“You’re late,” Jane said angrily.

“You know my excuses love,” said David with a smile on his face.

“I hate workaholics,” said Jane.

“But you love me and I have all the rights to make excuses,” he said and kissed her cheeks. “Happy birthday love.”

“Thank you,” she looked at his hands. “Flowers! Again? When will you stop being so lame with gifts?”

“As if you will accept anything else,” he frowned.

“Well, you know…” Jane continued, “but you are the one who is late, you don’t get to be sarcastic mister,” she laughed.

David smiled.

“I know you don’t like me coming here at this hour but I had no other option, the year is about to end and you know how things take turn.” David said apologetically.

“I understand,” she said looking at him.

There was a moment of silence. It was a cold December evening and Christmas was few days away. Both of them sat there with a lot of emotions but no words to transpire. Suddenly, the cold breeze gave way to words.

“You have reduced your visits nowadays.” Jane continued, “are you seeing someone else?” she said in jest.

“Yeah, 10 women right now. What do you think I do at work?”

Both of them laughed.

“Jokes apart, I have reasons.” he said.

“Mom?”

“Yes,” he replied.

“I know why she would have asked you to lower your visits.” She sighed.

“She is still mad at you. And I think its fine.” He said

“Are you mad at me?” she asked

He looked at her and realized how much he loved her. He then said, “I could never be mad at you. I know you tried your best to stay,” he continued. “Hey it’s your birthday, these things can be discussed some other time.”

“How is Ben?” she inquired.

“He is fine. He enjoys his studies. Something I could never do.”

They laughed.

“Although,” he continued, “he got into a fight last week.”

“Why?” she asked anxiously.

“Some kid at school broke his crayons.”

“Kids….” She sighed.

“He said he would visit you soon. I wanted to bring him today but I thought it was better to leave him with mom today. At least her grandson keeps entertained. She isn’t at her best today.” He said.

“I understand. How is mom by the way?” she asked.

“She is fine. She knows how to keep herself busy, running a school keeps her occupied throughout the day.” He continued, “Although I make breakfast for her everyday just so that we can talk. Other than that we hardly converse throughout the day.”

“She takes her own time to get used to things, I know that too. Since dad passed away she has always been cranky.”

“You must know her better; she is the one who bought you into this world,” he concluded.

They both looked at each other after a brief moment of silence. They missed each other.

“You look nice in that shirt,” she pointed at the collar of his shirt under the jersey.

“I know,” he smiled.

He held her hand and looked at her.

“I don’t really mind you not visiting me that often as earlier. I think it’s for the best that we see less of each other.” She said.

“It’s hard for me to control,” he said, his eyes wet.

“I don’t want you to stop visiting me love, but it’s for the best that we at least try.” She said as she held his hand firmly.

His phone rang. It was 7:30 P.M., and he had to reach home by 8.

“Need to leave?” Jane asked with a sad face.

“Your mom probably won’t let me enter if I am late today. She is cooking.” He replied.

He looked at her and said, “I think I should leave.”

“Yeah, you should.”

David wished to stay but he knew he had to go. He didn’t have much of a choice.

“It’s chillier in here,” he said.

“Well I am used to the place,” she smiled.

He looked at her and then hugged her tightly.

“Should I keep the flowers here as always?” he asked as he stood up to leave.

“Yes love,” she said.

“Happy birthday baby.”

“Thank you love.”

David kept the flowers on the grave and left the cemetery where Jane rested peacefully. 

 -Shanewolfe