Poppy never imagined, at twenty, what the future holds. She studies at university, loves her boyfriend Daniel, and they already talk about marriage.
Daniel is a few years older. He has finished his National Service, and when he first sees Poppy at the school prom she is in Year11. Although they live in the same town and attend the same school, he graduated before her.
Whoa, whos that handsome fellow? Poppy thinks when she spots Daniel.
He walks into the hall, scans the crowd, locks eyes with her and smiles. She falls for him instantly. He looks unlike any other boy shes known.
Hi, Im Daniel, he says, approaching her. And who are you? Poppy blushes, her cheeks turning pink. May I have this dance? he asks, taking her by the waist and twirling her.
Poppy
She feels weightless, as if shes floating. Daniel holds her confidently, guiding her every step.
Poppy, youre a natural on the floor, he grins.
He never leaves her side all evening. They agree that hell see her home afterwards. They walk together for a long time, reluctant to part, but Poppy knows she must go home; her mother worries.
Daniel never lets her feel bored. After school, Poppy enrolls at the local university, while Daniel starts working. He knows nothing of gloom; his optimism lifts everyone around him. He has a wide circle of friends, and Poppy often joins his group at weddings and gatherings.
Even in the middle of winter, Daniel surprises Poppy with roses. Every date feels like a celebration. They frequently meet in cafés, escape to the countryside, or hang out with friends.
When Poppy reaches her third year, Daniel cheers her up.
Over the NewYear break were heading to the ski resort. Ive already booked two passes. The instructors are topnotch; youll learn fast, he says.
Yay, Daniel, youre the best! Poppy replies, throwing her arms around his neck. Then she laughs, Oh, Im a bit of a scaredycat on the slopesdidnt you know that?
The ski trip becomes unforgettable. Poppy picks up downhill skiing quickly and loves it, wishing the fairytale moment would never end. On InternationalWomens Day, Daniel appears at her house with two bouquets.
Happy Womens Day, he hands one to Poppys mother and the other to her. For my beautiful girl, he adds, kissing her cheek. She beams at the fresh roses.
Daniel, why spend so much? her mother asks. Its expensive.
Its nothing, he answers. My mates Sam and Victor are heading out for a shortterm electrical jobhighvoltage lines, good pay. Ill join them. Ill earn enough for a wedding and a car.
I dont want you to leave, Poppy protests. I really dont.
Just a few monthsthree or four. Well keep in touch. I want a beautiful wedding; you want that too, right?
I do, but a modest ceremony would be fine. What matters is that we stay together, she says, a hint of sadness in her voice.
Daniel is determined not to back down, so he leaves with his friends. The job pays well, and they chat often.
One afternoon, while Poppy is in a lecture, a vague unease passes through her, then fades. The night before, she and Daniel had spoken, so she isnt expecting his call. Later, her heart feels off. She dials Daniel, but his phone is silent. Panic spikes.
Why isnt he answering? she wonders, trying five times in a row.
She finds Victors number and calls him, breathing a sigh of relief.
Victor, wheres Daniel?
A familiar voice replies, Hes not here
Not here? What do you mean? Poppy asks, hearing only a click.
Mom! she cries, breaking into tears.
The next day she learns the terrible truth: Daniel was electrocuted on a faulty power pole. Margaret, Daniels mother, is a hollow shell of grief, barely speaking. His father and younger brother, Roman, drive out to retrieve his body. The funeral is a blur of darkness and raw sorrow.
Poppy is crushed, stuck in shock. She visits Margaret often, sitting quietly by her side, or they drive together to the cemetery to tend Daniels grave.
Margaret clings to Poppy, urging her to stay, especially now that summer holidays are here. They tour churches, share tea.
One day, why dont we go to the coast together? Margaret suggests.
Poppy agrees, though she feels she has nothing left to lose. Margarets grief still holds her tight, while Poppys own mother gently advises her to let go. They decide on a weeklong seaside trip.
At the coast, Margaret seems steadier. She naps while Poppy watches her phone, unable to sleep. The beach buzzes with lifeseagulls shriek, cars roar, children shout, people chat and laugh. Yet Poppy feels alone.
She wanders to the promenade, where the sea meets the sky. A tiny boat drifts on the horizon. The atmosphere is lively, but a heaviness stays with her.
A male voice calls out, You look both beautiful and sad.
She turns to a young man, hesitates to answer sharply, but holds back. Something about him reminds her of Daniel, though she cant place why.
Looks like the happy god isnt smiling on you, she replies wistfully.
I disagree, he says. Im Liam. Believe me, its not true. He offers his hand.
Im Poppy, she says, and after a few more words she spins away. Liam watches her go. Hes been observing her for days, pitying that she never seems truly alone, always with Margaret.
Determined, Liam wants to learn where Poppy is from. He likes her, though the sadness around her puzzles him. He watches her from the beach.
Two days remain before they leave. Margaret naps after the beach walk. Poppy heads to a shop, and as she steps out, she bumps into Liam. He grabs the grocery bag from her hand.
Let me help, if you dont mind, he says, instantly using informal you.
Help if you wish, she replies.
Poppy, can we talk? I have a serious matter and many questions. If youre okay with it, he gestures toward a summer café beside the supermarket, lets sit.
Im leaving in three days, Liam says, and you?
No, were heading out tomorrow night. Tickets are in hand.
Phew, I felt that, Liam laughs. Where do you live? he asks. She names the town; his eyes widen.
Did I hear right? I live there too, he says, surprised. Great, we wont get lost.
Liam graduated from the same university as Poppy and now works in a design office for the council. Hes single after a recent breakup, and he came to the coast to unwind. Meeting Poppy, he falls for her instantly.
She tells him about her grief and Margarets clingy presence. Hes taken aback.
Why does his mother keep you? Usually families back off after a son passes, Liam remarks. Ive never heard of such a situation.
I dont know either. I just dont want to hurt her, Poppy admits.
They exchange numbers and plan to meet back in town. Poppy must go. Suddenly, Margaret looks for her.
Poppy, where are you? Margaret asks.
Just went to the shop, then walked around, Poppy replies.
Being with Margaret grows increasingly oppressive for Poppy. Her own mother often says, Free yourself from this burden. Why stay with his mother? Shes suffocating you. Yet Poppys kindness stops her from abandoning Margaret, especially after their sea trip.
She realizes she cant continue this way. She decides that once they return home, shell distance herself. That evening, they pack. Poppy mentions moving back, starting a new life.
Margaret eyes her oddly and says, So, a new life Yes, you have all ahead of you. To me youre still family. I thought I thought youd be expecting a child, after all you and Daniel were together so long. I hoped you were pregnant And I still have my own son, maybe you could be with him
Poppys stomach churns.
No, she snaps. I dont need anyone, not even Daniels brother. Margaret cries for the first time since the funeral, then seems lighter.
Poppy finally decides: her future begins without Margarets hold.
Home, home, a ringing in her ears reminds her. Maybe its good I met Liam; he opened my eyes.
The new academic year starts. Poppy and Liam grow closer, and one day she visits Daniels grave alone.
Goodbye, Daniel, she whispers faintly. I was so happy with you, thank you for every joy. You left too soon, but I must go on. Im different now, and Ill have a new life without you. Goodbye.
She walks out of the cemetery, meets Liam waiting by his car. With him, she feels revived. She sees Margaret only occasionally, if at all. Soon she marries Liam and looks forward to their childs arrival.
