Once upon a time, there was a young couple named Harriet and Emily. They met in college and fell in love quickly. They were both studying to be doctors and were very busy with school, but they always made time for each other. They were both very passionate about helping people and making a difference in the world. Even though there were some months when they had to live far from each other, it was a tough phase for both of ’em but their understanding and bonding worked well, they didn’t give up on each other and eventually stayed together.

After they graduated, they got married and started a family together. They both became successful doctors and were able to help many people.

However, one day, Emily started to forget things. At first, it was small things like where she put her keys or what she had for breakfast. But over time, it got worse. She started to forget important things like appointments and birthdays. Harriet was worried, but he didn’t want to believe that anything was seriously wrong. But the condition was becoming worrisome with time, Emily started forgetting her name, address, her husband and even her kids, there were few incidents when she was unable to recognise them.

Harriet didn’t want to take anything for granted now. He took Emily to see a specialist, and they ran some tests. The results were not so good. Emily was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. That was too shocking for Harriet, he was devastated. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing the love of his life. He could never imagine living without her other half, he loves her more than anything in this world and losing her will be the death of him. Losing someone you love can be one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. It can feel like a part of you is missing, one can feel like they’re in a fog, and it can be hard to focus on anything else. It may feel like you’re alone, even if you have people around you who care. And Harriet was experiencing the same emotions and feelings.

But now he was determined to make the most of the time they had left together. Outside he pretends to be strong but sometimes it just couldn’t help, when reality hits him hard, he just used to lock himself in the bathroom and cry for hours and more. Looking at Emily now breaks his heart but her eyes heals his soul.

Harriet decided to take a long break and started to take Emily on trips to places they had always wanted to go. They went to Paris, Rome, and Tokyo. They laughed and danced and made new memories together. Even though Emily’s memory was fading, she still knew that she loved Harriet and that he loved her. 

But as time went on, Emily’s condition worsened. She had trouble remembering Harriet’s identity and who he was. Emily couldn’t remember if she ever got married to someone. Harriet was heartbroken, but he never gave up on her. He continued to care for her and love her until the end. He showed her their wedding album. He wasn’t ready to give up on her. When Emily insisted, He joined his work again and appointed a full-time caretaker for her.

The caregiver was a kind and gentle woman named Maria. She was patient with Emily and helped her with daily tasks. Over time, Emily began to trust Maria and even became fond of her. Harriet was grateful for Maria’s help, and he knew that she was making a big difference in Emily’s life.

One day, when Harriet was at work, he received a call from Emily’s caretaker. Emily had wandered off and they couldn’t find her. Harriet rushed home and started to search for her. He looked everywhere, but she was nowhere to be found.

Harriet was frantic. He didn’t know what to do. He called the police, and they started a search party. They searched the woods, the park, and the nearby river. But they couldn’t find her.

Days turned into weeks, and Harriet was still searching for Emily. He didn’t eat or sleep. He was consumed with finding her. He went to the news stations and put up flyers. He even hired a private investigator.

One evening, while he was wandering around his apartment, he noticed Emily standing at the edge of the terrace. He panicked. As Harriet looked up at Emily on the terrace, he felt relieved but worried. He hurried towards her, holding her hand gently “Please come down, Emily. It’s not safe up there,” he pleaded. “Tell me what’s wrong. I’m here for you.”

Emily’s eyes met his, filled with a mixture of confusion and sadness. In a soft, trembling voice, she whispered, “I… I don’t know who I am anymore. The memories… they’re slipping away. I’m scared, Harriet.”

He looked at her with those sad teary eyes, he took her in his arms and came to his room. He wanted to say a lot of things but he just couldn’t, something was stopping him, he was losing it all, he wanted to cry, scream, and let his emotions out but again he couldn’t. They slept in eachothers’ arms that night. 

The next morning he received a call from the hospital he was asked to visit the institution for Emily’s weekly check up.  Harriet knew that he had to go to the hospital, but he didn’t want to leave his wife alone. He decided to call Maria and ask her to come over and stay with her while he was gone. Maria agreed, and Harriet was grateful for her help.

When he arrived at the hospital, Harriet was greeted by Emily’s doctor. The doctor told him that Emily’s condition had worsened and that she needed more specialized care. Harriet was devastated to hear this news, but he knew that he had to do what was best for Emily.

The doctor recommended a specialized care facility that could provide the care that Emily needed. Harriet was hesitant at first, but he knew that it was the best option for Emily. He made arrangements to have Emily transferred to the facility, and he visited her every day.

 Over time, Emily’s condition continued to worsen. She completely forgot about Harriet now, when Harriet used to visit her Emily would just look at him thinking of him as a stranger but only her heart knew there was a special connection. Days passed by, she became helpless and Harriet was broken, doctor already suggested that any worse thing can happen anytime soon. 

It was Emily’s birthday, and ofcourse Emily wasn’t aware of it. He visited the hospital with her favorite flowers, her favorite chocolates and the same suit he wore on their wedding night. Emily was looking at him with that pure, unconditional love in her eyes. 

Even though her memories had a hazy view, her heart was well aware of the feelings she had for Harriet. 

She held his hands but her mind was wandering somewhere else in a field where there were flowers, butterflies, open sky and the wind passing through her hands which were held by her beloved, Harriet. Harriet, She could only think of him at this time. This is what she wanted, Emily-Harriet’s own world. Full of love, hope and emotions. She wanted to live here, she wanted to close her eyes, at this exact moment and wanted to live this dream to the fullest.

Harriet sat by Emily’s side, holding her hand and talking to her as if she could hear him. He told her about all the wonderful memories they had shared together, and how much he loved her. As he sat there, he felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that Emily was no longer suffering, and that she was finally at peace. He sobbed within his breath. His heart was too heavy to hold any kind of feelings. He didn’t want to leave her, but he had to.

As he got up to leave, he leaned in and kissed Emily on the forehead. He whispered “Happy Birthday, my love”. As he walked down the hallway, tears streamed down his face. 

Harriet bade farewell to Emily, knowing that their time together had come to an end. Yet, he found comfort in the thought that her memory would forever be etched in his heart, like a rose that never withers.