You Remind Me of Someone Familiar

Prologue

  "Do you believe there's life after death?" Carter's voice ringed in my ears, but I was too focused on the scenery before me to process his question. I felt a cold, yet welcoming, hand being gently placed on top of mine. "Lissy?" Hearing my old nickname was enough to snap me out of my trance and turn my attention towards Carter. "Haven't heard that name in awhile," I said with a smile. Carter intertwined our fingers together and let out a small giggle. "Yeah, it has been awhile." He looked me directly in the eyes, he had the most beautiful brown eyes that I always got lost in. By the expression on his face I could tell that he had something on his mind, but I chose to not pry.
  We sat in silence for a few minutes. The only sound coming from the faint traffic below our apartment building. The wind was picking up and blew a few pieces of Carter's sandy blond hair in his face. He released my hand only for a second to fix his hair, and quickly gripped my hand once again. We both let out a small giggle as I turned my eyes back to the city before us.
  Another few moments went by before he broke the silence. "So, do you believe there's life after death?" I furrowed my eyebrows and looked over to Carter, he was facing ahead of us and had his eyes transfixed on a nonspecific object. "Why would you ask something like that?" I asked, "No particular reason. I just wanted to know your opinion on the whole afterlife issue." I looked ahead, in search of what Carter's eyes were fixed on as I tried to understand his question better. "Are you asking me if I believe in a god?" Carter takes a deep breath before answering my question, "Anything. A god, reincarnation, or if you think there's nothing after life." I pondered over my thoughts as I relaxed into Carter's side. He adjusted so we would both be comfortable, never looking over at me, but kept his eyes looking at the city in front of us. I sighed before answering, "You know, Carter, I actually never thought about this before. I'm open to many ideas but I haven't settled on what I believe, yet." Carter looked down at his feet, "You know, Eliza, I haven't made up my mind either." He said in almost a copying but sincere tone. We both, apparently, let go of the topic and silence fell among us. We sat there, on top of the roof, not speaking a word. As the city lights shined all around, illuminating the area around us, the world seemed to slow down. The noise of traffic seemed softer, and the once strong wind faded in to a gentle breeze. In that moment all was peaceful.
  Carter and I decided to walk back to our separate rooms. We joked around and laughed, trying our best not to disturb the other residents. Our joking atmosphere seemed to die down when we reached Carter's apartment. I stood by, leaning on the wall beside the door, as I watched Carter reach in his pocket and pull out the key card to his room. He swiped the card and began to open the door, but stopped dead in his tracks and looked over at me with a look of concern. "Are you okay, Carter?" I asked, almost equally concerned as his expression was portraying. "Yeah, I'm fine." He continued to push open the door and started to step into the apartment, but I placed my hand in the way to stop him from proceeding. "Are you sure?" I ask, "Why don't I stay the night-" I began to suggest before I was abruptly interrupted by Carter. "No! I'm completely fine." His voice sounded stern. I didn't have a chance to be startled by the sudden mood swing, as his face softened quickly into an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Eliza. I just don't want you to worry about me, I can handle myself." I moved my hand slowly away from the door as I simply stated, "I understand." He nodded at me with a sincere look, his eyes etched with sympathy. I moved from my position leaning against the wall to stand directly in front of the apartment door as Carter walked in. He turned to face me, and opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by my worrying. "Please, if you need anything, just give me a call. Okay?" He looked down to the ground, thinking over what I said, and looked back up to meet my eyes once again. "Okay." He responded, but I was still unsure of leaving him alone. Choosing to ignore that feeling, I decide it was time for me to head back to my own apartment. "Goodnight, Carter." I said. "Goodnight, Eliza." Carter responded. I turned to the left and started to head to my apartment as Carter's voice stopped me, "I love you, Eliza." I turned to face him and said, "I love you too!" A sad smirk fell upon his lips as I watched him close the door.
  Once I saw the door was closed I continued my walk to my own apartment, not knowing that this would be the last time I saw Carter alive.