Letting Go Bloghop

It's time for Kyra Lennon's "Letting Go" bloghop to celebrate the release of 
her amazing novella If I Let You Go. 

If I Let You Go - Amazon UK
If I Let You Go - Amazon.com

For details on the "Letting Go" Bloghop, click HERE or on the pic below.

For my entry, I wrote the piece below.

Carson and Allie

I scratch my head and stare at the refrigerated display case.

“What can I help you with, son?” An older lady steps next to me, wiping her hands on her maroon apron.

“I’d like to get my girlfriend a homecoming gift.” I jerk my chin toward a bunch of flowers that I can’t even begin to name. “She’s in the Air Force, and we haven’t seen each other in four months.”

The florist’s eyes glisten with excitement. “Are you meeting her at the airport?”

“Nah. She’s been home for a few days, but her family wanted to spend time with her first.” I scuff my shoe against the floor. “I’m on my way to see her now.”

“Does she like roses?” The florist taps the glass with her finger.

“Yeah, but I want something different.” My eyes pass over the colorful bouquets, like I’m choosing a new video game.

“How about orchids?” She points to a vase of purple flowers. “They represent love, strength, and beauty.”

“Perfect.” I grin. “I’ll take three.”

Sliding the door open, the florist picks three flowers overflowing with petals. She ties a white bow around the stems and hands them to me.

I pull out my wallet. “What do I owe you?”

“No charge.” She pats my forearm. “When you see your girlfriend, tell her thanks for serving her country.”

“Thank you.” I nod and head out the door.

My heart thumps against my chest as I walk a few blocks to the church. Allie and I used to attend it together so agreeing to see her here seemed like a good idea, but now I’m not sure. It’s always been her favorite place, not mine. I only went for her.

“Hello, Carson,” Pastor Edwards says as I enter the church. “We’ve missed seeing you on Sundays.” He shakes my hand and tilts his head toward the sanctuary. “She’s inside.”

I enter the room, void of people. Just me and my girl. I spot her at the front of the church, dressed in her blue military uniform with her auburn hair tucked behind her ears.

Stepping closer, a lump forms in my throat at the frown on her face, and I grip a wooden pew to keep from passing out. Taking a deep breath, I force my feet to the front, even though it’s like I have sand inside my shoes.

“Some reunion this is,” I say as liquid floods my eyes. “You finally come home to me, but we’re saying goodbye.” I place the orchids inside the casket, next to her arm. “You’ll always be my girl, Allie.” Leaning down, I plant a kiss on her cold lips as my tears trickle over her pale skin. “Always.”

Squeezing her hand, my stomach tightens at the thought of letting her go. As I rub her palm with my thumb, I know I don’t have a choice.

I walk away with my heart in pieces, showing no sign of ever being whole again.

Thank you for reading, and thanks to Kyra for hosting this bloghop!

Also, the Express Yourself Meme (List your 5 favorite monsters throughout history) starts today, but I'll be posting mine tomorrow. Click HERE for details and to read the blogs who'll post today.