Dragonfly

Short Story

July 2025

Dragonfly by Lawrence Shave

Lisa and I were not just friends, we were soulmates. We did absolutely everything together, talked, drank, smoked, holidayed and partied, literally everything. Hot topics were men, obviously. I’m sure we would have shared the same man, had the opportunity arisen. Lol! Our tastes in men were pretty much the same, we liked them tall, lean, clean and definitely anyone resembling a Brad Pitt or a Mr. Clooney. Our other chat-topics, as I like to call them included current music verses the banging 80s, fashion of course and food and drink.

We were on one of our many holidays, it was our third this year. We had booked this short break after a disastrous week in Cornwall. We got caught up in the biggest monsoon ever recorded on the south west coast. Every day washed out, completely unseasonal weather and Lisa got a bout of food poisoning to boot. But we always put a positive spin on situations and the opportunity to people watch whilst huddled in a bus shelter, proved a great tonic. Watching the poor old lady as her rollator careered down the hill after a gust took it away from her, was like watching an old Charlie Chaplin movie. And the young girl with her beautiful new hat. She screamed as the wind took it and yelled as it bounced and darted in the air like a kite, before finally plunging into the murky grey ocean. The dear girl was in floods, bless her. Oh how we enjoyed our girlie time.

Today it was a hot and sunkist Cephalonia. It was thirty four degrees with just a whisper of a breeze. Staring at us both was our usual bowl sized mojito. You can’t beat one of those when the sun is shining and you are at peace with the world. The two of us were in the middle of another of our deep discussions. I was still single after my recent divorce. Lisa was still getting over the shock of discovering her boyfriend of five years, suddenly announcing that he was coming out as gay. How could she not of known? “Don’t blame yourself dearie.” I would say. “It’s his loss.”
Life was flowing at an alarming speed, both of us touching the big 50 and neither of us settled into anything like a strong and meaningful relationship.

So our deep and thoughtful discussion today, appeared to centre around death, and what might happen to us after we die. Now I’m a dwindling Catholic girl who hasn’t been to church in at least 10 years. I honestly believe that when we pass this world there is something for all of us on the other side. But I literally have no idea what that is. Will it keep me awake at night worrying? No.
Lisa on the other hand had a super strong belief that we humans are just part of a chapter in a book. To be human is just one phase of many. Our next chapter could have us returning as an animal or an insect, and then we start the next phase of our existence. A continual cycle, so to speak. One lifetime enriched as a mammal, be it human or primate and another as a bird or insect.

“So if we are able to come back as something other than human, then what would you come back as?” I asked Lisa. “Assuming we have a choice in the matter.” I said with slight sarcasm.
Lisa then went into great lengths, often off at a tangent, before finally revealing her beliefs and preferences. “Ultimately, if I were allowed the choice to reincarnate, then I think I would return as a dragonfly. A serene but large dragonfly.” She replied. “And it would have to be a blue one,” she added.

I pictured this beautiful blue dragonfly and instantly I could see Lisa returning as one. Yes I thought, that would definitely suit her. Gorgeous blue eyes, carefree and innocent, such a fragile creature, serene and elegant, flitting from one topic to another like a bee on a flower. A heavenly blue angel, darting amongst the gardens and ponds. That image and that conversation will remain embedded in my mind for the rest of my life.

Eight months after our wonderful trip to Cephalonia, I now find myself holding my friends hand as she lays weak and frail on the hospital bed in Ward 4 of the oncology unit. My dearest friend had complained of a small lump on her ear. She thought it had been a bite from an insect on our trip to Greece. However it had turned really nasty. After several trips to the doctors and two further trips to hospital specialists and an unknown number of needle pricks and blood tests, we finally received the devastating news. Lisa had been diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer. It was highly aggressive. They had tried T cell therapy but sadly it had failed and now she was at stage four and palliative care the only option. When we struck up the courage to ask the Doctors how long Lisa might have left to live, they said it would be weeks not years. My heart died that day. Seven weeks of watching your best friend decay and drain away in front of you. Worse of all she wouldn’t be able to make my wedding. Yes! My wedding. I had finally found my Mr Right.

