Small Stories of Life, Love, and Wonder

Fade Away

*Dedicated to all the imaginary friends that have been forgotten*

I remember the day that my little Emily first dreamed me up.  She was so beautiful at her simple age of five, with her freckles and unruly fiery red hair.  I remember how her sea green eyes lit up at the sight of ole Billy Bob.  She was crying because she had been bullied by a couple of older boys.  I remember when she smiled for the first time as I made her laugh.  From that day forward we would always play together and had the most extravagant parties.  

But that was twenty years ago and now my little Emily is all grown up.  I am torn between wishing her young again and knowing it's time for her to move on.  The day has finally come for her to move on from me, her little Billy Bob.  So many memories and lessons we have learned together.  Now she floats like a princess full of grace and beauty down the aisle towards her future.  There is no sign of the little girl I once knew, except for the shine in her eyes.  I look down at myself slowly, ever so slowly fading away from this world.  The time has come for her to leave me and begin a new life.  a solitary tear shines in her eyes as she looks back down the aisle at me one last time.  She says nothing, but i see how grateful she is in her eyes.  I smile back at this beautiful woman that is now my Emily.  I give her a small wave as finally, I fade away.