Hey love, youve got to hear how Poppys world unfolded after she turned twenty. She was at university in Bristol, head over heels for Daniel, already talking about a wedding because they were that serious.
Daniel was a few years older, already done with his army stint when he first showed up at the schools autumn prom. Poppy was in her final year of secondary school then. She still remembers the first time she saw him even though they lived in the same town and went to the same school, hed finished a year earlier.
Whoa, whos that gorgeous bloke? she thought as he walked in, scanning the room, catching her eye and flashing a grin. She fell for him instantly. He was just different, not like any other lads shed known.
Hey, Im Daniel. And you are? he asked, leaning in as her cheeks flushed. May I have this dance? he said, taking her by the waist and spinning her around.
Poppy she breathed.
She felt like she was floating, his hand steady on her waist, guiding her every move.
Poppy, youve got a natural talent for dancing, he smiled.
He stuck by her all night, and by the end theyd already planned for him to see her off home. They lingered, didnt want to part, but Poppy knew she had to get back; Mum would be worrying.
Daniel never let a dull moment creep in. After they finished school, Poppy went to university in Bristol while Daniel started working. He never seemed to know boredom or a bad mood; his upbeat vibe lifted everyone around him. He had a big circle of mates, and Poppy often joined them at weddings and gatherings.
Even in the middle of winter, Daniel would surprise her with roses. Every date felt like a little celebration. Theyd hang out in cafés, escape to the countryside, or go out with friends.
When Poppy was on her third year of uni, Daniel dropped a bombshell.
Over the Christmas break were heading to the ski resort. Ive already booked two passes. Well get you on those slopes the instructors are topnotch, youll pick it up fast, he said.
Yay, Daniel! Youre the best, she squealed, throwing her arms around his neck. Then, catching herself, she added, Oh, Im a bit of a scaredycat on the mountain, you know that, right? and they both laughed.
The ski trip was unforgettable. Poppy learned to zip down the slopes and loved it, though she was sad when the fairytale ended. A few weeks later, on International Womens Day, Daniel showed up at her flat with two bouquets.
Happy Womens Day, he handed one to her mum and kept the other for her. Heres one for my beautiful girl, he said, planting a kiss on her cheek. She beamed at the gorgeous roses.
Mum raised an eyebrow. Daniel, thats a bit pricey.
He laughed. No big deal. My mates Sam and Victor are heading off for a wellpaid electrical job they need people to pull highvoltage lines. Ill tag along, earn a decent wage, and save for the wedding and a car.
Poppy whimpered, Dont go, Daniel please dont.
He promised hed be back in three or four months, that theyd stay in touch, and that he wanted a beautiful wedding which she also wanted, even if it meant a modest ceremony. She just wanted them together forever.
Daniel was set on his plans, so Poppy couldnt sway him. He left with his buddies, the pay was good, and they talked on the phone all the time.
One day during a lecture, Poppy felt a strange unease that passed quickly. The night before shed spoken with Daniel, so she didnt expect his call. Later, her heart felt off, and she dialed him herself, even though he always called first. His phone was dead. Her pulse raced, thumping painfully in her temples.
Why isnt Daniel answering? she thought, redialing five times, but only silence.
She grabbed Victors number and rang him, relieved when he picked up.
Victor, wheres Daniel?
His voice was flat. Hes gone.
Poppys world shattered. She burst into tears, shouting, Mum! The next thing she learned was that Daniel had been electrocuted on that cursed highvoltage pole. Mrs. Thompson, Daniels mother, was a hollow shell, eyes dark with grief, barely speaking. She waited for Daniels dad and younger brother, Roman, to return from the site. The funeral was a blur of darkness and endless sorrow.
Poppy was in a shock, drifting through each day. She visited Mrs. Thompson often, sitting in silence, or driving together to the graveyard. The old woman clung to Poppy, urging her to spend more time with her, especially during the summer holidays. They visited churches, sipped tea together.
One day we should go to the seaside, Mrs. Thompson suggested one morning.