I had met Steve almost 6 months ago, not long after Lisa and I had returned from our holiday. It was via a dating app, online due to Covid. We hit it off straightaway and eventually met in person at a plush wine bar. We conversed over mojito‘s and copious glasses of red. We talked for hours and hours. I adored him from the moment I saw my, Mr Clooney walk into the bar. He was just like his profile had said. No bullshit! No frills! Just an honest hard working and decent man. We fell in love instantly.
As I sat and held Lisa’s limp hand in Ward 4, I showed her pictures of him.
“You would really love him”, Lisa I said. “I know I have met my love.”
Lisa tried to grip my hand, but her strength was ebbing away. A tear dripped from my eye. This was the end. I knew it. I could see it. My dear beautiful Lisa, her page was turning, this chapter for her was over. The monitor beeped. The flat line streaked across the screen. My heart was broken. “Go on girl”, I said “You go and be that beautiful blue dragonfly.”

Now, a further four months on and it’s my wedding day. Everything is perfect, well almost. I am nervous but excited, anxious and scared and worried that everything should go as planned. Steve was as reassuring as ever.
“Don’t panic.” He said. “I’m here. You’re here. Our guests will be here and that’s all that matters”. He has been the Ying to my Yang since day one.
Yes, everything is perfect. All my friends and family are gathered, but alas, my bestie, my soulmate, my dearest Lisa is not. A small tear rolls down my face as I wonder where she is.
I take comfort from thinking that she is happy. Maybe she is the blue dragonfly darting around the pond and gardens or perhaps something else? Oh how I wish she had met Steve. I’m certain she would’ve approved. I just wish she was still amongst us, with all her family and friends.

It’s the moment of truth. Through my veil I can see them all. The congregation is small but the setting magnificent. A gorgeous canopy, chairs neatly aligned at a 30° angle or 150 depending on which side you’re sat. The sun is shining, flowers adorn the tables and my husband to be laughing with his best men. Everyone appears calm and all are happy.
Oh! How I love him. He has been my new soulmate since Lisa‘s passing. The white carpet lays out stretched along the aisle. It’s inviting. I question whether my shoes are clean? I walk slowly, taking it all in. Little steps and little nods. The happy faces all watching my approach. My family and friends all here for my big day and the sun is shining.

The celebrant welcomes us both. Steve looks amazing in his cream tuxedo with red carnation. This day is amazing already and I don’t want it to end.
We exchange our vows. Steve telling me how much he wants to honour and obey me. Lol!
I respond in the same manner. It is all light hearted yet heartfelt. Our vows are incredibly strong. They are said with passion. As I speak, I make mention of all those gathered to witness this wonderful occasion. “My only regret” I say “is that our dear friend Lisa is not here to enjoy my special day. If she was here I am certain she would’ve approved of Steve.”

Now this is the amazing thing and I mean truly amazing. As if on cue and with masterful timing, a large blue dragonfly swooped down the aisle and flew between Steve and I. Its wings fluttering purposefully as it passed between us both. I could almost feel the soft breeze from the wings motion. “Oh my God”, I blasphemed. Steve looked at me intently. “No way?” said Steve. He stared in disbelief.
The congregation sat on my side cooed in astonishment. A little chattering emerged. Surely not a sign? Could it have been? “My God,” I blasphemed again.
By now the chattering was quite intense, even the celebrant seemed startled. The other side of the congregation, where Steve’s family were sat, seemed very confused. What was all the commotion?
The service concludes and our family’s join. My new brother-in-law approaches us. “That was a fantastic service and you look beautiful.” he said “But what was all that commotion about?” He asked.
“Did you see the beautiful blue dragonfly fly between us? “ I said.
“Yes! That was amazing, never seen anything like that.” He replied.
“Well” I said,” that was my friend!”