I was hurrying home after a long workday when I noticed someone sitting on the bench. Usually, it’s empty, especially in the evening, but this time there was an elderly man sitting there. He looked to be about eighty, dressed neatly. Next to him stood an old cane and a worn-out briefcase.

He was staring at the road, as if waiting for someone.

I was about to pass by, but something in his face made me stop. I greeted him, and he nodded slightly, surprised.

— Excuse me, are you waiting for someone? — I asked.

He smiled faintly.

— Yes… but probably in vain. Today is the anniversary. Fifty years ago, I met my beloved woman here. We were young… She got married at the insistence of her parents. That’s how it was back then. And we… we just loved each other.

He adjusted his collar and trembled slightly.

— The first time she came here by chance, a year after the wedding. I was here too. We just sat in silence. Then we decided — we would meet here every year. On this day. Always. Just… to remember that we are alive.

I sat on the edge of the bench next to him. I couldn’t leave.

— And she came every year?

The old man nodded.

— Even when her children were born. Even when she moved to another city. She once said to me: “Let this be my sin, but it’s the warmest in my heart.”

What happened next made me believe in true love. I could barely hold back my tears. Poor old man 

Continued in the first comment 

The old man smiled.

— And today she didn’t come, — he whispered. — The first time in fifty years.

I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t find the words.

— I sat and thought: maybe she’s just late. And then… everything became clear.

He paused for a moment, then added:

— A week ago, I saw a small notice in the newspaper… It had her maiden name. I’m not sure if it was her. But the date matches.

He took out a carefully folded obituary from his briefcase. “Bright, kind, beloved… passed away surrounded by family…”

The old man held it like a letter he wasn’t able to finish reading.

— I can’t be at her funeral, — he said. — I had no right to that. But I had the right to wait for her here.

He stood up, took his cane, and placed the briefcase on his shoulder.

— Thank you for coming over. I don’t like to leave alone. Today — especially not.

I watched him walk slowly away along the alley where he once met the love of his life. The love that came to him… even if just once a year.