Elena was covered in sweat. Her heart pounded like a beating drum. Her eyes were red and itchy. It was two in the morning and no matter how hard Elena tried, she just couldn't sleep at all.

She turned and sniffed her late husband's pillow. His scent was long gone. Tears once again were forming in her eyes.

'Oh.....' she wailed, 'Oh George...'

Her body shook as she started to sob uncontrollably. The last time that happened was when she had witnessed something horrible on the news.

'How can I?' she whispered, 'Cope without him?'

There was silence as she held on tightly to her pillow. No-one could hear her and she hated being alone.

Her eyes twitched as she fell back into a deep sleep. In this sleep, she could see her beloved, wonderful George.

Laughter echoed from the bedroom.

What is funny?' asked Elena, 'My love?'

George stood in the centre of the room, 'I almost bashed my head on the pole!'

'You have such a funny sense of humor.' declared Elena.

'I love this house don't you?' asked George as he stared out of the window. The sun shone down majestically and the sky was a pure blue.

'This is the best house.' agreed Elena.

'So that we can have a family.' added George with a smile.

'Oh no,' joked Elena, 'I only married you for the money.'

George gave a surprised gasp. Elena took one look at her husband's face and burst into a fit of giggles.

'Grrrr woman!' declared George. Elena smiled as she cuddled him in her arms.

'I married you because I loved you and I will always love you.' said Elena as she tickled his chin.

George smiled, 'You are so charming.'

Elena beamed, 'And you are so wise.'

Both of them burst out laughing.

'Now... The chat.' announced George.

'I know. The family chat.' said Elena.

George took Elena's hand as they sat on the side of the bed, 'How many?'

Elena paused for a moment to give it some thought, 'I think two little ones.'

George kissed the top of her head, 'Two girls?'

'Oh no,' replied Elena, 'One of each.'

George looked at her, 'Are you sure?'

Elena laughed, 'Quite sure my love.'

Both of them gazed into each other's eyes passionately....

Elena sat up suddenly. 'My love! My love!'

It was morning and the sun was shining down on the rolling hills outside the house, the bright reflection projected onto the side of the wall in the bedroom.

Elena sighed. It had been a dream. A dream which was so real and true.

She remembered that day when she sat down with George and had the family chat. They had made plans. Have a boy and a girl and create a beautiful home.

But now, Elena's life wasn't so beautiful.

She slowly walked downstairs to get some breakfast. Her tummy rumbled as she searched for some food in the fridge which was in date. She settled down with some cereal and switched on the television. Any moment, she expected George to walk through the door and say, 'Good morning!'

But there was just Elena and the TV. Nothing else.

Elena frowned as she ate her breakfast. Returning to work after such a nasty shock wasn't the best thing to do but money now was tight.

'At work,' thought Elena, 'They would have to start calling me Ms Mead or my maiden name instead.'

When Elena finished her breakfast, she raced upstairs to get changed. She settled on something colorful. A big change from the black that she wore yesterday. Humming along to a song which was on the radio, she noticed something by the side of the bed which used to be George's side.

There was a box.

'What is this?' questioned Elena, 'I don't recall buying this.'

Slowly, she opened the box and gasped. This was George's box.

The first thing she picked out was a small note. She smoothed out the creases and started to read.

My Dearest,

If you ever stumble upon this box, it contains all of our memories and happy times. I will always think of you no matter what. Stay strong my love. I will always love you.

George.

Elena tearfully smiled. George had expected her to find the box after his departure. She carefully searched inside the small box. There were photographs of George as a young boy, a young man and a husband. There were several pictures of them both together.

One of them in particular caught Elena's eye. Slowly, she lifted it up.

'Our wedding photo...' she trailed.

'OK Elena and George!' said the photographer with a smile. 'Just one more photo.'

Elena gazed into her husband's eyes with love and joy. His gaze was so romantic. Both of them stood straight at the front of the Church. George's arms were around Elena as she held onto his hands. Both of them smiled.

'Now that is beautiful!' declared the photographer.

Everyone around them watched on with a smile as the photo was taken.

'Now, here is something to make everyone cheer.' said George with a smile.

'And what is that then?' asked Elena.

'This.' said George. He pulled her close and then. Their lips touched.

The watching crowd cheered as George and Elena kissed to seal their happiness in style.

'That was so long ago.' thought Elena, 'The weather was so warm and sunny, a lot of our close family and friends came, the happiest day of my life and will always be.'

Married life had been so joyful but also not the easiest job in the world. Every couple would experience their ups and downs and through the bond of marriage, Elena and George had those moments to cherish and ones to forget quickly.

'Goodness!' exclaimed Elena to an empty bedroom, 'All that thinking about the past hurt my brain a little. A nice bubble bath should do the trick.'

She briskly walked towards the bathroom and prepared for herself a bubble bath. It was her treat.