Don't Go

Encounter 1

I saw you, only just. You were far off in the distance. I could tell it was you by your unmistakable features. Your motionless stance, only disrupted by your slight, slow swaying. The tent to your hair, which even in the subtle moonlight looked brilliant. The soft voice that was humming the song that caught my attention a few moments ago, even the song that was being hummed.

I knew it was you.

It had to be.

There were trees all around the path. I couldn't see a thing in the wood behind the trees lining the thin, clean forest road; they, themselves, were hardly seen, only just laced with moonlight. I might have gotten lost if it wasn't for the brighter end of the path and the sight of you. When I finally reached the end, I slowed. Above myself was a sort of gateway made of large branches, leaning from their age and weight. The smaller appendages somehow weaved together, making the branches sturdy and less likely to fall. The old ivy wrapping and growing around them only clarified the safety. The scene was beautiful. The magnificent gateway led to a small yard-sized area of grass. Beautiful, soft green grass, the healthiest I've ever seen. Barely damp with dew, staining my shoes with the fresh water. I looked over and saw you, standing by the bank of a large pond. The water was so clear and still, the moonlight reflected like a mirror, and illuminated the inside of the pond slightly. You stared intently at it, still humming the song we loved, and swaying slightly.

I saw the water ripple. You grew quiet, still not aware I was behind you. I looked closely and saw a shiny drop fall from your cheek into the water. I dared to step closer, and barely slipped on the wet grass. You turned around, startled to see me.

"But..." You couldn't say anything. "How are you here?" I smiled slightly and replied. "There's no way I can go without you. I try my hardest to find you, every time." You came up slowly and hugged me tightly. "I love you. But it still can't happen yet." I felt again the breaking feeling in my chest. I'm still not sure why I didn't prepare myself. I held you tighter and didn't say a word. We let go and you looked me in the eyes. The moon had a way of making them glow in the dark, apparently. "Not yet. But soon. I promise." You kissed my lips softly, then I opened my eyes, and you dissolved into the air like the other times.

Only this time, I was determined to keep you for good.