Between Us

A short story about the importance of memories.

There it was. This ragged old box full of something unknown. It was hard to believe that such a small, dusty broken box could hold such heavy meaningful things.  With hesitation she opened the box.  A bit of dust shimmered in the beam of light through the slightly opened window.  A feeling took over, it was hard to describe. She was mostly anxious, curious of what would actually be in the box.  Part of her wasn't sure if she was even ready look inside. The other part of her knew that if she didn't open the box now, she probably never would and then regret it.  There was no preparing for this moment.  It was simply something she felt had to be done. She knew that knowing would give her some sense of closure.  To know who this person was, what they did, who and what they loved.  She just had to know.
     As she removed the contents out of the box she became in awe. There were so many different things she saw and touched.  Mostly photos, some ticket stubs, a few letters and some items and trinkets of their childhood, their life.  That was it.  With a smile upon her face and a single tear shed down her cheek she put the items back in the box and put the box back in its proper, rightful spot.  It would be a long time before she ever stepped foot into that room again and she had seen that box so many times before never knowing what was in it and had never thought to ask.  She always knew that whatever the box contained held such a special, personal place in that persons heart and she was okay with not knowing.
     This time was different though. The box was meant to be opened and explored.  Though still completely somber, she was relieved.  A calming sense had come over her as she gave one last look at the room that stored such a special memory.  She dried her eyes and took a deep breath.  She looked downstairs at all of the people.  She felt better.  She knew that if anyone had ever gotten the chance to look inside that box that they would never understand the contents it held.  Only she knew what those items meant and that was all she needed to know.  It was what would help her to carry on.  Sure she was going to always think about and miss her friend but now she knew how they truly felt and who they truly were.  She started to walk down the steps with nothing but memories clouding her head.  It was time for her to finally say goodbye.