The Tenth Anniversary

“It is amazing that we came on this trekking trip for our 10th anniversary,” said Emma. Her smile was radiant, making Dan’s heart skip a beat.

“Your smile makes me go crazy…even after 10 years,” he whispered and pulled Emma close for a kiss.

“And to think you hated me on our first meeting,” Emma giggled.

“Well, you did spill hot coffee on me while trying to catch the lift,” Dan mumbled as his lips touched her warm skin.

“Okay, focus now…we have 3 miles more to go before our homestay owners await us with good food and a warm bath,” Emma said and gently put Dan’s arms away. “And yes, I am sorry I spilt coffee over you but my boss wanted it in 5 minutes and I didn't want to miss the elevator to the 33rd floor at any cost with only 2 minutes of my deadline remaining.”

Dan laughed. “Lucky, we worked in the same building. And lucky, we kept bumping into each other.”

“And lucky you proposed. I can't believe we have had a happy marriage for 10 years…Touchwood,” Emma smiled again.

“I would propose a thousand times just to see you smile every day,” Dan winked.

“Well mister, you will see this smile for the next 30 years. Hope you won't get bored,” Emma showed her tongue to her husband.

As they resumed their trail, a sudden gust of wind blew Emma’s cap from her head.

“Oh no! You had gifted me that cap on one of our first dates,” shouted Emma and before Dan could react, she lunged forward to catch it. The loose gravel caused her foot to slide and Emma fell off the cliff into the depths of the valley.

In that one moment, everything changed. Dan stood there, frozen in disbelief, knowing he would never again see his wife smile.