章 2: Ch2.Harvey Miller

Main Street, Jacksonville

Harvey was out on his daily evening walk. He was alone today, as it had been for the past how many so years.

Harvey walked past Belahous Park and around the corner cafe. He found himself lost in his thoughts yet again, something he does often nowadays. This street always brought him bittersweet memories. He sometimes still sees Sarah playing with little Cathy in the park. He can still hear their joyful laughter while he strolls around the park.

The corner cafe down the street was where he first met his beautiful wife. Sarah was everything he ever wanted in life. 'True love', old-timers called us. If only they knew how true they were.

Mr.Miller continued his stroll down the streets. As Harvey came across the pathway to church, he reminisced about his memories once again. Both the good and the bad. This place gave him the happiest day of his life when he finally married Sarah. Sarah was the one who gave him a family that he had never had before. That was indeed a beautiful day, unlike the day when he was forced to come to this place again. Where he saw his Sarah and little Cathy for the last time. It broke him ...

Harvey shook himself and continued onward. Harvey knew the world was not a kind place at a young age. Growing up on the streets does that to one. But he knew he was one of the few lucky ones to make it out of it. During his military days, he understood how unforgiving the world can be. Not that it did him any good when he got the wretched phone call. The call that scattered his little heaven on earth.

He continued onward, past the bridge, towards Second Street. Looking back on that fateful day. It seemed quite a blur to him. Four words that broke Lieutenant Colonel Miller "They are gone, Harvey". He remembers being on the plane towards home with a heart full of regrets and broken dreams.

In a private viewing room in St.Marina Hospital, he saw Sarah. Her sparkly blue eyes were dimmed forever, and it pained him to even look at her. So many regrets. His little Cathy looked like she was fast asleep. How much he wished she was. He knew his little family was shattered forever.

For how long he was broken and depressed, he doesn't know. The world was indeed an unforgiving place. Deep down,Harvey knew Sarah wouldn't want him to be like this. She understood him the best. She could help someone find joy in even the little things. Sarah had that effect on people.

Sarah had a lot of dreams, as did little Cathy. Sarah wanted to be a teacher who nurtured others. She wanted to help as many people as she could, and little Cathy wanted to fly. I was sure both would have done it. They had a fire within them, which I seldom found in others.

Harvey crossed the road and walked onward. Sarah and Cathy's dreams were what helped him push onward. Harvey too found the fire within him to fulfil the dreams and wishes of the only family he ever knew. He got an honourable discharge for his services in the military, and he worked towards being a teacher. And a good teacher he became for years to come.

He stopped his stroll as he came across their memorial. He knew what happened here vividly. He saw the fatal footage just once. But he remembers every single detail as if it's carved into his mind.

Sarah was driving towards home with little Cathy in the back when a truck ran into their car. They never stood a chance. It was found later that the driver was quite intoxicated. Not that it mattered. My Sarah and Cathy were gone. So close to home, yet so far away.

Harvey walked onward towards home. Meanwhile, Little Emilie was playing with her balloon across the street alone. This caught his eye. She was around the same age as little Cathy. The wind caught the balloon, and it flew towards the road. Unaware of her surroundings, she went after it. Harvey notices a car rushing towards Emilie. His instincts kicked in. He bolted towards Emilie in an effort to save her. He managed to push the child away before the car crashed into him. He was in a world of pain. Harvey knew he would probably go into shock soon. When he opened his eyes, he saw the hazel ones of little Emile, just like Cathy's. He was content.

"Everything's going to be alright, Cathy" he said, trying to calm the little one. He closed his eyes with a pleasant smile, and all around him he saw bright golden clouds.

Mr. Harvey Miller, beloved school teacher and favourite of many, was no more.