A room with a view...a story of lasting love by jude Kyrie

Venice once more she mused.
the old lady sat in her chair by the window.
in her room overlooking saint Mark's square.
The same room that she had rented
all those years ago.
Not even twenty back then.
The pigeons were as plentiful then
as they are today.
Below the ornate lamppost
a young man holds a girl in his arms
they embrace as he kisses her longingly.
It brought back Paul for a fleeting moment.
Always. So young gallant and handsome.
She could feel his arms around her
strong and filled with desire.
It had been here
in this very room
they made love for the first time.
Over fifty years ago on this very day.
She unfolded a bundle of old envelopes
tied with a ribbon.
And read the.letters from him
one by one exactly in the
Sequence that he sent them to her.
The final one her last from him for ever..

Dearest
The war is endless your letters
are in my uniform pocket next to my heart.
I read them over and over
and it seems as if you are with me.
The commander has authorised a weeks leave
for me at Christmas.
The seconds pass as hours until I can see you again.
We shall be married as soon as I return.
You are my shining star my love.
Only two more weeks and we we be together.
All my love forever
Your Paul.

The paper was frail and yellowed
Tears had stained the letter.
She held it close to her heart.
And whispered
It  was you my darling
Always you
She had never married.
It was always Paul
He never did make it home that Christmas