There was a rising pyramid of glass and gleaming metal in a placid sea of black fountains. The stonework archways ran all along the edges of the square, framing the walkway. Sadie and Natasha chattered with excitement, but I was aching to step into the atrium.
Inside the Louvre, another pyramid of glass hung from the ceiling, the edges made of light and converging towards a sharp point hanging above another prism of stone set into the floor. I saw Liron standing there, grinning wide and beckoning me to come closer. The refracted light touched on his face. He seemed to be glowing, almost ethereal in the blue rays that fell across his face, as if my hand would pass right through him if I wanted to touch him.
I did want to touch him.
Instead, I turned down and followed the floormap to the Denon, passing by chipped frescoes of Botticelli. Out of the corner of my eyes I saw Liron trailing slowly, turning around in wonder and edging as close to the paintings as he reasonably could.
He looked good as he stared at The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne in the Galerie. He seemed alive, like the light was coming from inside him. I was happy for him. I looked around, and there was a painting of a man on a white horse, with a sword raised above his head ready to strike down a snapping dragon at his heels.
Saint George, in a suit of black armour, on a white steed. He was framed by the blue sky, with the rising green hills on either side. I didn't know what to make of it. I turned away, and stepped down another hallway. Liron would know what to make of it.
I wandered around, until I reached the Denon. I peeked into a room and saw Liron there. I saw him staring at one piece I did recognise. His face was slack, and his eyes wide as he studied the Coronation of Napoleon.
I felt a shiver run up my spine, watching him there. He was a saint in a little too large blue shirt, with his messy hair seeming like a glowing halo of gold. There was a small fleck of red paint on his jeans, his sneakers were scuffed. He belonged there, a work of art.
I felt a hand gently grip my elbow, and turned to see Natasha standing there, Sadie smiling behind her.
"You had fun?" She asked.
I shook my head slowly. "Not really. I miss Liron."
YOU ARE READING
Stand By Me
Storie breviWhen Liron is diagnosed with a fatal condition, best friend Maddock and he must work through the anticipatory grief as they try to cope with Liron's worsening condition and imminent death. A tale about brotherhood, friendship, love and loss.
