May 1

Shine247- Excerpt from Hawaiian Bloom

An excerpt inspired by true events from Hawaiian Bloom by Shine247-

"Do you remember the accident?" He whispered cautiously.

Marie nodded her head once in response.

"This scar," She explained, using his hand to trace over it with her smaller one, "reminds me of it everyday. If it hadn't been for you or Kathleen... I would be dead right now."

She paused, dropping her eyes as she let a single tear make its way down her face.

"I-I still remember so vividly," she continued, but sounding as though she were talking more to herself than the boy in front of her, "Sometimes, if I think about it hard enough, I can still feel my head hitting the reef."

Louis stepped forward so their bodies were practically touching. He then brought up his other hand that had been hanging at his side to cradle the other side of her face and wipe away the evidence of the tear that had fallen.

Marie took in a deep, calming breathe before beginning again, "After I fell and hit my head, the waves kept pushing and rolling my body around. Because of the initial pain in my head, I made the mistake of gasping for air. Yet, with my body being pushed around uncontrollably like that, I couldn't get the air I wanted. I just took in water.

"Life was always something I took for granted; without even realizing it. Drowning in that water I realized that. And as I drowned, I could see it. I was able to watch it leave me, almost carelessly. I felt so alone... But, you and Kathleen were able to get me. I owe you my life."

When she finished, she brought back up her face to look at Louis through her tear filled eyes.

"You know, Kathleen was the one who saw you," He clarified, "She got there first and was pulling to get you out before I ever reached you."

"Yes, I know, but you still helped a lot. So much, I'm grateful for it. I'm just sorry and wish I could take back what I cost you..."

As she spoke, she pulled off the hand she had holding agents her face. Yet, she still held it visible between them as she turned it over to uncover the six scars across his palm. She slowly trailed the tips of her fingers along them as he had done for her.

"Here I am," Marie spoke up, "telling you about remembering when you have your own scars."

"Scars and memories that I would never give up; because I, without a doubt, would do it again," Louis told her.

"The doctors said they were supposed to fade," She continued on as she hadn't just heard what he said, "Yet, here they are. Now and forever to remind us."

"Marie!" Louis urgently murmured trying to get her to listen, also bringing both his hands up to her face so he was able to tip it up so she was forced to look at him, "These scars... They show I helped someone- I helped you! For me, and for Kathleen, these scars- though they remind us of something tragic- they remind us and show us proof of love and devotion. In no way, at any time, would either of us regret helping you. Even if we did leave with a few cuts or scars."