The Marble Collector

X

As the tears roll down my cheeks and I stare at it for what feels like an endless time, I believe her. I can do this. I can take my life back again. Sleep starts to call me again. Tired eyes, I take off my glasses and make sure the marble is safe. It reminds me of a marble I saw while on honeymoon, one I really wished to buy but couldn’t afford. I suddenly have an image of Gina on honeymoon, of her face, young and innocent in a hotel room in Venice, freckles across her nose and cheeks, not a stitch of make-up, moments before we made love for the first time. That image of her is in my mind forever, a look of love, of innocence. I have an overwhelming urge along with that memory to give her this marble, to give her the world. I should have done it then, but I will do it now, I will give her the part of me I held back for so long.

Sabrina will understand, as will Cat, as will Gina’s husband Robert. In time Gina can pass it on to Sabrina or to the boys when they’re older. It can be like an heirloom, passing the world on to the next generation.

And to Cat, I will give my full heart.