• Curtains drawn to hide away the sun’s prying eyes, I lay curled on my bed, shoulders heaving as I wept hoarsely. Wrapped snugly in my arms, a picture frame pressed into my chest, pushing against me as I took each shuddering, treacherous breath. My blood pulsed through my veins, no matter how hard I willed my heart to stop. Forcing my mind away from thoughts of myself, I let it wander in the kind memories of the two of us.....


    He lays there, blue eyes sparkling as he laughs. The grass was a brilliant shade beneath his raven soft hair. Strong arms streched out in the grass, glowing a healthy sheen in the sunlight. Reaching up to me, he brushed my copper hair out of my eyes. “Your head looks like it’s on fire,” he says with a laugh, and he’s so childishly delighted, that I can’t help but laugh too. With his usual suddenness, Daylor throws his arm around my shoulders and pulls me to the ground. Flopping his shoulder over me, he settles down and announces loudly, “Ah, nothing better than a nice nap on a day like this.”

    Laughing, I push at him. “Get off me! You’re so heavy!”

    “What’s this?” he asks. “A moving, lumpy pillow? Looks like it needs to be fluffed!” Pouncing, Daylor tickles me, our laughter melding into the sunlight.....


    I turn my face into the pillow, eyes aching like my heart. Aching like it did to see him in the hospital.....


    Tubes everywhere, machines beeping, and a dim flourescent light shone overhead as I sat beside him. My mind was skipping around the world, jittery and terrified. He just couldn’t be in a place like this, he belonged outside, in the sunlight and fresh air. A tear stains my cheek, and I bow my head to weep.

    “Don’t cry,” comes his hoarse voice, and I look up to gaze into his midnight eyes. Through the oxygen mask I can see him smile, and I try to smile back. “I may not be able to bounce bullets off my chest like Superman, but I can always make you smile!” he said, grinning weakly.

    I fake a laugh, just for his sake. Maybe he saw through it, but Daylor didn’t seem too satisfied. Taking a loud, gasping breath, he said in a low voice, “Luke, I am your father’s brother’s sister’s uncle’s grandnephew!”

    I truly laughed at that ridiculous display, and he laughed too. But soon he was coughing hoarsely, and I was pressing the button to call to the nurse. She hurried in, giving him some medicine to ease the pain and loosen the muscles enough for him to breathe easier. As he began to black out, he took my hand in his. “Star,” he whispered. “Want to get married someday?”

    Tears stinging my eyes, I bent down to kiss his forehead. “Yes,” I murmur softly. “I would like that.....”


    Laying on my bed, I stiffly uncurl from around the picture. Hidden behind glass was a picture of the two of us, laughing at the future that had not yet come true. His arms were wound around me, just about ready to pick me up and spin me around. My hazel eyes were half-closed, my cheek resting against his chest. Behind us, a plume of seafoam spouted, looking close enough to drench us.

    Smiling a cracked little smile, the first smile in weeks, I traced my finger along the clear glass. “Daylor,” I whispered, “Never let go of my heart....”