I sat in my backyard, watching the clouds float fly, occasionally blocking out the sun. My arms were behind my head, my hair falling at odd angles around my head. It was quiet, except for the occasional barking from my next door neighbor’s dog.

I rolled over and shut my eyes. I was exhausted, I had gotten nearly no sleep the night before. I couldn’t figure out why, though. I had too many thoughts in my head that night, I guess.

I put one hand under my head and started to fall into a sleep-like state. I could still hear what was going on around me, but I couldn’t comprehend any of it. That was my favorite state of mind. Completely alone. Even if there were people around me I wouldn’t have known. This, ironically, was exactly what happened.

I felt the weight shift and I rolled slightly at the change. I bumped into something. My eyes immediately opened and I turned my head to see what it was. My eyes met with two brown eyes and a tan, grinning face. My own expression was caught somewhere between utter happiness and surprise.

“Chris?!” I managed to choke out. He laughed and as I sat up he gave me a hug. I hugged back, still surprised to see him. “What’re you doing here? Andrew said you wouldn’t be visiting for another few days, and…” I faded, staring at him. He was still grinning, though his expression changed slightly to a pout.

“So?” I hugged him again so he didn’t think he was unwanted.

“You surprised me. What made your parents let you come early?”

“Dunno.” I moved slightly, allowing him to sit in a more comfortable position on the swing. I leaned against him and he put his arm around me. “My mom wanted to visit with my aunt, so here I am.” I smiled.

“Well I’m glad.” There was an odd silence in which we sat there and looked at each other. My heart was elated at seeing him, and at such little notice. Funny how someone you love can do that to you.

After another few moments Chris said, “Now what?” I shrugged, knowing what he would say next. “I got nothing.”

“Do you ever have anything?” I asked with a laugh. He shrugged, grinning. He squeezed me gently, resting his head on mine.

“You doing okay?” He asked. I wondered what he meant.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Why?”

“No reason… Just want to make sure you’re okay.” Another silence passed. But it wasn’t awkward. It was a comfortable silence. A loving one. A silence where we sat and enjoyed each other’s presence.

“Are you?” I asked suddenly, randomly. He didn’t respond. He only smiled. I took that as a yes and closed my eyes, leaning a little more tightly against him. I love the feeling of our bodies together. The warmth I got from him. The feeling of love that emanated from us both.

“Erin! Phone!” My mom called from the doorway. I pushed against Chris a little and then pulled away.

“Be right back.” I said and skipped around the house to the front, where she stood with the phone. “Mom, you’ll never believe…” I faded as I saw her expression. “Mom? What’s wrong?” She didn’t respond as she handed me the phone and went inside. “Hello?”

“Erin?” It was Andrew. One of my closest friends and, also, Chris’s cousin. It was thanks to him that I had even met Chris.

“Oh, hey Andrew!” I said cheerfully, my mom’s expression forgotten. “Hey, why didn’t you tell me-?” I was cut off by what sounded like a sob coming from Andrew. “Andrew?”

“Erin, I’m sorry. I’m really sorry, but Chris…” He stopped. Another sob struggled from his throat.

“Andrew? What about Chris?” Now I was confused. “He’s right here. I thought you…”

“Erin. Chris died in a car accident this morning…” I was frozen by this comment.

“No, he’s right here…” I turned and moved slightly so I could see the backyard. Chris was still there, smiling at me. A sad sort of smile. I turned and frowned at the phone.

“He died almost immediately, the doctors said… He felt almost nothing…” Andrew was having trouble talking. He sounded like he’d been crying, aside from the random sobs that manage to break free. “They said that the last words he said were to tell you that he loved you.” I turned to look into the backyard again. Where Chris was I saw a slight gleam of light. But no Chris.

“I’m sorry.” Andrew said again. I dropped the phone and ran to where we had been sitting. There on the swing was a silver bracelet, with name Christopher etched onto it. I picked it up and stared at it. Tears started to well up in my eyes.

“No…” I whispered. “No!” I said again, louder. I couldn’t believe it. He was just here. He couldn’t be gone. It wasn’t possible. I looked over towards the horizon and saw him again. His figure, shining brightly like the sun. The tears flowed down my face. “No…” I mumbled. I started to run towards the horizon, the only thought running through my head was that he wasn’t dead. He was there. He raised a hand and I stopped. Now I was crying fully.

“I love you.” I heard his voice though the figure had not spoken. I heard it in my head. His figure disappeared in a slight red gleam and I fell to my knees, clutching the bracelet.

“I love you…” I murmured, leaning forward until my head touched the ground. “I love you…” I kept repeating it until I couldn’t speak anymore with my tears. “I love you, Chris... I love you.” I heard his voice in my head again. Telling me that he loved me. Memories that would never fade. I can see his face behind my closed eyes.

“I love you…”

--

This made me cry as I wrote it. And I never cry when I write or read or draw stuff. I hope what happens in this story never happens to me in real life. I would honestly die... I can't even re-read this to make sure I used correct grammer.

Yes, I re-uploaded the chapter. I moved this author's note, and changed the summary. And I forget who told me to, but thank you.