Willow Island
© 2011 - William C. Highsmith

Willow Island had been their special place. However, he had not visited the island since the tragedy. Although it had been three years now since the accident, to Eric it seemed like yesterday. It was time for closure. The dark and ominous clouds seemed to match his countenance as he rowed across to the tiny islet in the lake.

Eric and Maria had been friends since high school. Things became serious as they attended their first year of college. Eric proposed and gave her a ring. He was so pleased to introduce her as his fiancee.

They were home on break one summer's evening when the lovers began to paddle across the short distance to the rocky island. As Eric pulled the canoe next to the landing area, Maria stood up and was about to disembark when she slipped and hit her head on one of the large stones. It was obvious she was seriously hurt. He put her back in the canoe and rushed to shore. However, it was too late. She was pronounced dead at the local hospital. His world seemed to end.

After the funeral service, he dropped out of college and began to drift aimlessly about the country. His family feared for his life. It was only when he received word of his mother's illness that he decided to return home for a visit. He then resolved to end the torment he had been through since losing the love of his life.

Now, as he neared the little island, the scene was replayed in every detail. He reached down and seized a rock to pull himself closer. As he stepped onto the land, the first thing he saw was the carving in the trunk of the willow. The characters spelled Eric loves Maria. It was more than the young man could stand. Quickly, the tears began to fall in a torrent. As he reached for the gun in his pocket, it was through those tears that he looked across the lake and saw the steeple in the distance. He seemed to hear the voice of Maria as if she was calling him to return to life. As he looked up, he saw the small bit of blue sky and was impressed to fall on his knees and ask the God he once knew to help him and to give him Peace.

Suddenly, Eric knew what he wanted to do. Taking the gun from his pocket, he threw it as far as he could towards the middle of the lake. Returning to the canoe, he began to think about going back to college and finish what he and Maria had dreamed about. When it came time to receive his diploma, he knew he would accept it not only for himself but also on behalf of Maria.

By William C. Highsmith - May 18, 2011