Just Another Memory

The curse of immortality is that you must live it alone

I know how it feels. I'm not sure how long I've been around, must've been centuries at least. I never aged a day, but the things around me did.

I have seen the strongest empires fall; the weakest people get up. And I've always had someone beside me; I was never alone.

Except for the last few decades. A particular mortal has had my head transfixed. I remember her, Cassia, her dark skin, her beautiful braided and brown hair, her blue eyes and the way she smiled. Rarely did a person's name would stick in my mind through the centuries. Rarer still, my feelings for them.

I close my eyes; I see Cassia. In my dreams, I see Cassia. I look around; I see Cassia. The only living creature I remember is Cassia.

Yet, I pushed her away. I could not stand the idea of her crumbling into old age. She seemed to understand when I told her. Maybe that is what made it harder.

I sat down at the nearby bench, starting the new book I had bought. 

She was standing near a flower, admiring its beauty. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was her. Cassia. There was no doubt.

I glanced at her as I tried to process what I saw. She had an identical appearance to how she had then. She wore a black dress, and her long brown hair was pulled back into a bun. She looked like an angel.

I was unclear about what to do for a little while. While I didn't want to terrify her, I couldn't ignore the situation. I inhaled deeply and moved toward her.

"Excuse me, do I know you?" I proceeded carefully.

She raised her head to face me, and for a brief second, I thought I caught a glimpse of recognition in her eyes. Then it vanished and was replaced with a courteous grin.

"I don't believe so," she answered. "I apologize."

I said, "My apologies. "You reminded me of someone I used to know. I'm sure it's the hair." My ears rejoiced at the sound of her laughter.

She remarked, turning back, "Well, I hope you find whoever you're looking for." I had to act fast. I couldn't lose her again.

I would ask her if I could buy her a coffee.

She would take a minute and say yes.

We would walk to the local cafe, surrounded by the smell of coffee, and we would fall in love again.

But what use would it be? she didn't remember me. To the love of my life, I had just been another memory drifting by.

"Wait!" Cassia called, "Can I buy you a cup of coffee?"

"Sure, why not?"

Love is a funny thing.