•Afterglow• || Book of One-shots

3: Fallen Angel

Shooting stars are usually space junk, dust or even meteors.

But sometimes, just sometimes, it's a falling angel.

•

I met her when I was at my lowest. She was there when no one was. She allowed me to cry my heart out. She was ready to listen to me when no one else was.

"Why are you crying?" Her soft voice, barely above a whisper yet laced with concern, had asked.

"Nothing", I had replied, but little did I know she was just as stubborn.

"I just want to help", she had explained. Looking up, my eyes locked onto the most beautiful lady I had ever seen. She was very pale. She had on an ivory white gown, her long hair was silver, on her head she wore a wreath made of white flowers, and it was as though her entire being was sparkling in the moonlight.

"Why are you floating?" I had asked, pointing towards her distant figure up in the midnight sky, but it seemed more like she was stuck in one place.

She replied with a soft giggle. "You shouldn't have to worry about that. Now tell me, why were you crying?"

I remember explaining my situation to her for the following two hours. Or maybe three. Time passed by quick when I talked to her.

"Do not worry, my dear. I'm here. I will always be", she had assured me with the kindest tone that anyone has ever spoke to me in.

xxxxx

"Angel? Angel?!" I was frantically searching for her the following morning. I remembered her singing softly until I fell asleep. And that was it. That morning I had woken up on my balcony, having slept probably the best in months.

That night, she came to me again. "I'm sorry. I told you last night I'd only be able to come to you at night. But you had already fallen asleep. I couldn't stay any longer, it was almost dawn." She had looked so guilty at that moment that I felt bad.

I shook my head. "It's fine."

That night, I didn't feel like sleeping. I could talk to her for hours. I came to know that her favourite colour was white, but that was obvious. She never spoke ill of anyone. I also realised she loved my nickname for her—Angel. She was, indeed, an angel. Her aura was positive, and she actually glowed in the night. Her entire existence seemed all too fictional and real at the same time.

xxxxx

Seven weeks had passed since I met her. I regarded her as my greatest friend. I could share everything with her. I started noticing the little details, like her freckles, or the way her pale cheeks would be tinted pink when she laughed, or how her silver eyes would light up everytime I smiled. She loved to see me happy. I figured that was what made her happy too.

She loved to see me happy. Now that I think about it, it was ironic, considering she was also the cause of my grief that I'd never get over.

One night, about 2 months after I'd met her, I went up to my balcony as usual to meet her. Except this time, I noticed that she wasn't sparkling. Her form was even paler than before, her hair had lost its shine, and her eyes seemed lifeless.

"Are you ill?"

She sported a sad smile. "I really hoped you wouldn't notice."

I frowned. "I'm concerned. What happened? Are you alright?"

She looked down. "You see, we stars have some rules to follow. One of those being never to associate with mortals. If we do, we'd fall. Or in other words, not exist anymore. Fade away, if you will. That was how my mother died. She fell in love with a human. She knew it was forbidden, but she couldn't help it. I was very little."

My lips parted involuntarily. "I'm sorry. But—but do you suspect you're fading away too?"

She looked at me again, her eyes glistening with tears. "Yes, I'm afraid. I knew it would happen the day I met you and made you my friend."

I shook my head. "But—but what'll happen to me?" I choked up.

"You will have to go on without me." She was now paler, seeming almost like an illusion. Like a silver hologram.

"Goodbye. I wish I could stay here a little longer."

I outstretched my arms and tried to reach her. "Please don't leave me—"

She gave one last smile before she completely melted into the darkness. "I may be a fallen angel now, but for you, it was worth it. Maybe in another lifetime..."

xxxxx

Ten months have passed since that unfortunate night. I've got a new job, a caring life partner, and a new home. But still, I find myself wandering up to my balcony and staring at the night sky for hours upon hours, sometimes falling asleep, sometimes not. I can still feel her presence from time to time. At night, I can hear hauntingly soft whispers singing close to my ear. She seemed so close yet so distant at the same time.

I did not once think of her as anything more than a friend, but she was one of the best people I have ever met.

In her memory, I named my daughter Angel. I'm sure, wherever she is right now, she's looking down at my daughter and smiling, her pale cheeks tinted pink and her silver eyes lit up.

~The End~