The Taxi Stopped at the Cemetery Gates. The Young Man Who Stepped Out Approached the Woman Selling Flowers by the Path.

The taxi pulled up by the gates of the cemetery. A young man stepped out and approached the woman selling flowers near the entrance.

“Twelve tulips, please,” he said.

He paid in pounds, bowed his head, and walked through the iron gates into the quiet graveyard.

A year ago, Daniel had believed himself the luckiest man alivedeeply in love and loved in return. But everything changed one cruel day when his beloved Katherine was taken from him in a car accident.

It took him a month just to function again. His colleagues at work had helped him through the darkest days.

Now, standing by her grave, he saw her mother sitting on a bench nearby.

“Hello, Aunt Marian,” he said softly.

“Daniel,” she whispered before rushing to him, burying her face in his chest as tears spilled down her cheeks.

He stared at the headstone, where Katherine’s smiling face looked back at him from a framed photograph.

Once Marian had steadied herself, she helped him arrange the flowers. They stood in silence for a long while before she spoke again.

“Still not married?”

“No. I can’t forget your daughter. It’s like… her heart still calls to me.”

Marian nodded, lowering her head. The memories of that daythe hospital, her daughter lying motionless, the doctors’ grim faceswere all a blur of grief. She turned to Daniel, words forming on her lips, but when she saw the pain in his eyes, she stayed quiet.

Daniel had graduated from police academy and worked for two years, recently promoted to sergeant. He still lived with his parents.

The tragedy had shattered his family’s steady life. His mother and father watched helplessly as he withdrew, spending hours alone in his room. This Saturday was no differenthe returned home silent and heavy-hearted.

“Daniel, come eat,” his mother called as he stepped inside.

He nodded and went to wash his hands before sitting at the table. His mother hesitated, then spoke carefully.

“Your father and I visited your grandparents’ graves today…” She trailed off, seeing his face darken.

“I went to see Katherine too,” he admitted.

“Son, it’s been a year. We can’t bring her back, but you have to keep living.”

“I can’t, Mum. It’s like she’s calling me to her.”

“Daniel, don’t say such things,” his mother whispered, alarmed.

“Dont worry. I know you and Dad want me to move on, but Im not ready yet.”

He finished his meal in silence and retreated to his room.

Being a detective meant long hours, sometimes overnight. Exhausted, Daniel lay down and fell asleep almost instantly.

He dreamed of Katherine calling to himsomething that happened often. But this time, it was different. She sounded desperate, as if she needed his help.

He woke with a start and rushed out.

“Daniel? Whats wrong?” his mother asked.

“Just going for a walk,” he muttered, already pulling on his coat.

Outside, his feet carried him without thought.

He reached the park and strode deeper into the trees. Thats when he saw themthree drunk lads cornering a frightened young woman. Her wide eyes locked onto his, pleading silently.

“What’s going on here?” Daniel demanded, stepping forward.

The lads turned, one sneering. “Mind your own business, mate.”

A second later, that same lad was on the ground, groaning. The other two hesitated before dragging their friend away, muttering curses.

The woman stood frozen, clutching her chest, before fumbling for a pill and slipping it under her tongue. Tears welled in her eyes.

“Easy now,” Daniel said gently, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder.

“Th-Thank you,” she stammered.

“Let me walk you home.”

As they walked, her breathing steadied, and he asked, “Whats your name?”

“Emily.”

“Daniel. What happened back there?”

“I walk here every eveningdoctors orders. Those lads just… appeared.”

“Your heart?” he guessed.

She nodded. “Born with a defect. Last year, it nearly gave out. They did surgerysaid Id be fine now.”

As Daniel listened, something strange happened. The weight on his chest lightened, as if Katherine were walking beside him.

They stopped outside a new block of flats.

“I live here,” Emily said, glancing at him shyly.

“Glad we met,” he admitted.

“Daniel… would you like to come up? Meet my mum?”

He hesitated, then smiled. “Sure.”

Her flat was elegant, tastefully furnished. Her mother, a poised woman, stepped into the hallway, surprised.

“Mum, this is Daniel. He saved me from those lads.”

“Louise,” the woman introduced herself, smiling warmly. “Come in, both of you. Tell me what happened.”

As Louise set the table, Emily recounted the encounter. When she finished, her mother shook her head.

“No more walks alone, darling.” Then she studied Daniel. “How did you end up there?”

“My heart led me,” he joked weakly.

“And your job?”

“Police.”

“That explains how you handled those boys,” Louise mused. Then, carefully, “Are you married?”

“No.”

The answer pleased herbut also made her wary. A handsome twenty-five-year-old, unmarried?

“I had a girlfriend,” he admitted, staring at his hands. “She died a year ago.”

Louise softened. “Im sorry, Daniel.”

The rest of tea was drunk in silence. Eventually, Daniel stood.

“Thank you for this. I should go.” He turned to Emily. “Lets swap numbers. Call if you need anything.”

That night, sleep wouldnt come.

*Whats happening to me? Walking with her… it was like hearing Katherines heartbeat again.*

He closed his eyes, but for the first time, Katherines face blurredreplaced by Emilys. He finally drifted off well past midnight.

The next morning, he shaved, washed, then grabbed his phone without hesitation.

“Hello?” Emily answered, surprised.

“Morning. What are you up to?”

“Just heading to the shops.”

“Wait for me. Well go together.”

When he arrived, she stood waiting, hesitant.

“Hi, Emily.”

“Daniel,” she breathed, almost stepping into his arms.

Her mother appeared in the doorway.

“Louise,” Daniel greeted.

“Were going shopping,” Emily said. “Need anything?”

“Go, enjoy yourselves,” Louise said, smiling.

Later, Daniel brought Emily home. His mothers face lit upthis was the first girl hed brought back since Katherine.

“Mum, this is Emily,” he said.

“Pleased to meet you!” his mother gushed.

His father emerged, trying to look sternbut the smile won.

Over lunch, Emily charmed them effortlessly. Afterward, she helped clear the table, chatting brightly with his mother.

“Come see my room,” Daniel said.

He opened the door, gently guiding her inside

Emily gasped, hands flying to her mouth.

Her eyes were fixed on the photo above his bedDaniel and Katherine, smiling.

“Daniel… is thatKatherine?”

“You knew her?”

“I was dying a year ago…” Emily whispered. “She didnt survive… but her heart…”

Daniels breath caught. “You have Katherines heart?”

Emily nodded, tears streaming.

He looked at herreally looked. Katherines smile, Emilys eyes. For the first time, he believed in fate.

*God brought her back to me.*

He pulled Emily close.

“Ill never let you go,” he swore.

And for the first time in a year, his heart felt whole again.