Let it Go —
A short story about setting your heart free.
Maryanne sat alone on the porch, watching big flakes of snow fall through the trees. She smiled at her luck — they would get one last snow to slow everything down before spring came.
She was reminded of the time she and Michael had watched Frozen together. It wasn’t his first time, but it was hers. She had giggled, teased him for this.
Maryanne was cuddled up on Michael’s couch, not a care in the world — no needs, no other places she wanted to go. The house was warm, inviting then — lit with Christmas lights and candle flames. Together, Michael and Maryanne had trimmed a near perfect tree and created a festive abode; charmed with his charisma, cozy in her care.
Maryanne had been in the spirit for the first time in years, maybe ever.
There must have been a Christmas where she was happy, she thought,where she had enjoyed herself. At some point she must of had the mind of a child— simply lost in the wonder and magic of the season.
But, never once had she let go — given in to the Christmas spirit — since she had a choice to do so. It was predictable chaos every year with her family of origin. Holidays were dreaded, not looked forward to — Maryanne had even begun quietly boycotting them, excusing herself for work or travel delays. She was planning on doing the same again this year.
Michael wouldn’t listen. He wasn’t having it. It was Christmas. And, his Christmas miracle had already happened.
Maryanne was here, in his house, for Christmas. They were in love and happy for no reason other than they enjoyed each other.
He said they needed to watch all the classic Christmas movies she’d never seen. And, the newer ones. The horror films and spoofs too.
Michael loved seeing Maryanne relaxed and comfortable enough to laze around and watch movies all day with him. Her pensive nature eased with every kind thing he did — a unexpected compliment or offer of tea.
Maryanne reminded him that love was important. That it might be the most important thing a person could ever do.
Michael belted out the lyrics to “Let it Go” as he moved from couch to the front door, immersing only his head outside for a drag from his cigar.
The story Maryanne told herself — as she sat in amazement at this perfect little life— was that Michael had been looking for his person too.
And was grateful to have found her. Delighted that together, they had such fun, brought so much joy to each other’s lives.
Maryanne got up from the couch to dance with the dogs as Michael continued singing — both relaxed and confident enough to celebrate their ridiculous luck. They giggled and cheered at the end of the song, collapsing into a pile with the dogs on the floor.
It’s been written about before, presented in different context of course, but you can read about what happened Christmas Eve here, if you’re interested in all the sordid details and are curious about that sort of thing.
For now, what’s important to the story is that Michael says that Maryanne was mistaken. That there wasn’t anything special that day — or any day for that matter. It wasn’t real. A silly story Maryanne had in her head.
It was never that serious, Michael raves on the phone to a friend.
He moves from couch to the front door, immersing only his head outside for a drag from his cigar. He curses the big flakes of snow, wondering if how much longer winter would last, if spring would ever come this year.
Michael notices the wreath, still hanging from months ago. His pulse quickens as he is flooded with joyful memories of Maryanne from late last year. His house had felt like a home with her there, not just the place where he smoked cigars and slept; an oversized kennel for the two more settled, non-human tenants.
And, although he doesn’t quite know why, Michael finds himself humming, “Let it Go,” and starts to wonder why he said he couldn’t.
Hope you enjoyed this short story by Elizabeth Meg. Sign up at www.elizmegs.com/follow to receive updates and follow along.
Thanks for reading! A couple of claps never hurt anyone either.
