"This summer was the best I ever had, much like the last school year." I took a seat across from her in the grass, the weather showing signs of a fall breeze. "You should have seen the Colonel. We got together and pranked a local grocery store by TP-ing the whole place. Of course, we cleaned up after we had our laugh. The look on the store owner's face was absolutely priceless.

"Another thing this summer which may come as a surprise to you is that I quit smoking. Yeah, I know, but hear me out. I felt my lungs getting weaker and weaker and I didn't like it. I can't handle it like you guys. Also, my parents caught me, so that was part of the decision as well."

I took a deep breath and ran a hand through my hair. "Oh, I got my license. So I'd probably be visiting more often. I'll also be returning to the school, pulling pranks on the Eagle like the good ol' days of three months ago. It'll be great, bigger than last year's prank. I promise."

I sat there, gazing at the headstone, trying to come up with words that I had rehearsed on the drive over. My mind was blank. I had to make it up as I went. "Alaska, I hope you're living it up. I hope you're carefree, relieved of the burden of this world. The burden of me and your ex boyfriend. The burden of your mother. I hope you're with her, because I know you love her."

Alaska Young. The date of her birth and the date of her death written in stone for all to see and none to alter. "And I love you. And because I love you, I want you to be happy. Don't worry about me. I'll get a girl of my own, I'll go to a great college, I'll be a writer or a philosopher with a goatee."

I laughed at my own joke, then stopped. The pain inside was too deep. Being here, saying this. It was too much. "I'll remain strong, Alaska. For you. I'll be strong for you."

A tear ran down my cheek. I stood up and placed the flowers I brought and put them on the grave. A few petunias, a couple violets, and a red rose. Red like how her hair was.

"I love you, Alaska Young."