Prologue
A shot through the darkness, a brutal agony in my chest, the feeling of blood running down my stomach: no exactly the best last minutes. Climbing the barricade, desperate to see his face once more, I was shot. Marius, oh Marius was the only thought my foggy brain could compose and at that moment I felt my soul take fire, giving me the last burst of determination I would ever feel. I heaved myself over the barricade almost cascading over the other side but for the hands that steadied me.
"Good God, 'Ponine have you no fear. Have you seen my beloved? Why have you come back here?"
"Took the letter like you said, I met her father at the door," I managed to get out before my legs collapsed.
"Eponine! What's wrong?"
I fell but he caught me and slid down into a sitting position. He cradled my head against his chest and it was so easy to imagine this as an embrace between lovers. My heart twisted in pain. He was not, nor shall he ever be, mine.
I heard Marius gasp, and looking up I saw his eyes looking down, down to my ragged, bloody shirt.
"Help! Please I need help!" I heard Marius shout, though it felt like I was under water for his voice seemed distant.
"Don't you fret M'sieur Marius," I breathed, "I don't feel any pain."
I felt soft beads of rain kiss my face gently. My mind was fading, and with all of was me there was left I sighed, "I love…you…Marius."
I felt my body go limp, my heart slow, and, in my mind's eye, saw the flowers grow.