Poppy agreed, even though she felt odd about it Daniel was gone, and his mum wouldnt let her go. Her own mum kept telling her to let go slowly. Still, they booked a weeks stay.
At the coast, they woke early, basked in the sun, and rested in the hotel after lunch. Mrs. Thompson seemed a bit brighter. Poppy stared at her phone, too wired to sleep, while Mrs. Thompson dozed.
Life buzzed around them, but Poppy felt alone. She walked to the promenade, the sea meeting the sky, a tiny boat gliding far off the horizon. Seagulls shrieked, cars rumbled, kids shouted, couples laughed full of life, yet she felt isolated.
A voice beside her said, What a beautiful, sad sight, isnt it?
She turned to a young man and wanted to snap back, but something held her. He reminded her of Daniel in a way she couldnt pin down.
Its not fair that beauty doesnt bring happiness, she replied softly.
I disagree, he countered, smiling. Im Gleb, by the way.
Poppy, she answered. After a few quick exchanges, she turned and walked off, leaving Gleb watching her go. Hed been spotting her for days, feeling sorry she seemed perpetually with her mother.
Gleb was determined to learn where she was from; there was something about her that drew him in. Hed watched her from the beach, noticing the sadness that never quite lifted.
Two days remained before they left. Mrs. Thompson napped after the beach. Poppy popped into a shop, and on her way out she bumped into Gleb again. He grabbed the grocery bag from her hand.
Ill help if you dont mind, he said, instantly on a firstname basis.
Help if you must, she replied.
Poppy, I need to have a serious chat. Lots of questions. If youre okay with it, lets sit at that little café by the supermarket, he gestured.
Im leaving in three days, he said. When are you staying here?
Weve got tickets for tomorrow night, she answered.
Goodness, I just felt it, Gleb laughed. Where do you live? He asked, and she mentioned the town. His eyes widened.
No way, Im from there too! he exclaimed. Great, we wont get lost.
Gleb had just finished university, working at a design bureau for the council. He wasnt married; a breakup had sent him on this break, hoping to forget his failed romance. Meeting Poppy, he fell for her at first sight.
She told him about her grief and Daniels mother, and he was surprised.
Why are you with his mum? Usually families dont cling to the daughter of a deceased son, he said. Ive never heard of that before.
I dont know, Gleb. I just dont want to hurt her, she replied.
They swapped numbers and planned to meet back in the city. Poppy had to dash. Suddenly, Mrs. Thompson realized Poppy was gone and scolded her.
Where have you been? she asked.
Just shopping, then a walk, Poppy replied, feeling the weight of staying near Mrs. Thompson. It was becoming unbearable, being surrounded by Daniels people while knowing hed never return. Her own mum reminded her to free herself from that burden, but Poppys kindness kept her hanging around, even on the beach trip.
She finally decided the situation couldnt go on. Shed head home, start a new chapter. That evening she and Mrs. Thompson packed up, talking about the future. Poppy even mentioned moving back to the city, starting fresh.
Mrs. Thompson looked at her oddly and said, So, a different life Right, you have the whole world ahead. For me youre like family. I thought I thought youd be pregnant, you know, after all the time with Daniel. I even hoped you might have a child with my son or something
Poppy snapped, No, I dont need anyone. Not even Daniels brother. Tears streamed down Mrs. Thompsons face the first since the funeral and then she seemed a little lighter.
Poppy resolved: this was her new life, without Mrs. Thompsons hold.
Home, home, she muttered, feeling a strange relief that Gleb had entered her world, opening her eyes to what lay ahead.
The new academic year began. Poppy dated Gleb, and one day she walked alone to Daniels grave.
Goodbye, Daniel, she whispered. I was so happy with you. Thank you for the joy. You left too soon, but I have to keep going. Im different now, a new life without you. Goodbye
She stepped out of the cemetery, heading to the car where Gleb waited. She truly had a new life; Gleb breathed fresh air into her days. She saw Mrs. Thompson only by chance now. Soon enough, Poppy married Gleb and was expecting their first child.
