year-old daughter tugging at her saree. For a moment she was dumbstruck.

"Of course, dear. But it's late. Let's leave. You need to go to school tomorrow and i have work", she went on, lifting the child up and placing her firmly on her waist.

"Can i have ice-cream now?", the kid pushed

"You'll catch a..... yes.. yes, we'll buy a couple of cones at the supermarket near home. Ok?"

"Ok. Chocolate?"

"Hahahaha... sure, darling", she laughed, placing a kiss on her child's forehead.

"Life goes on", she thought, smiling as her daughter returned the kiss.