In Time, It Follows

Chapter One

The air was still and quiet. The waves rolled onto the sandy shore for miles as gulls cawed above in the evening sky. The sun was setting, casting beautiful colors as far as the eye could see of reds, pinks, and purples.

"It's so beautiful, isn't it Aaron?"

Sand crunched under my feet as I carried her on my back. Her breath was faint now, words a mere whisper.

"It is. Just like you." I replied in a calm voice.

I knew it was coming soon, but not this fast. Weighing barely over a hundred pounds, I treaded carefully. Her body had become so fragile in a matter of months. Eating was a struggle, let alone holding down any fluids.

"Do you remember swimming out passed Tillwing Point? The water was so clear. You could see all the way to the bottom." I chuckled softly. "Maya would get scared, thinking the fish were going to eat her toes. She was so little back then."

She giggled, clinging onto my shirt. "Yeah. We were all pretty young." Her voice trailed off as she rested her head on my shoulder.

Ahead, Milo and Gabe were walking towards us with blankets in their arms. I shook my head as a single tear escaped my grasp, rolling down my cheek. Milo dropped the blankets, hands covering his eyes as he sobbed. Gabe wrapped his arms around him, trying all he could to comfort Milo for he too, knew what was going to happen next. Looking up, he waved his last good bye, rather than speaking, too afraid to wake her.

"We're going to be okay... right Aaron?" She asked.

"Of course," I smiled. "We're going to grow old, and have ten kids and three dogs. We're going to live in a big house up on Farrow Hill with an ocean view off the back porch. And a big yard, with lots of flowers."

She smiled, tears filling her eyes, "And we'll live happily ever after."

It took a lot not to lose it right then and there.

"Forever and ever," the words seemed almost nonexistent as they fell from my lips.

"Are we almost there?"

"Almost. Just a little farther."

The sun was barely touching the water, and the sky had grown dark. Stars were peeking through the clouds above.

"Hey," I nudged softly. "We're here. I'm going to set you down now, okay?"

She smiled and slowly slid off my back. Her legs looked more like twigs than limbs. Trying not to cause any more pain, I helped ease her into a nook of warm blankets and pillows. Candles surrounded the both of us, flickering as the wind blew gently. It was peaceful here: the ocean waves rolling back and forth, crickets chirping, and boats sailing off in the distance.

I sat down next to her, careful not to trigger any discomfort. I leaned over and held her hand gently, pulling her closer to me. Her breath began to stagger more now, and nothing could describe the emotions running through my veins. Holding back each tear, trying not to sob, I kissed the top of her head and squeezed her hand.

"It's time, isn't it Aaron?"

Startled, I looked at her. A gaping smile spread from ear to ear.

"No. It's not time. Not yet," I whimpered.

"It's okay... hun," she breathed.

I hugged her tightly, closing every last inch of space between the two of us. I was trembling as I held her frail body. As she inhaled, the air seemed jagged and hoarse. It was only a matter of minutes now.

Her breathing became very raspy, "It's... gunna be... alright... Aaron..." she coughed.

"No. Kayla. You can't leave me!" I screamed as her body went limp in my arms.