Robert listened, and gradually unfolded not a story of betrayal, but of two young people who sincerely loved but couldn’t cope with circumstances! «And what happened then? Why did he choose another???»
Charlotte paused, as if gathering strength! «Her parents were richer! Had connections in the city, could get him a good job! And me? I had nothing! Only love! And he chose gain over love! He… He told me it was temporary! Would marry her, get the position, then we’d be together! As lovers!!!»
Charlotte’s voice trembled with pain! «He didn’t understand he was offering me to become what I never wanted!!!» Robert began to understand! Ethan wasn’t a villain; he was weak, trying to have it all, not thinking of consequences! And Charlotte? Charlotte was a young girl for whom love was everything!
«I refused,» she continued! «Said if he marries another, it’s over between us! Thought he’d come to senses, choose me! But he… He chose her!!!»
«And you decided to end it!» «I decided I couldn’t live without him! Better die than live with this pain!!!»
Charlotte raised her eyes to Robert! «I was a fool! Young, stupid fool!!!» «You were a person who loved too much!» «Yes, and that love killed me! And then? Then it didn’t give me peace!!!»
Robert felt they were approaching the most important! «Charlotte, tell me honestly! Do you still love him???» She was silent long, then slowly nodded: «Yes! Hate and love at once! Can’t choose one!!!»
«And do you know what became of him???» Charlotte shook her head! For 15 years underground, she didn’t know what happened in the living world! «He lived an unhappy life,» Robert said softly! «Aunt Mabel told! Married that girl, got a job in the city! But family didn’t work! Wife turned capricious and cruel, no children! Job brought no joy!!!»
Charlotte listened without interrupting! «And he never forgot you! Every year, on the day of your death, came here and brought flowers to the well! Until his own death! He… He died! Charlotte whispered! 5 years ago! Heart failed! They say last words were about you! Asked forgiveness!!!»
Charlotte sobbed quietly, hopelessly! And with her tears, something began changing around! The bluish glow from her became softer, warmer! And Lily, who stood motionless all this time, suddenly blinked and looked around confused! «Dad? What am I doing here???» She asked in a normal, lively voice!
Robert felt incredible relief! The bond between Charlotte and Lily weakened! «So he suffered too,» said Charlotte! «We both suffered! All for nothing!!!»
«Not for nothing! You loved each other! Just couldn’t preserve it! And now too late to change anything! For you two — yes! But you can release this pain! Can forgive him and yourself!!!»
Charlotte raised her head and looked at Robert: «And what will happen to me if I let go? What will remain of me without this pain???» «Love will remain! Pure, without grudge impurities! The very love you felt at the beginning, when you didn’t know of betrayal yet!!!»
«But then I’ll have to go! Forever!!!» «Yes! But you’ll go in peace… And maybe there, where you go, you can meet again! Without pain, without grudges!!!»
Charlotte looked at him long, then shifted gaze to Lily, who clung to her father! «She’s a good girl,» Charlotte said quietly! «Kind! Like I was once!!!»
«Yes! And she has a chance to live a happy life! Don’t take that chance from her!!!» «I… I’ll try! But I’m scared to let go! What if there, where I go, no one waits???»
«Someone waits! Those who truly loved you! Parents, grandmother! And maybe, maybe Ethan waits too, to ask forgiveness!!!»
Charlotte stood and approached the well! Stood on the edge, gazing into darkness! «Robert,» she said without turning! «Thank you! No one ever talked to me like that! With understanding! Without fear, without judgment!!!»
«Everyone deserves understanding! Even those who made mistakes! Even ghosts! Especially ghosts! Because ghosts are people who couldn’t find peace!!!»
Charlotte turned and smiled! For the first time, her smile was warm, alive! «Tell the girl I won’t come anymore! And that… Forgive me for the fear???»
«I’ll tell!» Charlotte stepped toward the well but suddenly stopped! «And also tell that life is a gift! The greatest gift! And it must be valued, no matter what!!!»