Forever
Silence, and darkness followed by gradual awareness. Sophie's eyelids fluttered, blinking several times attempting to focus on her surroundings. The world around her slowly coming into focus like a blurry painting slowly sharpening its details. Stretching her limbs, she realized she was in her house lying in her bed. She felt the warmth of the sun coming in from her window that was open, shining brightly on her face.
Sophie slowly sat up in her bed and inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, carried by a gentle breeze. She smiled. She thought about how different it was to become a resident. It felt different. When she was a visitor, she could slightly feel the pain from her dying body. But now as she took another deep breath, she could finally breathe without assistance. The aches and pains were gone. She felt young again.
Getting out of her bed, she walked to the mirror. No longer was an 85-year-old woman reflecting back at her. Instead, she saw her digital self. Created from a picture she chose of her hiking in the woods with her sister when she was 37 years old. As she gently ran her hand up and down her face, she couldn’t help but marvel at the realism of it all. “It all seems so real,” she whispered aloud.
“It is real. Well as real as it will get,” came a voice from behind her. It was Ryan, her wife.
Sophie turned around and there she stood Ryan with a tender smile that illuminated the room with sheer happiness. A rush of emotions overwhelmed Sophie and a tender smile crept across her face.
Ryan didn't look a day over 30, her long black curls framing her face gracefully. However, there was something distinctly different about this Ryan compared to the one Sophie had met just four weeks ago - it was her eyes. In the depths of those mesmerizing eyes, Sophie could sense a lifetime of stories etched within their gaze. Weathered by the passage of time, they held a profound wisdom that seemed to reach far beyond the surface.
"Have they always held this depth and soulfulness?" Sophie questioned herself, completely captivated by the intensity of Ryan's gaze. Regardless of the answer, she found herself utterly mesmerized by the woman before her.
“Like what you see?” Ryan finally spoke, breaking the enchanting silence and bringing Sophie back to the present.
“You know I do!” Sophie replied, her smile radiant with affection. "You know, I almost forgot about you. I was so caught up in the newness of everything," Sophie confessed as she walked over to Ryan, gently wrapping her arms around her in a warm embrace. "Thank you, Ryan," she whispered into her ear, her voice tinged with sincerity.
Ryan looked up at Sophie, her eyes searching for the meaning behind those heartfelt words, a touch of confusion apparent. "Why are you thanking me?" she asked, genuinely curious.
Sophie pulled back slightly, looking directly into Ryan's eyes, her expression tender. “Because until I met you, I never believed someone like you could exist,” she admits, a tender smile playing on her lips. “I spent so long after my sister died running away from the idea of being with someone, but when I finally met you and opened myself up to you, I realized that we have something truly special. I look forward to what the future will bring for us.
“I do too.” Ryan pulled Sophie’s arms to hold her tighter. “So, what’s next? What do we do know?” She asks.
“Well, first I would like for us to watch our first sunset together. Then I would like to spend a week locked in this house making love to my wife. What do you think?”
“Hmm, that sounds good.” Ryan looks up and kisses Sophie passionately. As their lips parted, they lingered close, their breaths intertwining in a tender dance. A shared moment of silent understanding passed between them and both broke into a warm and affectionate smile. It was a beautiful expression of the deep connection they had formed, a connection that seemed to ignite with every touch and glance.
After they finally broke Sophie grabs Ryan’s hand. “Come on; it's getting late. Let's go outside and watch the sunset.”
They both walk towards the back door. Sophie stops -“Hold on, let me get the radio.” She runs towards the front of the house and returns with a small radio in her hand.
Sophie places the radio on the table and tunes in to the only station available in San Edistor. She walks over and sits on the top step and Ryan below her. She holds Ryan and whispers in her ear. Forever as the radio station plays Belinda Carlisle, Heaven is a place on Earth.
--
200 years later..
A lot has changed over the centuries. What was once an isolated beach house where Ryan and Sophie live now, they find themselves surrounded by numerous other beachside residences. The quaint town of San Sebastian has evolved into a bustling metropolis, and families can now communicate with their deceased loved ones anytime by iPad (yes they still exist).
When Sophie and Ryan became residents, they spent most of their time hanging out with their friends and enjoying married life. After twenty years of marriage, they felt the urge to make a meaningful impact on their eternal life. They founded the "Jordan Relocation for Child Center," an initiative aimed at assisting children who passed away due to terminal illnesses in finding loving families to care for them. Over the centuries, Ryan and Sophie have compassionately looked after hundreds of children, currently, they are caring for four kids.
Today marks Ryan and Sophie's 200th anniversary, and to celebrate this special milestone, Mary and Luke graciously offered to take care of their kids. The children absolutely adore visiting Uncle Luke and Aunt Mary's house, as they always have an incredible time together. Along with Mary and Luke's two kids, all the children get along splendidly, forming a bond that feels like one big, loving family.
After a night on the town and several rounds of making love Ryan and Sophie lay in the bed trapped in their own thoughts.
Finally, Ryan rolled over and gaze into Sophie's eyes -- eyes she has never gotten tired of.
“Two hundred years have been the most beautiful journey and it’s all because of you. I am grateful for every moment we’ve shared, every triumph and challenge we’ve faced together. You are my soulmate, my partner in all things, and I look forward to spending forever with you. I love you Soph, today, tomorrow, and for all the tomorrows to come.”
Tears welled up in Sophie’s eyes as she took a moment to compose herself. “I love you too Ryan. Happy anniversary.”
In that heartful exchange, they reaffirmed their commitment to each other and to the beautiful journey they had embarked upon. With hearts full of love and hope, they looked forward to countless more decades of laughter, love, and companionship, knowing they were destined to spend forever and beyond together.
The end.