Second Best(2yeon/Najeong version)

3 Months later

Nayeon

------------------------- Three Months Later------------------------------------

" Park Jinyoung was a man who left this Earth too soon. He was a loving husband, father to his unborn child and friend" the priest speaks softly.

"We are gathered today to say goodbye bit not farewell. he will live in our hearts as long as we hold on to him."

A sob escapes my chest. I can't hold it in. My stomach drops with the realization that he's gone. He's really gone and this solidifies it. The final piece of a puzzle that I was desperate to not put together.

I feel hands grasp y shoulders and squeeze. I don't need to look to know who they belong to. Jackson and Mark are at my back on either side. Protecting me when my husband no longer can. My mother grips my hand while my father holds, Emma. After she was born, I wanted to honor her father. I battled with the name we chosen versus something special. I wanted her to have part of her father for the of her life.

" Lord, please life the hearts around us and grant them peace during this time. Help us to remember Jinyoung and give us a sense of calm knowing he's in your arms" He finishes the prayer and the part I have dreamed most is next.

" Nay, I am right here" Mark whispers from behind me.

I nod because if I allow myself to speak, I know I won't be able to control the emotions threatening to escape. Be strong, this will all be over soon. I look down at my black dress and try to focus on anything but this. I tuck the long, dark strands of hair that fall around my face back behind my ear. I begin to tremble and Mark's hand tightens.

The honor guard that he had been standing off to the side rounds in front of me. I know the four of them. They were his friends, his brothers and now they have to give me the last think any wife wants to ever hold in her hands.

The emotions are shoved down deep, but I can see in his best friends eyes how much pain she's in. Jeongyeon flew in from California to be here. She was Jinyoung's closest friend for the last eight years. they graduated SEAL training together. The bond forged from rosking their lives was unbreakable. The news of Jinyoung's death rocked her and she'd vowed to be here.

Jinyoung and Jeff pull the flag taut as I try to keep my eyes open, but I can't. I hear the slapping of the fabric being snapped tight. I inhale and focus on exhaling. The pain that emanates from my chest is unbearable. I am being torn apart from the inside out.

I feel my mother squeeze my hand. I look up to see Jinyoung's former chief kneel before me.

" Nayeon, on behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to this Country and a grateful navy."

Tears fall uncontrollably as my heart falters. His hand extends and I know I need to take it. I have to.... but I can't move my hands. I lift the one and it trembles as I nod. When he places the flag on my hand resting on my lap, I sob again. This can't really be happening. I mean, I have known for three months he was dead, but this... this flag is it. Its the finale I don't want to happen, proving this isn't a lie.

My hand drops. I look in his eyes as another tear splatters on my skin.

" I am sorry Nayeon. Jinyoung was a great man."

" Thank you" I somehow manage to say.

I close my eyes and drop my head.

How is this my life? Why did this happen? How do I go on? All of these questions jolt through me and seethe, festering in my heart.