This story is by Janet Newborn and was part of our 2022 Spring Writing Contest. You can find all the writing contest stories here.
It’s odd how some memories stick in the mind. Present at a moment’s notice and others sit dormant until with a little digging they reveal themselves to the conscious mind. These memories in particular are ones that will never leave my mind.
As I reflect, I wish I had known what was going on in the mind of that dagger. Perhaps things would have changed.
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I’ve been patient. Angry at first for being discarded like a soda cup on the side of the road. But patient again as I know I can aid another like I have before.
The day he finds me is a beautiful day. The sun bringing joy to the woods around me. Its brilliant rays of light shine warmly on me. I reflect them proudly, bringing attention to myself.
He is a curious fellow both in nature and appearance. Hairy chin, bald head, somehow muscular and skinny at the same time. He flicks away the blanket of soil and leaves that cover me. He looks at me with an intrigued eye and wipes my Damascus steel body. He murmurs the inscription etched into my being. “I point to the heart of the one you will love.”
I then breathe in his being. He has a strong heart, compassionate, resilient, and robust. Then I feel another beating. It is distant, but sweet, feisty, and passionate. Both beat as one; His and hers. Their hearts beat for each other.
I haven’t felt this way in a long time. It’s like stretching a muscle I forgot I had. I warm in his hand and feel the tug of her heart. I urge him to feel the pull and close the gap that separates them.
He trusts me despite the doubt he has. He journeys for many months; the distance is far. He doesn’t mind, he has an adventure along the way. I come in handy too. I sharpen twigs to make cooking utensils, threaten a thug or two, and strike at flint to make fires.
I can feel when she is close, and he feels it to through me. He sheaths me in a leather sleeve made custom for me. It’s a comfy home, but I wish I was present when he sees her with his own eyes for the first time.
The moment he sees her I feel his heart thump towards her. Each beat stronger, faster.
It’s as if destiny is revealed before me. I feel their hearts meet as one. There’s a powerful force in action almost as soon as they meet.
Love.
Each passing day this love blossoms and their hearts beat in unison. It gets stronger every day.
I bathe in this tender warmth I have created. Time goes by quickly in a state of euphoria. They even join their hearts by law in matrimony.
All this time he has kept me hidden but ever present and close. Today he is lost in nostalgia and he goes to tell her of me and reveal me to her.
When shown to her, I see that she is as beautiful as her heart is strong. He has been a lucky man. I admire this champion couple of my creation.
I have let him have her heart for a long time. I have now grown tiresome of being the third wheel and it’s time to take what is mine. I speak to his arm and tell it to lunge. I finally reach her heart…
I feel his heart break. This happily ever will have to continue after life.
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A dagger that points to the one whom you will love. Perhaps I should have expected such a cost for such a gift. I should have known that it seeks their heart just as you do. My love, I will see you in the next life.
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