Love and Fate
by Brianna Moya
"Looking through the stained glass window we could see a playground. It was discolored and warped by the numerous panes but it was still there. A swing moved restlessly in the wind. It was a chilly evening, with the sun just beginning to set, so the playground was as empty as the church were we sat. Do you remember?
It was just a couple months ago. I remember watching the setting sun through the painted glass. You held my hand as we watched the oranges and reds sink deeper into twilight through the missing panes. The Virgin Mary smiled upon us with warmth and benediction as we sat. I couldn't look away from her eyes. You gave me your coat as we waited for the light to fade. Do you remember?
After darkness fell we left the church quietly. I still wore your jacket and you held my hand in one of its pockets. We walked along empty streets, dark except for the flickering street lights and the occasional passing car. It was mostly silent. I felt like we were the only people on earth, and it was good. Do you remember?
We sat on a bench in front of the old library. Neither of us was ready to go home. Neither of us wanted the quiet evening to pass. You told me about the library and how, before it closed, you would spend whole Saturdays there just sitting inside doing nothing. I wish I could have done that with you. I told you that. Do you remember?
We finally left the bench and headed home. As we neared my house you kissed me. You told me you loved me. You said you would see me tomorrow, but you won't, not now. I can still remember you crossing the street. You were looking back at me and didn't see it coming. After the car hit you I didn't know what to do. I froze, then I panicked. After the ambulance carried you away from me I realized that I forgot to tell you I loved you too. All I felt was fear. I was so afraid I would never be able to tell you again how much I loved you.
It's near the end now. The doctors said in the beginning that there was nothing they could do. I made them wait. I wasn't ready to let go. I never told you I loved you too. They still haven't found the driver. I guess that doesn't matter now though. Nothing will matter for me again. Not without you. I guess-"
"Miss, it's time." the doctor crossed to the side of his bed. " Are you ready?"
The girl swallows and nodded, a tear squeezed from Her eye and she held His hand tighter.
The machine buzzed as the doctor pushed the button. The button that would end His life. He continued breathing as the doctor left the room.
The girl leaned in and whispered to Him as His breath faded.
"I love you."
And then his slow breathing stopped altogether and he was gone. The heart monitor's relentless single beep held out long after He died.
"I love you." she whispered again. His hand still clenched within hers.
"I love you."
