Slow Suicide

[24]

EPILOGUE

The sun was brighter than ever as it beamed down in the park. He swayed slightly on his feet, the gentle breeze comforting him. Gulping, he looked at the time on his watch before leaning on the tree behind him.

Closing his eyes, he tried to take deep breaths and slow down his heartbeat. But it was no use. Nothing could calm what was running around in his mind.

Except...

He looked down at his breast pocket, biting his lip. It was as if everything froze as he pulled out the single cigarette from his pocket.

Strange, he thought. This small toxicant used to be what kept me going, but also brought me closer to my end.

But now... He turned the cigarette and smiled when he saw the initials, R.S.

Rae Starling, the love of his life.

When he finally discovered her name, he got his cigarette customized. So he can always remember that he no longer needs to smoke because now, he has her.

And that was more than enough.

Smiling, he placed the cigarette back in his pocket, feeling better already. He sat down on the grass and continued to wait.

After a few more minutes, she sat in front of him with a book in her hands. A smile spread across his face while she only glanced at him. They sat in silence; he was incredibly confused.

Until she spoke up, her voice causal. "I see you've finally learned not to blow your smoke towards me."

"Oh, I miss you, " he pulled her into a hug and closed his eyes.

"What?" she laughed, running her fingers through his hair. "It's only been a week!"

"I still wanted to see you everyday."

"I know, I'm sorry. Ever since my recovery, my mom and dad wanted me to meet this miracle doctor who will help me stay in remission. But, I was always thinking of you, " she told him, which made him smile even wider.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I understand, Rainy. I agree with your parents. I just missed you, that's all."

She cupped his face and gently kissed his lips. Then, they leaned their foreheads against each other's, saving the moment.

"Rainy, " he whispered.

"Yeah?"

"Come here, " he lifted her up, so they were both standing. His eyes bored passionately into hers.

  Now or never.

Taking a deep breath, he kneeled down in front of her, holding her hand.

He sighed happily, a smile on his face that showed how deeply in love he was. "Rainy, beautiful and inspiring Rainy. I don't even know where to begin. You're so amazing, smart, and kind. I really don't deserve you, I know I don't. Yet you opened up to me. You let me see who you truly are. But I wasn't ready to give a part of myself to you. I wasn't brave like you. You were so considerate that you waited for me. You, Rainy, made me into a better person, the person I've always wanted to be but couldn't. And I will have to thank you for that for the rest of my life."

She watched him pull out a small blue velvet box then gasped.

"Rainy, I love you more than anything in the world and that is the truth. You're it for me. You are all I need and want in life. When I saw you lying on that hospital bed, I thought it was the end. My chance was gone, our chance. I thought about all the places we could've gone, all the things we could've done, and how happy we would've been together. Now here you are, shining brightly like the sun. I realized this is my second chance and my last one,

"I love you, Rae Starling. I'm going to love you for the rest of my life. Long or short. I promise you I will always be there for you. I promise, Rae, " he took in a shaky breath while opening the box. "Rae Starling, my Rainy, will you be my slow suicide?"

As she stared down at the gleaming ring, her heartbeat was at maximum speed and so was her mind. But she was certain about one thing.

She loved him.

She lived for him.

And she would absolutely die for him.

So, she locked eyes with him and smiled. "Yes, Cig. Of course."

"Really?" he asked, his heart hammering.

"Yes, yes! I love you. I want to marry you, my Romeo, " she laughed while he slid the ring onto her finger.

Then, he picked her up and kissed her with all the happiness he could muster.

He wasn't a smoker anymore.

  She asked him why.

  He said she was his slow suicide.

THE END

  Thank you so much, everyone, for reading the short story of Cig and Rainy, Romeo and Rae. Also, thank you for making Slow Suicide #38 in Short Story.

  If you'd like a Q&A, please comment.

  Goodbye, my readers. I'm going to miss you all <3.