𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝙾𝚏 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 | 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚃𝚊𝚒𝚕 - 𝙶𝚛𝚞𝚟𝚒𝚊

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟷𝟶: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝙾𝚏 𝚂𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎

It was quiet; too quiet.

It was almost as if the whole world went silent just as the fireworks ignited into the sky, with its revenants fading away like a dying star.

The sound only returned to my ears when I looked down and saw that my hand managed to grab onto Juvia's at the last minute.

It was undeniably straining, so much so that I had to lean over the edge of the balcony just to keep her from falling.

The adrenaline that had fueled my actions when I saw Juvia on that ledge was failing me, as sweat trickled down my arm and forehead.

It was only then that I saw the look on Juvia's face. She looked so shocked as if she didn't expect anyone, least of all me to save her, and that's what hurts the most.

My arm ached and I realized my grip on her was starting to fail.

"Y-You have to grab onto the railing!" I stammered out, using my foot to keep a grip on the edge as I was now relying on both hands to pull her back up.

'Please god, give me one more once of strength. I won't run away from my problems anymore. Just do this one thing for me, please...'

I closed my eyes and held onto Juvia as if my life depended on it. A large bead of sweat rolled over my nose as the memories started coming back.

'Starting tomorrow, I'll look everyone in the eye. Starting tomorrow, I'll listen when people speak to me. Starting tomorrow, I'll be better.'

Even though my thoughts were in disarray, this promise was the one thing I was certain of. Because despite everything, I do have a reason to live; I see that now. If only Juvia could see it too.

Unshed tears of regret burned my vision as I finally had the gall to open my eyes and look at Juvia.

I held my breath at the scared and confused look she was giving me and in the corner of my eye, I could see a tiny scar near the lope of her ear.

'There it is, the scar I gave her all those years ago. Did I ever even apologize for that? I'm sorry, sorry for everything Juvia. Are you still mad at me? I'm so dumb; I should've asked her what she really thinks of me and now I don't know if-By the way Juvia, I think I...'

My thoughts paused when I saw Juvia reach for the railing ledge. With all the strength I had left, I pulled her securely onto the ledge but I leaned too far out and lost my grip.

I let out a yell and as I fell, I swore I had seen tears fall from Juvia's eyes.

The wind whipped into my face as everything slowed down once more.

My vision turned white and the first thing I saw was the yolk of an egg sliding into a bowl, with mom smiling over a plate of pancakes. From across the table, Ultear had a few pancake crumbs on her face, as she gave me a sly grin.

The day's events rolled over with Juvia, Meredy, and Juniper greeting me, and the memory of the day at the amusement park, with the roller coaster front and center.

Finally, the sky exploded with color as I felt myself plunge into the water, the force almost sucking the life out of me. The pain soon mellowed out and became a pricking sensation, somewhat irritating but bearable.

I could see a pool of red and quickly realized that I was bleeding, but that thought felt strangely inviting.

I felt at peace, because if I was dying, at least I saved the one person who deserved it the most.

The next day...
Magnolia Hospital
11:02 AM
Third POV:

Meredy sat in the hospital waiting room with a milk carton sticking out her mouth as she stared at the ceiling. It had been hours since she and Aunt Juniper were informed of what Juvia had tried to do and how Gray managed to stop her.