Why has time gone by so fast?

Has it been a year since he...Died?

No, he's not dead. I can't help but think he is, but I know he isn't. I'm being immature, he is gone... Just to think I still have my wedding ring on and... A baby to feed.

It all came by so soon and unexpected... I long for him, I need him. My heart is wounded..

Wait, no.

It's been shattered ever since he passed. I had to gulp every time I came by saying his name or thinking about him. He knew I wanted a kid of our own, and he gave me one... I didn't figure out what he meant when he said as he was passing on..

'I left a..Reminder of me.' He meant that he knew I was pregnant, but I didn't. I do have something from him.. My little Sarah. She's a few months old, and cute as a button. She had yellow fur with red stripes on her quill-like hair and blue orbs just like mine. She is a joyful little child. Only, she doesn't show very much emotions yet except smiling. She has his smile.. His cute grin.

I loved rocking her to sleep, and hearing her sucking on her thumb. She was very close to falling asleep, I could tell. I hummed to her a bunch to soothe her.

"Hey Maria, you okay?"

I jumped a little and turned my head to see Samuel. "Oh, hey Sam.."

He was a nice guy, and often checked on me because of the affects of Shadow..Dying on me. He was a black hedgehog with hazel eyes and a sweet smile. He wore white boots and a silver necklace. A little chest fur and a noticeable scar on his right leg. He loved to play with Sarah a bunch. I think he is good with her.

If you're thinking he is the real deal for me, you must be kidding. He is just a friend, really. He cares a lot about me and often I catch him blushing oddly. I knew he liked me, but I do not want a relationship. There is only one guy, and that is Shadow.

"Startled much?" He chuckled and I kept swaying Sarah smoothly. "So, What are you doing in my house?"

His face turned pale and noticed how he was nervous. "It's fine. Just make sure you locked the door.."

"I d-did..." His paleness disappeared and became relieved. I soon got up and walked into the nursery to put her in her crib. He followed and smiled at Sarah. She was dead asleep, I could tell.

I pulled up the blanket and gave her the Teddy bear she loved. "So.. How are things?" He whispered. "Could be a little better I guess... Things are slow." He nodded and looked into my eyes. "Things are going to get better.. I can promise you. Just hold on okay?" I made a half smile and walked out of the room and into the hallway. He closed the door behind him and put his hand on my shoulder. I tensed up a bit, then bit my lip. "I guess you are going to bed soon.. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah.. Thanks for stopping by."

"Come here." He pulled me into a surprising embrace and I couldn't help but gasp. I put my arms around him and sighed. I liked how his hand patted me; it made me feel better. "It's okay to let it out.. I have a shoulder."

I felt my eyes water and burrowed my head into his chest. "I know you miss him." I sobbed uncontrollably, and not being embarrassed since everyone knew I was not a tough girl. He was great and all, and he knew when I was sad. I don't know how long we hugged, it could've been hours. "Thanks Sam.. I'll see you later."

"No problem. Bye." I watched him walk out the door and I locked it behind him. My world wasn't so pretty. I remember when it had color, and happiness. Don't get me wrong, I love my daughter and she gives my life meaning, but when I had someone to love and to hold. Whenever I cried he would comfort me, and he would be so romantic.. I miss those days. I miss him, and I want him with me.

I went to my bed and looked out the window. The sky showed a bunch of stars, including the ARK. The moon was reflecting a little light, beautiful light. I heard grunting and panting which made me really freaked out. "Maria!" I gasped and opened my window, seeing Samuel climbing up my house. "What in the world are you doing? You could get hurt!" I grabbed his hand and pulled him in. He face planted into the carpet and hyper-ventilated rapidly.

"Why did you do that instead of knocking on the door?" I asked, almost scared to death. "I...Wanted to ask.. You a question."

I sighed and sat next to him. "Sorry.. I just thought if I knocked or rang the door bell the baby would wake up."

"What is so important..?"

"I wanted to see if... Maybe.. We could hang out sometime and do some activities. Also give you a break from the baby."

I cocked my head sideways, in thought.

I hope this isn't going to be a date. I mean, I would be flattered because he isn't ugly, but something told me not to.

"I don't know Sam. I have tons on my mind and.. What would we do?"

"Maybe go out to eat.." He scratched his head and looked down,"and walk around for talking and such.." I would feel totally bad for saying no, but then again I didn't feel like getting my mind off Shadow. "I'm not so sure.." "Aww come on Maria, it'll be fine! I'll make sure you will have a great time!"

