The days of fall were slowly coming to a close; winter was preparing to dominate the rest of the year.  We were ready for the long months of cold and flower-less fields.  We were ready to catch the first snowflake on our tongues, as our age-old tradition called for.  We were supposed to do a lot of things that now we’ll never get to do.

I’m trying hard not to cry as you lie motionless on stiff sheets.  There’s a peaceful look on your face as though you’re sleeping—still with us—but I know better.  My thoughts turn bitter as the words ‘with’ and ‘God’ leave the lips of the minister.  You weren’t supposed to go, but you did.   Seeing you in such a state clenches my heart and my mind haunts me, replaying how this tragedy fell upon you, upon us both.  We were under the tree we usually sat under during lunch.   Petals of ivory and indigo hue carpeted the floor.  The ones on branches were called away by the wind to sprinkle the air with color.  

“It’s almost like it’s snowing.” The words were wistful and you merely chuckled at my wonder. Enticed by the beautiful sight, I laid down to let the scent of flowers envelope me.  You kneeled down next to me, content with sipping jasmine tea. I reached back to unclip the tiny white bunny barrette from my brown bangs.

“I want you to have this, for good luck.” My hand reached out to give you the item.  You smiled at me, and I wondered if that smile was out of happiness or because you were amused by me.  Everything after that is a mess in my mind.  A scream, blood splashed across cold concrete and…and…now I’m here, wearing black.

The tears I’ve kept at bay come rolling down my face as they close your casket.  When my turn comes, at last, to say my final peace, I place a note for all to read.  

                         Eterial’s smile will never fade from my mind.