*10 years later*
ashton's pov
Today was the anniversary of Maddie's death. I visited her grave on this day every year, alone. Ellie always offered to come, but I needed to be by myself for this.
It was cooler today than it usually was for this time of year. The trees moved with the wind and I zipped up my hooded sweatshirt up to my neck. I made my way through the grassy cemetery until I found her headstone.
Madison Wright
loving daughter
and friend
cancer fighter
1997-2014
I traced my fingers along her name, setting flowers on her grave.
"Hey, Mads," I say, kneeling in the damp grass. I don't mind the wetness of it, causing my jeans to get dirty. "I miss you," I tell her, believing that she's listening with all my heart. "A lot has changed since last year. I know I should come and see you more, but it's hard living in a different state now. I finally got an actual teaching job instead of just substituting. It's a in a good school district, which is good. You know why that's good? Ellie is pregnant. I can't believe I'm going to be a dad, Mads. Me, a dad," I shook my head, still so unused to the thought.
"Calum still misses you too. He's actually just about to graduate. Can you believe it? I can't believe he's been spending so much time on school, but I know he loves it. I don't know if he's told you this, but he's getting married. I should've probably let him tell you and not me, but he's happy. I haven't seen him this happy since he was with you. I think a part of him feels bad, like he's betraying you. He's not though, I know you'd want him to find someone that makes him happy. He met her at some party of his dad's. I've only met her a few times, but I think she's a good fit for him."
"I haven't seen Caleb in awhile, but he's just finishing up his freshman year. He's so smart, getting such good grades. He also made the varsity soccer team, can you believe that? I went to one of his games, he was great. You would be so proud of him."
"Your fund is doing great. It's almost time for your annual fundraiser. I'll have to come back down for it, seeing as I can't miss any more of teaching."
Calum's dad created a fund through his company, at his son's request. It's called the Madison Wright Leukemia Fund, which raises money for kids that can't afford treatment, specifically for Leukemia patients. There's a party for it the same weekend each year.
The wind sent a chill through me, making me feel like someone was watching me. I turned to see Michael behind me. I didn't know him all that well, but recognized him from Maddie's funeral.
"Hey," I smiled at him.
He offered a half smile in return, before walking away.
"Hey, wait!" I called after him. "You can visit her. I was just finishing up." I turned back to Madison's headstone, touching her name again. "See ya later, Mads. I know you're happier up there, with no pain or worries. Love you," I finished, standing up.
Michael was standing a few feet behind me, his hands in his pockets.
"I heard you're traveling the country," I said, offering small talk.
"Uh yeah. We've got a little bit of a break and then it's back on the road," he nodded.
Michael had gone into remission a year after Madison's death, living cancer free since. He had since then made a band, with Madison's friend Christian and a couple other guys. They were going on their second tour, their first being a radio tour.
"Sweet, I'll have to come see you guys play," I put a hand on his shoulder before he nodded and went over to Maddie's grave.
I stayed for a few moments, listening to his words. "You made me stronger, Mads. I can't thank you enough for giving me the courage I needed to pursue music. I know you would be proud and so would Luke." I walked away, feeling as though I was intruding on a personal moment.
I walked back to my car, ready for my journey back home. I drove off, with the sun setting, to my family. Sometimes, I wondered why we all got to be happy and Madison didn't. She, more than anyone had deserved to be happy. She got dealt a sucky hand in the game of life, but I guess that's just how life is. She did the best with what she had and finally she couldn't hold on anymore. It made me think that sometimes the best people are the ones that suffer the most in life.
Sorry if this sucks for an epilogue, I thought for a long time on how to end it and I was originally going to do Calum's pov but decided to do Ashton's.
anyway, I hope you like it, please vote and comment. and thanks for anyone that read this, it was fun to write even though it was sad. love you all xx zoe
