Fragments Gallery
Stay With Me
You're standing on a pedestal, arrayed in front of you are several rows of occupied tan folding chairs. Many faces stare up at you, some of their expressions are tearful, some impassive and all are solemn. Your lips move, the words are heartfelt yet strong. Just as he would have wanted. He died to protect you, he made his stand, and here you are speaking at his memorial. A tear begins to form at you eye but you blink it away. For him you must remain strong.
Green grass surrounds you in the graveyard. Some trees sway in the gentle wind far off behind the rows of people. The sun warms you from its place in a lightly clouded blue sky. It is a beautiful day. Funny the things that you notice at a time like this. Too bad you can't enjoy the weather. Not today.
Your eyes find themselves drawn off to the side as you speak. The person standing there is… someone important. Neither of you seem to be able to, or willing to, decide how important that bond that you share is. They meet your eyes, their face expressionless; you seem to share a thought before you turn away.
He was gone. It was hard to take in. Especially with everything else that had been going on.
In the distance a glint of light catches your eye. The golden starburst seemed to have come from the stand of trees off in the distance. You narrow your eyes, squinting towards the trees. What had that bee-
A loud crack pierces the air.
You can't breathe.
Your chest is on fire.
Something heavy hits your side.
You're on the ground.
A face enters your vision. It's that special person who was at your side. They seem to be saying something. You understand the words but can only stare.
"Stay with me."
The fire had gone out, in its place you feel cold. Cold and numb. This can't be happening.
You lift a hand. The white glove is stained red. A thought pushes free of the mist clouding your mind. It's blood. Your blood. You've been shot. You're bleeding.
"I love you."
You stare up at that face in shock as your eyelids grow heavier.
Darkness takes over, but one thought lingers.
Their life for yours. That was what had been intended.