The Art of Death

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Maddox and Everlee watch the stars well past the night, only moving when the cold nestles in their bones, causing their incorporeal forms to shiver. The rest of Starville has gone to sleep, the town slumbering peacefully. Soon, they will wake up and live this day all over again, forever watched by the stars.

As they walk back to the hills for one last glance at the windmills, Everlee's eyes glisten with unshed tears. Maddox, walking next to her, allows his own tears to trace down his cheeks. Their separation looms on the horizon, signaled by the sun peaking out on the hills. The grass is cool, tingling both Maddox's and Everlee's bare feet as they halt by their shoes, socks drenched by the mist.

Everlee finally faces Maddox, her own tears pooling out, falling slowly down her pale skin.

"I don't know how to express how grateful I am to have known you. You have been with me my whole life and I am forever indebted to you for continuing to fight for me when I gave up. These three days have been the most beautiful three days that I didn't earn yet you gave them to me without question. I love you, Maddox and you deserve every ounce of happiness there is." The words are choked by Everlee as she tries to convey everything racing through her mind, her heart aching for the beautiful boy in front of her. So many things to say but not enough time. Never enough time.

Maddox wipes the tears from his face, trying to catch his breath. These sobs are not ones birthed from sadness but instead produced only from leaving a bit of your heart behind as you move on to your next chapter.

"You have made me a better person. Even when you were that stubborn three year old refusing Death, I knew you would alter my life for the better. I am forever grateful for that three year old and for you now, for the chance to chase happiness with you. My twin flame, you deserved more and I am sorry I couldn't save you from yourself. I love you, Everlee, and I will love you with every bit of my shattered but healing heart. Thank you for saving the Reaper."

Maddox pulls Everlee into a hug, her tears splattering his black robe. They hold onto one another for a long time, only breaking apart when Lucifer orders Maddox.

It is time.

Maddox releases Everlee, trying to memorize the map of her freckles, the exact red of her hair, the light in her eyes. The fiery girl, his best friend, this goodbye would be final.

Everlee focuses on Maddox, hoping to memorize the sharpness of his jaw, the amber of his eyes, and the messiness of his hair. The Grim Reaper, her best friend, her heart breaks at this goodbye.

A light appears down the hill as if a door had opened between the windmills. Maddox walks this final path to the light with Everlee, pausing once they reach the light. He cannot go any further.

"Is it final?" Everlee asks, already knowing the answer.

"Nothing is ever final. Think of it as a new beginning. A new adventure" Maddox responds, shrugging his shoulders.

The silence stretches as Everlee gazes at the light. She takes one step closer to it, her foot touching the edge of the door. Maddox's heart aches in his chest, threatening to reveal his terror. She turns around, her hair spilling around her shoulders as her eyes latch onto Maddox's. She reaches out to interlace her fingers with his.

"Maddox, I'm scared."

"There's nothing to be scared of. It'll be like waking up from a deep sleep."

"Will you be there when I wake up?"

"It's not my time yet."

"Time? Oh yes, the wonders of time. What a magical thing. " Everlee's voice trails off as her fingers slip out of Maddox and he tries to catch them one last time as her feet gravitate to the light, drawing her away from him. She edges into the light, her hand now out of reach.