One

 Marjorie closed the family photo album and went back inside. Winter stepped into the evening all at once with sharply cold air, and a light tinge of frost crystal.

She thought of the last year, the roller coaster of dread and hope. The tranquil, nearly blissful end. Alone now, she resisted the urge to feel wronged, cheated by fate.

They did indeed have twenty long years together that were perfectly happy, fulfilling beyond their best dreams. Then, the unexpected diagnosis, the rapid onset and decline- a year, then he was gone.

Since she was a little girl, then throughout her life, and mixed luck with relationships, Marjorie wanted only one thing: to know just one true love, one kindred soul, joined spirit of sacred bond. Just one precious, joyous rose.