Poppy never imagined, at twenty, what lay ahead. She was a university student in Manchester, loved Daniel, and talked about marriage because they were already planning it.
Daniel was older. He had finished his army service before Poppy even started Year 12 at Manchester High School. She remembered the first time she saw him at the autumn ball. Though they lived in the same town and attended the same school, he had graduated years earlier.
Whos that handsome fellow? Poppy thought as she spotted Daniel entering the hall. He scanned the room, caught her eye and smiled. She fell for him instantly; he seemed unlike any other boy.
Hello, Im Daniel. Who are you? he asked, his cheeks flushing pink as Poppy blushed. May I have this dance? he said, taking her by the waist and twirling her around.
Poppy he whispered.
She felt as if she were floating, her feet barely touching the floor while Daniel guided her confidently. Poppy, youre a natural on the dance floor, he grinned.
He stayed by her side all evening, promised to see her off later, and they walked home together, reluctant to part but aware Poppy had to get back to her mother.
Daniel never let her be bored. After school, Poppy entered university in her hometown while Daniel worked fulltime. He never knew a dull moment; his optimism lifted everyone around him. He had a wide circle of friends, and Poppy often joined him at weddings and parties. Even in the dead of winter he would bring her a single red rose, turning every date into a celebration. They dined in cafés, escaped to the countryside, and spent weekends with friends.
When Poppy was in her third year, Daniel surprised her.
On the Christmas break were heading to Snowdonia for a ski weekend. Ive booked us two passes and arranged a top instructor to teach you, he said.
Yay, Daniel! Youre the best, Poppy cheered, throwing her arms around his neck. Then, giggling, she added, Im a bit of a scaredycat on the slopes, you know that, right?
The ski trip was unforgettable. Poppy quickly learned to glide down the powdery hills and loved it, even as the fairytale felt like it was ending. A few weeks later, on International Womens Day, Daniel arrived at Poppys home with two bouquets of roses.
Happy International Womens Day, he said, handing one to Poppys mother and one to her. For my beautiful girl, he added with a kiss on her cheek. She beamed at the fresh blooms.
Daniel, youre spending a lot on these, her mother remarked.
Its nothing, Daniel replied. Sam and Victor are heading out for work, and Im joining them. The National Grid needs electricians for a highvoltage line. The pays generous£3,200 a weekso I can save for our wedding and a car. He smiled, eyes bright.
I dont want you to go, Poppy protested. Please dont leave.
Ill be away for three or four months, then Ill be back. Well stay in touch. I want us to have a beautiful wedding, and you want that too, he said.
I do, although a modest ceremony would be fine. What matters is that we stay together, Poppy answered, a hint of sadness in her voice.
Daniel was set on his plan, so Poppy couldnt convince him to stay. He left with his friends, and the pay was indeed good; they spoke on the phone almost daily.
One afternoon, during a lecture, a vague unease washed over Poppy, then faded. The night before, she hadnt heard from Daniel, so she expected no call. Later, her heart thumped anxiously and she dialed his number repeatedly, but only silence answered.
Why isnt Daniel picking up? she thought, frustration building. She finally called Victor.
Hey, wheres Daniel? she asked.
A familiar voice crackled back. Hes not there anymore, Victor said, then the line went dead.
Mum! Poppy shrieked, tears streaming.
The next day she learned that Daniel had been electrocuted on that highvoltage pole. Mrs. Thompson, Daniels mother, sat pale and silent, waiting for his father and younger brother Michael to return. The funeral was a blur of darkness and grief.
Poppy sank into a numb stupor, visiting Mrs. Thompson often, sitting in quiet companionship, or driving together to Daniels grave. Mrs. Thompson clung to Poppy, urging her to spend more time with them, especially during the summer holidays. They toured churches, shared tea, and, one day, Mrs. Thompson suggested a seaside trip.
Lets go to the coast, she proposed.
Poppy agreed, not because she wanted to, but because Mrs. Thompson wouldnt let her go. They travelled to Blackpool for a week. Mornings were spent sunbathing, afternoons napping in hotel rooms. Mrs. Thompson seemed to be recovering a little, though she still lingered over Poppy.
One evening, feeling restless, Poppy walked along the promenade. The sea met the sky, a tiny ferry dotted the horizon, gulls shrieked, cars honked, children laughed, strangers chatted and smiled. Life bustled around her, yet she felt alone.
A male voice called out, Youre beautiful and sad.
She turned to see a young man, his eyes oddly familiar. She wanted to retort sharply but held back. He reminded her of Daniel, though she couldnt pinpoint why.
Why does the beautiful get no happiness? she answered sadly.
I disagree, the stranger replied. It isnt true. Im Luke.
Luke? Im Poppy.
They exchanged a few words before Poppy walked away, her heart still heavy. Luke had been watching her for days, wondering why she seemed perpetually melancholy, perhaps because she spent most of her time with Mrs. Thompson.
Two days remained before they left the coast. After shopping, Poppy bumped into Luke again. He grabbed the grocery bag from her hand.
Ill help if you dont mind, he said, instantly switching to the informal you.
Help if you like, she replied.
Poppy, can we talk? I have a serious matter and many questions, he said, gesturing toward a summer café beside the supermarket. Im leaving in three days. How long will you stay?
Im leaving tomorrow night; our tickets are booked, she answered.
Its a shame, Luke sighed. Where do you live? Poppy mentioned Manchester, and his eyes widened.
No, Im from there too, he said, surprised. Great, we wont lose each other.
Luke had graduated from the same university as Poppy and now worked in a design office for the council. He was single after a recent breakup and had fled to the coast to clear his head. From the moment he saw Poppy, he fell for her.
She told him about Daniels death and his mothers clinginess. Luke was taken aback.
Why are you staying with his mother? Usually, families of the deceased dont hold on so tightly, he asked. Ive never heard of such a thing.
I dont know either, but I dont want to hurt her, Poppy replied.
They exchanged numbers and planned to meet back in Manchester. As Poppy was about to leave, Mrs. Thompson, having misplaced her, looked annoyed.
Where are you, Poppy?
Just went shopping then for a walk. Whats wrong?
The weight of being near Daniels mother grew unbearable. Even her own mother urged her to free herself from the burden.
Stop clinging to her, her mother warned. You deserve a fresh start.
Feeling the truth of those words, Poppy decided to return home and carve out a new path. That evening, whilst packing, Mrs. Thompson stared at her oddly.
So, a new life Yes, you have a whole future ahead, and to me youre still family, she said, eyes misty. I thought you might be expecting a child with Daniel I have a son myself; perhaps you could be together?
Poppy flared, No one is needed. I dont want any more ties to Daniels family.
Mrs. Thompson wept for the first time since the funeral, then seemed lighter.
Poppy resolved: her life would move on without her late lovers shadow.
Home, home, she whispered, feeling a strange peace. She thanked Luke for opening her eyes to the possibility of a different future.
The new academic year began. Poppy and Luke grew closer, and one day she visited Daniels grave alone.
Goodbye, Daniel, she murmured softly. I was happy with you, thank you for the joy. You left too soon, but I must live on. I am now a different person, with a different life a life without you. Farewell.
She left the cemetery, walked to Lukes waiting car, and felt a fresh breath of existence. With Luke, she regained vitality. She saw Mrs. Thompson only occasionally, if at all. Not long after, she married Luke and awaited the birth of their son.
Through loss and love, Poppy learned that grief can be a doorway, not a wall; by embracing new connections, life continues to offer meaning. The greatest lesson she carries is that the heart, though bruised, always finds a way to heal and love again.