"That's sweet of you Samuel.. Just to make sure, this isn't a date is it?"

"W-well... No not really.. Unless you want it to be! But I wasn't planning it to be one." I didn't know what to do or say, but all I know is that I shouldn't. "Look... I'm flattered, but I'm not up for a date with anyone.. I don't want you upset, it's not your fault. I just... Can't move on. Maybe some other time.. Okay?"

He looked a little saddened and disappointed in me which got me worried. "Nah it's fine.. I totally understand. Maria I didn't know if you knew this or not but I.." My heart was aching in pain and throbbing. He said it. The three word charmer that usually got the girls. I love you.

I love you. This can't be happening. I can't have another person tell me they love me again I just can't. He can't love me... And I don't love him. I don't know what to do! I can't help but feel shocked and depressed. And after I just got done saying I can't move on. I widened my eyes as his face came in my contact, and felt his breath on my face. I was tense and horrified.

My heart raced on and little scream came out of my mouth and I pushed him back. I said nothing, just anxious. His look on his face was not happy nor mad. Just confused. All I knew is that I needed to get away from him. I teared up in my eyes and covered my mouth. "Are you okay? I-I didn't mean to.. I'm sorry." I shook my head and let tears stream down my tan muzzle. "I-I am sorry.. I can't... P-please go." He nodded and trailed out of my room to the door. He opened it and closed it, relieved he didn't slam the wooden door.

What did he just do? Why would he try to kiss me when he knew I couldn't handle it?

I slid under the sheets and my whole body shook.

"Sh-Shadow.."

I felt like crap; who kisses a girl that just experienced her husband... Dying in front of her? I don't want another guy to replace Shadow! Not today, or any day! I can't believe he would even try to get near me! I mean... I can't take kissing anyone besides Shadow.. Maybe I'll calm down if I get some rest. I grab the pillow next to me and hold it tightly like it was Shadow. I feel myself growing heavy, and close my eyes.

Why was I on Space Colony ARK? Why am I here? I thought I was in my bed sound asleep.. "Hello?"

It echoed. It was freezing and dark around here. I felt myself shudder and turned around and saw Samuel. "Sam?"

He vanished in thin air, and it gave me the creeps. I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and I flipped myself around. I gasped and felt myself tear up. "Sha.. Dow?"

"Don't go near him Maria.."

"Shadow, where did you go all this time? Aren't you happy to see me? I missed you so much!" I tried to hug him.. But he turned into air. "Maria, don't go near him."

"What are you talking about Shady? Where are you? Come back!" I searched around and came to a metallic wall. "Listen okay? Don't go to him!" My face saddened and he put his hand to my face. "Who?"

"Maria, I love you."

"Shadow, where are you-"

I saw him walk away and I panicked. "Shady!" I screamed and felt myself jerk out of my slumber. I panted heavily and felt my heart. It looked like it was around 2:00 in the morning to me.

"Wahhh!" My poor baby was crying.. I got out of bed and opened the door. I picked her up slowly and cradled her. "What's wrong sweetie?" I said tiredly. I knew I was talking to a baby, but she's my only company half of the time. I felt her diaper and crunched my nose. "Oh Sarah, you stinker.." I went to change her diaper and put a new one on.

"Better?"

I sat in the rocking chair and hummed another little tune. She loved the chair, it made her sleepy easily. She stared up at me and sucked her little thumb once again. I smiled at her- she smiled back.

"There's that beautiful smile." I chuckled and kissed her forehead. "Mamamama.." She played with her voice often, which was adorable. "Shhh..."

Her eyes closed, and reopened. Then, closed again only she was asleep. I laid her in the crib and pulled the pink cover over her again. I laid back down in my bed and sniffed. Shadow, help me. I miss you so.. Much.

"Leave me alone! I have to get back to Maria! So help me once I get free you will pay!" A dark and deep voice growled in the ominous room. The other man did not speak, but chuckled loudly. "My wife is waiting for me! This is not acceptable!" The hedgehog kept grunting, struggling to get out of his chains.

"She's already falling for me. I think your child is beautiful, but sadly you cannot see her."

Shadow scoffed and looked down with an angry face. 'A girl..?'

He wanted to see his child very much, and his wife Maria. "There's no need to try to escape. I took your power rings off! See you later!"

He cursed under his breath and sighed. 'Hang on Maria, I'm not dead yet.'