To be so lucky {H.S.} ✔️

Chapter 31

HARRY

Our world is filled with cruel situations. From hunger to poverty. From war to disease. All coming down to loss.

I had always been entirely aware of my privilege. Even before being in the spotlight, and earning more money than anyone will ever need to live a comfortable life, I never had to scrape for food, I never had to count the dimes to pay rent, I was never even close to a war zone. The closest I've been to disease had been the death of my stepdad a few years ago, and it hurt. It hurt a lot. But even then, I was privileged for having a healthy, caring family to support me, and for me to support them through our loss.

So, although I had always been aware of the Universe's cruelty hand, I'd never really imagined I would be touched by it.

Five months ago, I met a girl at a gallery. She was beautiful, with her bright copper hair cascading over her shoulders, her smooth skin, her delicious hazel eyes. She was so different, looked so pure, so distracted, her plump pink lips mumbling words I couldn't understand. I approached her, thinking I was just curious about that beautiful creature, completely ignoring that I was already falling in love.

And I did. I fell in love so deeply, I would never be able to put it into words. The moment my lips touched hers for the first time, I knew she was the one my soul had been waiting for since the day I was born into this world.

She was my sun, my other half, my reason to do better every day. To be better every day. The Universe had sent me that unexpected gift, and I'd never been more grateful.

But what the Universe gives you, it can take away just as fast, and it did. In the blink of an eye, she was taken from me. My reason to breathe, the love of my life.

Although I didn't know it at the time, we had both been fighting for our lives that night. Had I known the Universe would only allow one of us to get out of that situation unharmed, I would have gladly pointed that gun at myself, instead of Kali.

To think I'd been so relieved, so hopeful when the police had stormed into that basement. To think I'd felt like that was the end, like from that day on, we would be happy ever after. Me, and my soul mate.

"We're here, Harry."

Lach's voice brought me back to the present moment. I blinked, slightly disoriented before I remembered where 'here' was. "Uhm... Oh, okay. Thanks, man." Lach gave me a pitiful smile before I got out of the car. I was used to those, by now. Everyone seemed to pity me, these days.

Closing the door behind me, I scanned the area. There were a few people there, but I was looking for someone in particular. A small, sad smile took over my lips when I saw her. She was wearing a blue dress, a long black overcoat, and heels. Her hair was up, tightly tucked into a bun, exposing the chestnut skin of her neck.

"Ava." I walked over to her, hugging her tightly. Ava hugged me back.

"Hi, Harry. How are you, today?"

"Hanging on. Barely."

Ava also smiled at me, but hers wasn't pitiful. Hers was filled with compassion, with understanding. She was suffering too.

"You brought hydrangeas." It wasn't a question, but I still felt the need to answer.

"Yeah, Nina once told me these were her favourites."

Ava just nodded once, her eyes filling up with tears. "Should we go in?"

"Yes, let's go in." Offering her my arm, which Ava took, we both walked into the cemetery, stopping once we reached her grave. I laid down the flowers, kneeling next to the granite headstone.