Fruition -- attainment of anything desired; realization; accomplishment.

Ever had that moment when you can hear your heart beating?

I have.

The slow rhythm, like a steady samba playing in your chest, picking up tempo with each passing moment. Or when the world around you falls completely silent as you're plunged into a place without screams, without laughter, without your name being spoken from the lips of a loved one. Then it all slows down… and you can still see everyone around you, panic in their faces, their mouths open screaming, your name on their lips. Or when you see that look in their eyes: those saddened eyes just imploring you to keep fighting, to stay… it makes your heart break at their expressions: too lost, too broken. It's not a pleasant thing to experience, believe me.

Deep down, I always thought death - oblivion - was painful. Well, it's anything but. In those last moments, your life, everything about your life, flashes through your mind.

Your first steps, your first word, first day of school, birthdays, your friends and family.

I could've sworn a tear came to my eye at the memories as I realize I'd be leaving everything behind. I never thought it would happen so quickly. My best friend, the only one constant in my life could be seen rushing toward me. It looked as if he was running in slow motion.

And even though he can't hear me, my inner voice screamed out, words unspoken but always known: "I love you."

But he's still screaming, and I'm still standing, waiting...

I didn't hear the sound. That deadly, earsplitting sound. I could only watch his reaction as he does instead. Turning away from him, feeling betrayal at my own actions, knowing I'd be leaving him soon, leaving him alone, I stared at my fate...

Then it comes. The heavy slam against my chest as the bullet pummeled into me, the sharp rip through my body, making my back arch, my eyes aimed upward.

There was no pain, just the hitch of my breath and the racing beat of my heart.

And he screamed louder, but then, why can't I hear him?

Then everything became so surreal as I began to fall, into nothingness, into oblivion.

I desperately wanted to see his face, just one last time. But there's nothing, just that fall as darkness creeped into my vision, trying to steal me away. And I couldn't feel the arms wrap around me or the broken pleas holding me tight, protecting me once more.

The screams for "help" are formed from his trembling mouth but his voice seemed to be gone. Too bad. I really wanted to hear his voice...

He looked back at me, tears swimming in those blue eyes as he met my confused gaze. 'Why is he sad?' I asked, wanting him to answer, wanting to wipe those tears away and sweep him into a hug, despite his no doubt annoyed cries.

But no, I can't. I can only listen to my heartbeat and watch him struggle, feeling his pain…

And as one, I watched his mouth forms the words 'I'm so sorry' as I think the exact same…

I was slipping, and not even his strong arms could catch me now.

All I could hear was my heartbeat as it slowed. I couldn't fight it. But I wasn't afraid. He was right beside me, he'd never leave my side.

With the last of my strength, I forced my lips to twitch upwards, giving him a last smile, dimples flashing.

Then everything went black...

And through the darkness, one word struggled its way to me, like it was needed to be heard... "Silver!"

It was all over and I did it...

I let go.

Death was easy. Peaceful.

What's that noise? It's so... annoying.

I felt awake, alive, but my eyelids were still shut tight. I tried moving them but they wouldn't budge. With one last jerk of my body, I released myself from oblivion and my eyes snapped open.

Taking a look around the room, I could make out a white ceiling. Boring. And then that noise again. Beep, beep, beep, on and on...

I squinted my eyes and tried sitting up but there was a pain in my side that was keeping me from sitting up all the way. It was excruciating. I let out a pitched groan which apparently gained the attention of someone from outside the... room? I'm in a room, okay, good.

"Oh my god, Silver!" The voice shouted.

Suddenly, a pair of slender arms found their way around my neck and another body slammed into mine and I cried out in pain. They backed off. "Oh god, I'm sorry... but, you're awake! Thank God!"

I tried opening my mouth to speak but nothing came. What was going on?

I darted my hand to my throat, clearing it. Anything to get it jumpstarted so I could find out what happened to me...

"You don't remember anything, do you?" The voice asked me again. This time the tone was softer, laced with concern.

I turned my head to look at them but found myself staring at a pair of warm brown eyes, framed with light hair. Annie.

Still not able to find my voice, I shook my head. Annie sighed.

"I'll go let someone know you're awake, okay? Kelly, maybe?"

Kelly... my sister. Well, half-sister. But still family. I nodded my head and watched her scoot off the bed and onto the floor, padding toward the door. But before she left, she turned her head back to me, her eyes sad.

"Liam's missing."

And just like that, everything came rushing back to me. The shooting incident at school, being held, taking a bullet for... Liam? And he was missing? I darted forward, finally finding my voice.

"Where is he?!" I yelled, my voice sounding completely foreign to me, scratchy and hoarse.

But my response came a moment too late as I found Annie wasn't there anymore. I lay back, my head hitting the wall rather hard and I groaned.

Death was easy. Peaceful.

Life was harder.