Whispers of the Acacia Tree: Arthur’s Encounter with Lost Love

Whispers of the Acacia Tree is a short story that delves into the depths of human emotions and the power of unexpected encounters. Set against the backdrop of a tranquil road at midnight, Arthur finds himself lost in introspection, haunted by a miserable incident he can never forget. However, his pondering takes an intriguing turn when he spots a mysterious figure near an Acacia tree. As Arthur’s curiosity leads him closer, he discovers that the figure is none other than Catherine, someone he once knew intimately. What unfolds next is a tale of heartbreak, anguish, and unanswered questions, as secrets from the past are unveiled beneath the whispering branches of the Acacia tree.

Story by jhaz

“Why am I here?” I suddenly thought while turning my gaze around.

The deafening silence seemed enticing, as I was walking along the white-like road, leaves were sweeping to and fro as the dusk’s wind howled. Everything was peaceful.

“I never felt so serene like this since then. Oh heavens!”

The enormous skyline was dotted with countless stars that glistened in variation. The clouds looked like thin haze and moonlight was so impressive, it allowed me a better glimpse of the gloaming. “I might stay here for a while then,” I muttered.

Lulled by the calmness and mystery of the place few could appreciate I continued to walk with my hands on my trouser’s pockets, strolling, scrutinizing whatever my eyes could see. It’s not the first time I’ve walked alone. In fact, I’ve been by myself and at peace whenever I spent my time in solitude. But this seems different; finding myself at ease in the middle of an unfamiliar place. How I got there was obscure.

“If I could turn back time, and could have done anything to not make it happen.” With deep sigh, I stooped, realizing that even the tranquil hour couldn’t stop me from mulling on my heartaches. No, I thought it would give me peace. Knowing there’s no way my thirst will be quenched, I continued to roam at the quiet haven, and shivered as the cool wind howled. Upon noticing a thing tucked deep on mytrouser’s pocket I pulled my hand off and stared at the ring.

Crickets chirping out of nowhere, owl’s hooting and the cool wind breeze, they seem music to ears. “This serenity, it’s been a while.” Upon taking the time to stroll on the road, I noticed a huge Acasia tree ahead. It stood proud and its leaves glistened against the moonlight and swayed as the gentle breeze struck. Beneath it is its dark shadow cascaded on the plain where it proudly stood. For many years it remained strong and proud despite of countless storms. It survived. The moon shone bright enough and everything around delighted me. The thought of sitting underneath the proud tree excited me, perhaps just to sit there reminiscing the past or simply admiring the wonders before my very eyes.

I was delighted upon seeing a rock-like figure near the tree, thinking it a good spot to sit on, I draw closer, but it came to me a different one. Not a rock as I thought of at first. My gait hurried towards it oblivious of my growing fear.

Alas! My eyes fooled me again.

 “A human! Thought I was the only one here, but what is this person doing here at this wee hour?” Before I could utter a word, I stood completely bowled over on the sight of her. It was a woman – a woman I definitely knCatherine was the love of my life and my heart’s sole desire. When we both decided to settle down, I was the happiest, but that happiness turned hell one afternoon of 18^th in March. The day we were supposed to say our vows – she did not come, none a word was left, except for a ring she deemed precious which I gave to her back then. And since then I never heard anything from her. She was the source of my happiness and now caused me this great affliction.

 It was with the company of my dearest friend, I learned to get up again.

“She left this and hopped unto someone’s car.” It was Ron, my best pal, who handed me the ring. “She betrayed you Arth, go and ask the chauffeur what really had happened.” He continued.

And indeed, I found out how the love of my life betrayed me. I wasn’t myself for several months, nearly succumbed to my deepest sorrow. The gods must have seen my affliction and sent me people who could help me ease my burden.

“I couldn’t have thanked you enough man for the sympathy and your time. I can get through with this. I’ll tell you.” I said grinning.

“Woman like her isn’t worth of your time, much with your life. Arthur, take your time to heal. “That traitor!” I responded and we boozed up and laughed our heart out.

“Arthur.” Said her.

Tears were flowing down as I’ve heard that voice, I was certain of.

“Arthur,” she spoke again.

“What happened Catherine? Where have you been? How could you leave me without a word?” I was shivering and trembling from anger. Her eyes filled with sadness and that was when I noticed the horror she went through. She was clothed in a long white garment with dry red muddy patches on it. 

Compassion suddenly enveloped me over my poor Catherine. I reached toward her and grabbed her hands. Oh her hands, they were cold and void of warmth and life.

“I beg you to tell me everything. You don’t know what I went through since you’ve gone.”  I remembered squeezing her hands while waiting for her response. Her eyes were filled in tears and sadness.

“I knew it. I apologize I wasn’t able to protect myself.” She sobbed and I was broken to see her in such horrible state. “That day, I was the happiest. God knew I was. On my way, the car’s engine stopped. The driver had to fix it when a black car stopped nearby and offered us a ride. From inside, I saw them talking, and assured me of the kind man’s act. Told me not to worry for he was a good friend of yours.

“Who was it? For heaven’s sake Catherine tell me!”

“He had my ring Arthur. And I tell you not to trust him.”

“Ron? How? We both knew he was on a business trip.” I retorted. “The chauffeur told me the exact opposite of it…”

“His cohort.” She added.

“Jess, he was the chauffeur.” I snapped. “I was told you purposely left the car with a man, and told Jess to return this to me,” remembering the ring I grabbed it and showed it to her. “Ron can’t be there, ‘twas the reason why he can’t attend at our wedding…” and there was deep sadness in her eyes.

“Come back to me Catherine, let’s start again.”

“I thought of it at first too, but he planned it from the beginning. I was sitting inside his car and the next thing was horrible. I was tied up when I woke up and brought somewhere deep in the forest. Arthur, he killed me!” her tone was insistent. “I no longer exist, and I couldn’t stay long. There’s no way we can start again. I came to see you, for you deserve to know the truth and be warned of him. Save yourself and never weep for me again. I want you to live your fullest.” She added.

There was so much to take from things she’d said. It took me by surprise. I wept bitterly.

“Catherine, Catherine?” My eyes searched for her but to no avail. She was gone. I lost her forever. I cried in grief, shouted her name in the murky night. 

“Had a nightmare pal?” A voice from the dark corner of the room awakened me. It was him.

“How did you get here?” I managed to get out quickly from bed.

“Why you’d ask?” he responded wryly and gulped a drink. “You look so surprised seeing me here, you always invited me for a good talk and drink, hadn’t you?” He added while he grabbed on another bottle of gin. “And oh, by the way, you cried like a baby even in dreams.” He added and laughed boisterously and grabbed from his waist a gun.

“Bastard!” I was fuming with rage and hatred towards the man I confided with.

Before he could pull off the trigger, he fell on the wooden floor; bathed in his own blood. A bullet went straight through his skull.

“What on earth!” I gasped.

“I just save your ass.” A hoarse voice in the door echoed in the entire room. “It’s the least I could do to repay for allowing him to ruin both of you and your woman’s life. 

He grabbed a glass of gin and waited for the cops to arrive.