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

The cab pulled up by the iron gates of the cemetery. A young man stepped out and approached the flower seller at the entrance.

“Twelve tulips, please,” he said quietly.

After paying in pounds, he bowed his head and walked through the gates.

A year ago, Daniel had believed himself the happiest man alive, for he loved and was loved in return. All that changed in an instant when his beloved Catherine was taken from him in a carriage accident.

It took him a month to gather his wits again, and even then, it was only with the help of his colleagues at the station that he found the strength to carry on.

By the gravestone, Catherines mother sat on a bench.

“Good afternoon, Aunt Margaret,” Daniel murmured.

“Daniel,” she gasped, rushing to embrace him, her tears dampening his coat.

He stared at the headstone, where Catherines photograph smiled back at him.

Once she had composed herself, Margaret helped him arrange the flowers properly. They stood in silence for a long while before she asked,

“Still unmarried?”

“No. I cant forget your daughter. Its as if her voice still calls to me.”

Margaret nodded, her head drooping sorrowfully. The events of that terrible day over a year ago were a blurthe hospital, her daughter lying still on the white sheets, the man and woman kneeling before her in grief.

She turned to Daniel, meaning to speak, but seeing the sorrow etched into his face, she held her tongue.

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

The tragedy had shattered the steady rhythm of their family life. Their son had spent the past year adrift, retreating to his room whenever he wasnt working. Even now, on this Saturday afternoon, he returned home heavy-hearted.

“Daniel, will you sit for supper?” his mother called from the hallway.

He nodded and went to wash his hands before joining them at the table. His mother spoke hesitantly.

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

“I went to Catherines grave too,” he said softly.

“Son, its been a year. Catherine is gone, but you must go on living.”

“I cant, Mother. Its like shes summoning me to her.”

“Daniel, dont say such things!” his mother whispered, frightened.

“I know you and Father wish Id marry, but not yet. Please.”

Finishing his meal, he retreated to his room.

Police work was never easy, and night shifts were common. Exhausted, Daniel lay down and drifted into a fitful sleep.

In his dream, Catherine called to him. Hed had such dreams before, but this time was differentshe seemed in danger, pleading for help.

He woke with a start and rushed to the door.

“Daniel, whats wrong?”

“I need air.”

Outside, his feet carried him without thought.

He reached the park and hurried down the path. There, three drunken louts had cornered a frightened young woman.

“Whats going on here?” Daniel demanded, stepping forward.

The girls fearful eyes met his, pleading.

“Mind your business, mate!” one of them sneered, swingingbut Daniel had him on the ground before he could finish.

“Take your friend and leave. Now.”

The other two, seeing sense, dragged their companion away.

The girl stood frozen, clutching her chest, then fumbled in her pocket for a pill. 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 went, she calmed enough to speak.

“Whats your name?” he asked.

“Emily.”

“Im Daniel. What happened back there?”

“I walk here oftenthe doctors said I should. But those men”

“Your heart?”

“Since childhood. A year ago, it nearly failed. Theythey operated. The doctors say Ill be fine now.”

As he listened, Daniel felt an odd lightness in his chest, as though Catherine walked beside him.

They reached a modern townhouse.

“I live here,” Emily said, her eyes downcast.

“Im glad we met,” Daniel murmured.

“Would you like to come in? Meet my mother?”

He couldnt hide his smile. “If its no trouble.”

The house was elegant, finely furnished. A woman emerged from the sitting room, surprised by her daughters radiant expressionand the young man beside her.

“Mother, this is Daniel. He saved me from those awful men.”

“Margaret Whitmore,” the woman introduced herself warmly. “Come, tell me what happened.”

Over tea, Emily recounted the ordeal, while her mother shook her head.

“No more walks alone, darling.” Then, studying Daniel, she asked, “How did you come to be there?”

“My heart led me,” he said lightly.

“And what do you do?”

“Im with the Metropolitan Police.”

“That explains how you handled those ruffians.” She hesitated. “Are you married?”

“No.”

The answer pleased herbut also stirred suspicion. A handsome man of five-and-twenty, unmarried?

“There was someone,” Daniel admitted, his voice low. “She died a year ago.”

“Oh, Daniel, forgive me.”

The rest of the visit passed quietly. As he prepared to leave, Daniel turned to Emily.

“Lets exchange numbers. If you ever need help, call.”

That night, sleep eluded him.

“Whats happening to me? Walking with her, I couldve sworn I heard Catherines heartbeat.”

When he closed his eyes, Catherines face blurredreplaced by Emilys. He slept fitfully.

The next morning, he shaved, washed, and dialed the number without hesitation.

“Hello?” Emilys voice was soft with surprise.

“Fancy a trip to the market?”

She agreed, and soon they were strolling together.

Daniel brought her home, where his mothers face lit with joythe first girl hed brought since Catherine.

“Come in, come in! Suppers nearly ready.”

“Mother, this is Emily.”

His parents welcomed her warmly, though his father triedand failedto hide his smile.

After the meal, Emily helped clear the table, chatting easily with Daniels mother.

“Come see my room,” he said.

He opened the doorand Emily gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.

Her eyes locked on the photograph of Daniel and Catherine.

“Youyou knew her?”

“Emily, whats wrong?”

“Thats Catherine.”

“You knew her?”

“A year ago, I was dying. She didnt survive. The transplant”

“Her heart beats in your chest?”

Emily nodded, tears spilling over.

Daniel stared, Catherines face and Emilys overlapping in his mind. For the first time, he wondered at fate.

“Perhaps there is a God after all,” he whispered. “Hes returned you to me, and I wont lose you again.”

He pulled her close.

“Ill stay by your side always, Emily.”

And in that moment, it felt like a sacred vow.