Chakotay grabbed the bottle of wine that he just replicated and went to go set it on the table when he saw her. Her hair was half up half down like it was when they were in New Earth. She wore a pale blue flowing dress with just a hint of cleavage. It was simple but made her look even more beautiful than she already was
" I wasn't so sure you wanted me around this evening."
" I'm meeting Samantha"
The woman smiled "that's good."
" Well, I would offer you a glass but.."
"I'm not talking about the wine you fool! What I meant was it's good that you weren't too sure you want me around."
"Kathryn ! what are you talking about ?"
"You're nearly there."
Chakotay began pacing " I don't know what you're talking about."
" You're ready to let go of me Chakotay, and that's what I want you to do."
Chakotay ran his fingers through his hair " I've already done that, I didn't exactly have much of a choice."
"How about my death? neither of us had much of a choice about that."
"Kathryn if you're asking me to stop missing you or wanting you If I'm supposed to forget. How do I do that Kathryn ?"
"That's not the real question."
" Then what is the real question ?"
" how can you be happy? How can you feel so much when I'm dead ?" She smiled "the answer is you're alive and when you're alive you feel pain, joy, anger, hope, and most importantly love. Chakotay you're in love but you're happy. You will be happy for hours even days. The grieving is safe and familiar. That is what this connection is all about. It's keeping me here for you. The only thing that is present is the grief the rest is gone it's in the past. And when the grief is gone, you're afraid I will be too."
Chakotay took her hands in his own "No Kathryn"
Kathryn began to tear up "you were the best thing in my life and I was a wonderful part of yours but, you have more you have so far to go Chakotay."
"Let go" she glanced at his hands "let go now"
Chakotay slowly let go.
She choked out " I love you always and I will be with you always but you're free."
Chakotay whispered "goodbye."
