The Wish

by Nicholas Sparks

Art and photography, he’d added, allowed for the communication of new ideas, often in ways that words did not.

Greece and Egypt, Rwanda and Nova Scotia, Patagonia and Easter Island, Vietnam and the Ivory Coast. So many places, so many adventures.

And in the end, isn’t that the most important thing in life? To be truly known and loved by someone you’ve chosen?”

“She said that life was about seasons, and that the season had changed.”

I know death is pretty much unavoidable, but it still wasn’t something I liked to think about.

love was the most powerful emotion of all, because it made you vulnerable to the possibility of losing everything that really mattered.

I, too, kissed Daisy one last time and followed. Peeking over my shoulder, I saw Daisy sitting patiently, watching Bryce. Her head was tilted to the side as though she was wondering where he was going, a sight that nearly broke my heart. Bryce opened my door and helped me up into the truck, remaining silent. He got in beside me. In the side mirror, I spotted Daisy again. She continued to watch us as Bryce started the engine. The truck moved forward slowly, passing one parked car after another. Bryce focused directly ahead of him, and we rolled through the parking lot, toward the exit. There was a stop sign but no traffic. Bryce turned onto the access road, the trip back to Ocracoke already underway. I peered over my shoulder one last time. Daisy remained seated, her head still tilted, no doubt watching the truck grow smaller in the distance. I wondered if she was confused or frightened or sad, but she was too far away to tell.

suddenly she was gone. Forever.

“But never forget that love is always stronger than fear. Love saved me, and I know it will save you, too.”