A Silenced Flame

By: YenShenMoon

A home, that was once filled laughter and jubilee, was now victim to a deafening silence and a chilling wind. Placing the heated lantern upon the wooden counter, she slowly crawled into bed, not even caring to pull the sheets up, or start a fire to cease the harsh weather, she only lay in silence with only the orange glare of the flicking flame to light her way.

She turned upon her other side, the room suddenly becoming a lively Orange hue, filled with warmth. For the first time in almost 16 years, a smile graced her features. He lay beside her, appearing as young and vibrant as ever as he grinned at her, that same grin the never ceased to charm her. His gray twinkled within the bright sunlight, causing them to turn into a magnificent silver that only added to his highlighted features.

She didn't want to believe he was real, for many other times she had succumbed to her longing heart, as it played cruel tricks upon her mind, bit he seemed so real... She reached her hand upwards to gingerly cup his cheek. Her hand did not go through. Her fingertips met smooth and soft skin that resided there. 'He is real...'

Tears of joy formed at the corners of her eyes, feeling suddenly elated this truthful presence. He was there with her. Beside her. And he was in fact there. He held her hand with his own, pressing it gently to his face, as his fingers came upwards to glide lovingly over her cheek. She missed him so. She sunk deeply into his caress, not ever wanting him to leave her side.

He embraced her form with his arms, holding her tightly there, as she enveloped her fist within his robes. His scent was still the same, a soft mixture of dewy wind and damp flora. Tears cascades down her cheeks, as his hands traveled in comforting patterns upon her back and into her hair. Her head sunk further into the confines of his chest, wanting so badly just to stay there with him and never leave, for all eternity. He kissed the top of her head, the feel of his lips lingering upon the crown of her head, as he rested his chin there. She had missed him so much...but he couldn't stay.

She was suddenly back in the chilling hut. The warmth quickly vanishing from her as she realized, the left side of her bed would always be happier and empty. Her face feigned any emotion, for she felt nothing, but emptiness. Turning back on her other side, she felt her eyes blinking closed. She was so tired. Her eyes slowly drifted shut, until she was finally at peace, and soon enough a breeze blew inward and extinguished the orange flame, leaving nothing but darkness.

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- ~YSM