Echoes

The old oak tree stood sentinel at the edge of the meadow, its gnarled branches reaching for the sky. Beneath its sheltering canopy, Luke and Kara sat side by side, their fingers entwined. The sun dipped low, casting a warm golden hue on the grass, and the air smelled of earth and memories.

“Remember when we used to climb this tree?” Kara’s voice trembled, and Luke squeezed her hand. “We were invincible back then.”

Luke nodded, his eyes tracing the familiar contours of the landscape. “Life was simpler. But now… it’s time to say goodbye.”

They leaned against the tree, sharing stories of laughter and tears, of dreams woven together like the leaves above. The whispers of the wind carried their secrets—the promises made, the love shared. As twilight settled, they pressed their foreheads together, hearts heavy with the weight of parting.

“Promise me,” Kara whispered, her breath catching. “Promise that wherever life takes us, we’ll find our way back.”

Luke kissed her forehead, tasting the salt of his tears. “Always, my love. Even if it’s just in the echoes of this tree.”

And so, as the sun dipped below the horizon, they released each other’s hands, their souls forever entwined in the fading echoes of a love that transcended time.

In the quiet of that meadow, the old oak tree stood witness to countless goodbyes, its branches cradling the memories of those who had loved and lost. And as the stars blinked into existence, it whispered stories to the moon—of love, loss, and the bittersweet beauty of farewell.