A Memory for the past and the future.

In the space of a journey, Oliver O'Toole travels through the past and the present, to look to the future. The characters belong to the talented Martha Williamson.

Author's note: Another new story. I suffer from a respiratory disease. When, especially, I have important relapses like today, I write a lot because it also helps me forget that I am sick. I like very much write. The beginning is sad but necessary for the rest of the story. I assure you that the ending is happy. I hope you will enjoy this story. Thank you so much :)

Oliver was reading a book in his room. It's march month and outside, the whole town was still covered in a blanket of snow. He knew his parents had decided to divorce, but it hadn't been officially pronounced yet. Oliver finished reading the chapter of his book; he heard a huge door slamming. As he walked to the window, Oliver saw his mother, with a suitcase in her hand, getting into a taxi. He thought his heart would stop. He quickly put down his book, walked out of his room, without taking his coat, and hurried down the stairs, while a thousand and one thoughts were racing through his head. He opened the front door, and started to run in the snow as the taxi further and further away. Joe noticed that the front door was open and went out.

Oliver kept running without stopping, even though the taxi was gone.

"Oliver!" Joe shouted.

He couldn't hear him and continued running, tears streaming down his face. Suddenly, he stumbled and fell into the snow. Joe caught him and took him in his arms.

"Mommy didn't even say goodbye to me. Dad, she's really gone. She's not coming back. Isn't she?" Oliver asked, with his eyes full of tears.

"She's gone, yes, for good, son." Joe said sadly.

Oliver's heart heavy, and he fell exhausted, into Joe's arms. He put his coat around him and carried it at home.

"How is he, Dr. Miles?" Joe asked, at Oliver's bedside.

He gets out the stethoscope of his ears out.

"Much better. He'll be very tired and may be a little nervous or have no appetite. Was this event unexpected?" Dr. Miles asked.

"We had already begun divorce proceedings. There were a dispute. But, I didn't expect such a sudden departure, I'm the first to be surprised," Joe, confessed, who had a lump in his throat.

"Joe, you need rest. He is just 13, but Oliver is a sensitive and loving and child. It's not easy, I must admit. Here are some herbal medicines for him. Though for better treatment, I would say, he needs to be well supported" Dr. Miles added.

"Sean. Night and day, all I can think about is Oliver's welfare and happiness. That's my priority !" Joe exclaimed.

"I know about that. You're a very present and brave father. Oliver need to get away for a few days. It would be good. Joe, take good care of his little heart." Dr. Miles said, taking one last look at Oliver, who was fast asleep.

"I think I know where he can go. Thank you so much, Sean." Joe added, shaking his hand.

The doctor greeted him and Joe walked him to the door.

For the next two days, Oliver was still struggling to realize what had happened. He didn't really have an appetite but was delighted to see that his father was still present for him. Some days later, he learned that her mother sent them, her new mailing address. Despite all this, he was still not completely reassured.

One morning, as the sun's rays of spring crossed his room, Oliver opened his eyes and saw a person sitting at his bedside smiling at him.

"Grandma!" Oliver exclaimed.

"Gently, my boy. I'm glad to see you," his grandmother said.

"And here's breakfast. Good morning, son. I hope, you like my surprise," Joe, said bringing him a tray.

"Good morning, Dad. That's the surprise you were talking about. Grandma's the best surprise," Oliver, said, smiling.

"Before I'm another nice surprise, eat all your breakfast. My meals are going to perk you up. And you'll have a nice breath of fresh air by the lake," Grandma Mary added.

"And we're going away for a few days?" Oliver asked.

"Yes, you're going to stay at Grandma's for a few days. Don't worry about Middle School. It'll be good for you," Joe answered.

"Oliver, welcome to Bainbridge Island!" Grandma Mary exclaimed.

Oliver smiled at her and ate heartily.

A few days later, Oliver left with his grandmother for Bainbridge Island, a island from Seattle, Washington. Usually, he goes there, ever summer. It was his first visit in spring.

After they arrived in Seattle, they got into a Ferry them to the island. They were crossing the bridge when Oliver looked out to the Puget Sound.

"So, what do you think?" Mary asked.

"It's still even more beautiful . Spring is a sublime season," Oliver answered

"Oliver, remember when you were scared, that there were no Christmas trees in Washington?" Mary laughed.

"Yes, I remember that. When I went back to Denver, at Sunday school, I told everyone that there weren't just Christmas trees, there were angels too. And I also know, that there is, the most wonderful grandmother in the world," Oliver said with a smile.

"Oh, Oliver. You are a so adorable grandson !" Mary was moved and had tears in her eyes.

Then they arrived at destination. It was a nice house with a garden, overlooking the lake. Oliver always called this house "The House of secrets". There is so many rooms. Each room had the name a city of countries in the world, it was easier when all members the family came to sleep there.

He put down his things and his grandmother showed him his room: Vancouver.

"It's perfect. I like it very much thank you, Grandma. Is there..." Oliver asked.

"Don't worry, even on our island, there's enough a lot of Yoo-hoo." Mary laughed.

In the days following his arrival on Bainbridge Island, Oliver was smiling again and found joy of life. He especially appreciated the simple moments: make groceries, visit le city, the long walks at the Bloedel Reserve, at Olympus Beach or The Grand Forest West. All these places of nature; The countless forest and lakes was for Oliver, the opportunity to dream,make his imagination work again and grow his faith. He wasn't alone again. But most all, he appreciated, the gentle and the kindness of his grandma.

One evening, after dinner, Oliver went to fetch a book from the library when he stumbled into a record player. He approached to examine the object.

"It was on that record player that I danced with your grandfather," Mary said with a smile.

"Does it still work?" Oliver asked.

"Yes, it's still in excellent condition. Do you want me to teach you how to dance?" she asked.

Oliver had a little laugh.

"I don't know how to dance at all," he replied.

"Oh, a gentleman must know how to dance. I'm sure you'll make an excellent dancer. It just takes a little practice," Mary declared, as she walked to the record player to turn it on.

"Granny, I can't do this." Oliver exclaimed.

"Yes, sure, you can. Give me your hand. Don't look down," Mary said, holding out her hand.

Oliver thought for a moment and then gave her his hand.

"We'll take it easy. And 1..2..3. One more time. 1...2...3... That's really good, Oliver. I'm very proud of you," Mary said.

Oliver smiled and was glad to dance for the very first time. He always smiled when he saw that his grandmother was looking elsewhere.

"Grandma... Grandma.., it's all right. What are you thinking about?" Oliver asked.

"It's all right, Oliver. I just prayed that one day, you'll dance under the stars with the finest woman of your life," Mary answers with a smile.

"Oliver,... Oliver... May I know what are you thinking?" Shane, asked, looking at the engagement ring, on her hand, which Oliver hadn't let go.

After Norman and Rita's wedding ceremony, the POstables danced together: Norman with Rita. Oliver with Shane.

"So, what was my fiancé thinking?" Shane asked, curiously smiling at Oliver.

"I was thinking of a beautiful memory, my love, a very beautiful memory," Oliver replied with a smile.

And they continued dancing under the stars for a long time, as Oliver's grandmother had wished.

The end.