Chapter 3

The memories flooded back, as vivid as if they had happened yesterday. Our love had ignited like a spark in the midst of a storm, and those early days were a delicate dance of secrecy and stolen moments. I glance at Cill, and his eyes hold a mixture of nostalgia and fondness. We exchange a knowing look, and our fingers intertwine once more. I recall the way we used to come here, hidden away from prying eyes, our love a precious secret. It had been a time of uncertainty, but also a time of unbridled passion and fierce determination.

„Remember when we used to sneak down here?“ I ask softly, my voice tinged with nostalgia. He chuckled softly, his eyes holding a playful glint. „How could I forget? Those secret rendezvous were the highlight of my day.“

We settle on the canal bank. „Do you think about that time often?“ he asks, his fingers tracing circles on the back of my hand.

I nod, my gaze fixed on our reflection in the water. „Sometimes. It feels like a lifetime ago. Back then, we always had to hide and lie, just to be together.“ Cillian’s grip on my hand tightens, his expression softening. „But we made it through, against all odds. And now, we’re here.“ he says, and I turn to him, a smile playing on my lips. „We are and it was all worth it. I couldn’t live without you.“ I reply, and he leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. „Nor could I.“ „I love you.“ I say hugging him tightly and slightly tear up, but I will not allow a single tear to fall. I promised him I wouldn’t cry today and I will not.

„What will you be doing when I am gone?“ He asks silently, and I let go of him. „Well, I thought I could help your mum out with the races. She’ll have to deal with the bidding shop all alone whilst you are gone.“

„No. You won’t do that, Kaitlin. I won’t allow it; you should not get involved in our business.“

„Then what shall I do?“ I ask. „I don’t know Kate, wait for me?“ He suggests in a joking manner. „Who knows how long you’ll be gone for? I need to work, Cill. I need to do something, or I’ll go mad.“ I try to reason with him.

„I know you do but not there.“

–

The day had passed by quickly, too quickly, and I suddenly found myself standing on the train platform bidding the love of my life goodbye.

„I will miss you.“ I softly cry into Cillian’s chest as we share our final embrace. „Not as much as I will.“ He kisses me softly. „I will write to you, all the bloody time. Believe me, you’re going to get sick of me.“ He jokes, picking up my chin. A small laugh escapes my lips. „You know I could never get sick of you.“ I say and a tear slips down my face. „No tears,“ he says and wipes it from my cheek. „You will make me tear up too.“

The train whistle sounds.

„That was my sign. It seems I will have to leave now, but —“ he starts and suddenly pulls a ring out of his pocket.