It started off innocently enough. Ben was walking around in a local supermarket. Looking for the best bread to buy, one without gluten, that is. He found himself standing by some fruits and vegetables. He wanted some apples because they were his favorites, but didn’t think too much of it until his foot caught on something and he toppled over. As he was falling he felt someone grab him, helping him to steady himself. Ben noticed that her name tag said "Sally" and immediately felt like he needed to talk to her. They had just met but this felt really good. She helped him up and apologized profusely. Ben just laughed in return, saying that there was no need to apologize, she saved his life after all. This only made Sally blush harder and stammer out a thank you. The two ended up talking a bit more before he left.
That night while he lay in bed, thinking about what happened, he realized how wrong he was about not taking this chance. He thought about how nice it would be to see her again after their brief meeting, so the next morning he went back into the store and bought as many things as he could carry.
He walked into the store hoping to be welcomed by Sally's beautiful face but to his dismay, Sally was nowhere to be seen. He walked around more hoping to bump into her but he still couldn't find her anywhere in the store. Ben got worried at first but calmed down when he heard some people coming from outside the shop. As he came out of the door he overheard them talking to each other.
"Are you sure this is the right place?" One voice asked. Ben knew the voice but couldn't quite place where he'd heard it before.
"Yes I am, there was a sign here." Another voice answered. Ben looked in the direction of voices and finally saw the faces behind the voices. It was Richie his best friend who had his hand wrapped around Sally's waist, his other arm around her shoulders. His heart sank slightly knowing that he had no shot with her anymore, at least not now.
"Then let's go. We have places to be." Richie said finally breaking his gaze from Sally.
" Oh, hey Ben!!" Richie said finally noticing Ben who was standing at the entrance to the store. He approached Ben and they both shook hands.
"Sorry bro didn't see you there," Richie said.
"No problem, well, bye guys!" Ben said turning away from the group and heading for the exit.
" Hey, Ben!! Don't leave already!" Richie shouted after him.
Ben turned and smiled at Sally. Richie then notices this and instantly does a proper introduction.
"Hi, Sally, it's very nice to meet you," Ben said holding out his hand. She took his hand and gave it a firm shake. Her handshake was soft and warm making Ben feel butterflies in his stomach. After Sally let go of Ben, Richie reached forward and pulled Sally's hair lightly.
"Ow! What was that for?" Sally asked laughing as she tried to fix her hair, which was currently messed up thanks to Richie. Richie smiled smugly at Sally then said, "Oh nothing, I just figured you would want your hair looking nice today." Then kissed her cheek teasingly. Ben, who was standing beside Richie, rolled his eyes in disgust. It seemed as if his best friend was going through puberty all over again.
"You're such a jerk, Rich!" Sally exclaimed playfully punching Richie's shoulder. Richie chuckled as they began to walk down the road together.
Days came and weeks passed but Ben still couldn't get Sally out of his mind. His thoughts were all about her every day and night, even in his dreams. He then decided that the only best way to fix the problem is to avoid it. So he began to avoid the store where Sally works until one he saw Richie at his house crying bitterly. Ben calmly asked him what the problem wass, and then Richie told him that Sally had died. Immediately Ben's heart sank, he knew how much Richie loved Sally and he also knew that he will could never be with her. Ben did his best to give comfort to Richie. He patted his best friend's back and told him that it would all be alright.
"I'm sorry bro ....may her soul rest in peace", Ben said. " I know how much you loved her". Richie nodded solemnly. He took a deep breath trying to calm down but Ben knew better than anyone how difficult it can be for Richie to express emotions. After Richie managed to compose himself Ben asked if he wanted to head home. Richie agreed so Ben put an arm across Richie's shoulders leading them out of the building back to Richie's home.
Since that day, Ben would always stop Infront of the store where Sally worked remembering his short-lived love and what it could have been if only he made a move. Maybe she would have loved him, maybe she won't... another tale left untold.
