Remains of a Promise

Here lies Domhan. Iron made his heart tick, but May made it sing with her kindness. He found a friend to talk and dream alongside.

He woke to the sun shining in his eyes. His legs were dented, his arms scarred from the comet’s tail, and a sooty layer of dirt lay upon him. He rose with a screech and heard an angel call out.

May was queen of the forgotten realm. Her parents had sent her away as a child, giving her everything she needed, a castle, a cook, a maid, and one soldier – each of whom could see but not speak. May could speak but not see. Her life was lonely until the day Domhan found her.

They walked together through lush forests, speaking of their dreams, the sun, the trees, the birds… of love.

Their life was beautiful until May died.

Domhan sat by her grave.

Every day a robin perched on the headstone and sang to him.

“chirrup cheer.”

The seasons changed. Rain pounded on his iron skin. Snow covered him half the year, and the sun baked him the other half.

Then one day two robins perched upon the headstone singing.

“chee ree.”

“chirrup cheer.”