Await My Return

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but there will be no wedding today. Dirk was unable to return as he planned."

Turning to leave, the once low murmurs increased in volume, but she didn't care. Elizabeth did not want to speak to anyone. She shut the door to the church behind her, raced down the steps, untethered Belle, and rode out of town as fast as she could.

Elizabeth was unsure of where she was going. The faster Belle ran the better. The cold air only began to sting and penetrate her very being as salty liquid seeped from her eyes. Unable to see where she was going, Elizabeth relied fully on Belle's instincts. Unconcerned at the time, Elizabeth brought her horse to a trot where she tumbled off and fell into the tall, brow, stiff grasses where she beat her fists on the ground.

"Why, Dirk, why? How could you do this to me? What about our plans? I've waited for weeks." Uncontrollable tears took over and she lay in the meadow limp and weak as a rag doll.

After a few minutes, Elizabeth slowly sat up clasping her head with her hands. Oh, how her head throbbed. She wiped the remaining tears on the back of her hands, which she transported down the front of her skirt. What would she do now? How could she ever face anyone again? Dirk has no idea what he has put me through today. Deep down in her heart, Elizabeth knew that she shouldn't be thinking so negative. She had Dirk's word. Besides, she saw the date on the letter that proved he hadn't meant for it to turn out this way, but she didn't want to think about that. She was hurt, humiliated and felt abandoned. How could she continue to await his return?