New World

Epilogue

For 70 years, Paelen and Katy stayed together. They even got married, lived life as the perfect couple, their love remained strong and true. Sitting in a chair next to Katy's hospital bed, he wished more than anything that he could have aged along with her. He looked down at her face, now a maze of wrinkles and dents, but just as beautiful as Paelen saw her 70 years ago.

He felt the hand he was holding tighten. He watched as his love's eyes flutter open weakly. She smiled at him with such tenderness, he felt his heart melt. Looking into her eyes, he knew the time had come. "Paelen." She just said his name, nothing more, nothing less, just his name. She didn't need to say anything more. Her entire devotion was expressed in that one word. Holding back tears, Paelen knelt so that he was at eye level with her. He kissed her forehead, then her lips gently. "I love you." He said to her, stroking her white hair with the tips of his fingers.

She said nothing, her eyes were closed, the smallest, loving smile on her lips. The heart moniter still beeped, but was slowing down. He held her hand more tightly, as if it would stop her life running away. Beep.......Beep. Paelen watched her delicate chest rise up and down slowly. Beep............... Beep. He listened as the air entered her frail lungs with difficulty. Beep.................... Beep. He closed his eyes and remembered her...their life. Beep.........................Beep...........................Beep..................................

Nothing.

Paelen opened his eyes. The room was silent. Katy was still. Tears fell unchecked along Paelen's face, but made no noise. She should not be disturbed. He gave her one last kiss on the tip of her nose before he left her to rest in the place she deserved.

Finally, it was time for Paelen to go back to Olympus. He may never call it home, but it was the place where he belonged. There, he would be able to honour Katy's memory forever.