Final Citron Presse

(Our hostess for this week's Fun Monday, Woodlandmama , has thrown out a rather unusual challenge. She wants us to write the first paragraph of an unusual, but not real, love story. I was tempted to write about a dog, but that would have been too easy. So, here's my first attempt at writing a tale of love. One as bittersweet as the citron presse shared by the lovers on their last morning together.)

Eduard left his apartment just off the Place Stanislas in Nancy, France. His route through the town was a familiar one. Four days a week Eduard met groups of tourists and students in the square and led them on explorations of Nancy's world famous Art Nouveau architecture. Today would be different though. He was meeting only one person, Madeleine. Eduard was pleased that the blue doors of Madame Perrin's flower shop were open. He carefully selected a small bunch of lavender for Madeleine. The fragrance would remind her of the warm afternoons they spent together on day trips through the French countryside. Madeleine sat on the steps of King Stanislas' statue in the square, waiting for Eduard. Without saying a word, she held out her hand. Eduard gave her the lavender and picked up her suitcase with his free hand. They walked silently to the cafe across from the train station. Eduard stopped at the ticket window to buy Madeleine's ticket back to Paris. She went on in the cafe. He found her at their special table. Two citron presses were already on the table. By his drink, Madeline had carefully placed four packets of sugar.Tears stung Eduard's eyes. On their first meeting many months ago, they has shared a citron presse. Madeline had given him her sugar that day. Today, however, Eduard knew that no amount of sugar would ease the bitterness of saying "Goodbye."

(Hint: if you want to get a closer look at Eduard's neighborhood, click on the images to embiggen. And, when you recover from this bittersweet tale, be sure to go over to Woodlandmama's and check out other Fun Monday love stories. I suspect we'll have many good reads.)