Evie

She was the type of person who turned heads when she entered a room.  She had a sweet look about her, approachable, you know.  Her shiny dark hair grazed her shoulders and the curly ends bounced when she turned her head. 

Although it was a somber occasion for which we were all gathered, she had the unique ability to soften the tenseness in the room as well as the face of every person she interacted with.

I was seated in the back, an observer. Her voice was soft and melodic. I watched and listened as she made her way, stopping to say hello to those she knew, introducing herself to those she was meeting for the first time.  I saw that each person leaned in towards her when she spoke and I thought about her unique ability to persuade such consideration. 

She took her rightful place at the front, her back to me now, I felt her stillness as she quietly listened.

I had the opportunity to finally and properly meet her the next day.   It was a brisk wintery day.  She had been out for a walk.   When she came in, she was breathless and her face was rosy.

As she shed her coat, scarf and hat, she called out greetings to everyone. 

She made her way over to me. 

She didn't ask my name, but I must have seemed familiar to her.

"Hi," she said, with a smile. 

She told me that she had been on a treasure hunt on the path through the wooded area out back.
Standing in front of me now, her arms were at her side, her hands were tightly clutched. 
"I found two of these," she said with a giggle.   
She raised both hands out towards me and slowly opened each one.
"Aren't they beautiful," she asked?

"This one is special, it's my favorite and I would like you to have it."  she said.

She placed an oddly shaped stone in my palm.  It felt icy cold in my hand. 
I thanked her and told her I would always keep and treasure this treasure she gave me.
She smiled when I said that.

It was now time for me to leave.  I had a long ride ahead of me.  I said my goodbyes, and  gave her a little hug. 

As I walked out to the car with my hands in my pockets I knew I would never see her again.  I squeezed the cold stone tightly and it gave a bit of relief to my aging joints and comfort from a sad weekend.