He sat on his couch and watched a video of pop sensation Aria Vally singing “Love After Love,” a forgotten song of years long gone. He liked the song back then, but today, it resonated more than ever.
Emotions rose from deep within as Aria sang the evocative lyrics and mournful melody. Love. Pain. Regret. Longing.
I was strong and self-assured
Until the day you said those words
Babe, I can’t go on
He recalled the day it all changed for him. For them. The day that molehill of an argument turned into a mountain of anger. The day she walked out the door.
As the winds of change sang their song
I thought I was strong
But I got it all wrong
He was as strong-willed and stubborn as she was, with neither willing to back down or say, “I’m sorry.” Such foolish pride.
He felt so sure that he was right and she was wrong. So sure she would see the error of her ways. That she would come back as she always had before.
Lost… and all alone
Lost… in a maze I cannot flee
Lost… without your love… loving me
Haunting words of longing for love lost but not forgotten. Her gentle touch and sweet kisses. Her love, so kind and unreserved.
His eyes welled with tears as Aria’s soaring vocals brought back pleasant memories. Singing. Laughing. Dancing. Teasing. Holding him close, like she would never let go.
We were young
Then one day it was gone
I wonder could there ever be
A chance of love after love?
The mournful lyrics, ending with a tinge of hope, gave him pause. Was everything really gone? Could there ever be a chance of love after love?
He wiped his eyes and took a deep breath. He knew what he had to do.
He opened his phone’s contacts and found a number, long uncalled. Is it even good anymore?
Hands trembling, he tapped the number. One ring… two rings… three rings… please answer… four… five…
Click.
“Hello?”
His heart fluttered at the sound of her voice, and his mouth went suddenly dry.
“Hi Mary, how are you?”
She gasped, then fell silent. After what seemed an eternity, she spoke, her voice shaky but warm.
“Hello, my love. I’ve been waiting for your call. What took you so long?”
