Remembrance

Author's Notes: This was written in response to a challenge on Atlantis100, to write 100 words on the subject of 'remembrance.'

He could smell her on the pillow.

A trace of shampoo, lingering perfume and, if he concentrated, the slight undercurrent of roses. If he rolled over, he felt her warmth, like she´d just stepped out of bed.

Closing his eyes, he could pretend she was still there, lying next to him. Could hear her breathing, soft, gentle, hitched around a dream. But then he would turn, feel the draught, and open his eyes to the dark and empty room.

In the bewildering seconds that separated deep sleep from consciousness, Simon made-believe Elizabeth was lying in the bed next to him.

End