Forde touched the markers with his parents names displayed. He slowly ran his fingers over the letters trying to remember moments in life with them. His mother's smile, his father's spare armor and weapons; all flashing through his head. The stone only felt cold and empty to him, nothing like the warmth they brought him. He hated time and what it did to memories. Maybe that was why he loved art so much. Paintings made it easier to remember.
He turned to Franz and smiled sadly. He was standing there with Amelia and their newborn daughter. It almost felt cruel for Franz to be here because he was still so young when they lost their parents. His memories had all but faded. That's why they were here today. To celebrate their parents' lives and to tell stories.
Amelia kissed Franz softly and left them alone to talk. Forde felt Franz's hands on his shoulder. "Tell me about the time I ran after Dad crying for him to stay."
Forde chuckled. "Which time?" They both laughed at that. "That was a little before Mom became sick. She would grab you up and rock with you on the front porch. You would beg for her to sing."
Forde heard Franz sniffle. It was hard to hear. "Of course she always did, even when it hurt her later. I would always say that you were a big baby for wanting her to sing to you all the time, but I looked forward to it too. I would sit on the porch while she sang to you and practice my drawing."
Franz spoke up. "Thanks for doing this, brother. I can only picture her in my head because of your painting and stories."
"It shouldn't be very hard, little brother. You look just like her and you have the same pure heart."
"Stop teasing and take the compliment. One of my earliest memories is you taking their place and singing that song to me. You also trained to be a knight just like father. If it wasn't for you we wouldn't be alive today."
Franz's words echoed in Forde's head all day. That evening after the whole family ate together, laughed, and shared more stories it was finally time to retire. Eirika was waiting in their bed when Forde entered. She looked peaceful in her white nightgown with only the glow of a candle to light her face.
"Today was fun." Eirika's voice was soft but tired from the day's activities.
"Yeah."
Eirika was propped up by her elbow. She stroked his armed softly. "What's the matter? You didn't enjoy today?"
"That's not it. I've just been thinking. Franz thanked me today but he has to remember how bad things were growing up. I tried my best but there were days where I broke down and Franz suffered for it. One time it was so bad I locked myself in and just screamed for hours. I often thought terrible things about Franz."
Eirika pulled him close. "You are too hard on yourself. You did amazing considering the circumstances."
"I know it may seem like I'm living in the past but I wish that I could see them one more time. I want them to tell me they love me and that I did a good job."
They were both crying now as Eirika comforted him. "What you're feeling is not strange. I want nothing more than for my parents to be alive again too. Just know that the people still in your life love you and are proud of you."
They kissed gently. "Thank you. I need to focus on the loved ones here with me."
Eirika laid her head on Forde's chest. "I love you."
Forde held her tight and kissed her forehead. "I love you too."
