took her hand gently into mine. Soft, small, delicate, her skin seemed to glow with only what true beauty can give out. She had jet-black hair with little highlights of golden brown, and her eyes were a beautiful hazel gold. Her lips were full, and looked soft to the touch. It made me want to kiss her so badly, but not yet. I promised her that I'd wait, to wait until she gets back from wherever she's going. I circled my thumb on the back of her hand over and over again. She liked it when I did this, said that it calmed her down. It became a habit of mine, just like staring at her whenever I think she's not looking. It sounds creepy, yes, but you would too if you just really see her.

I smiled at her softly, whispering, "God, you're so beautiful." Apparently she heard me, because her head turned to face me, and I got a sniff of her perfume.

Strawberries. Her favorite.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" she laughed, smiling at me like it was the first time she saw me.

"Like what?"

"Like you just saw a ghost."

I bring her hand to my lips slowly, pressing it against them. Soft. "A very beautiful ghost she is," I replied, which earned me a playful push on the shoulder.

She let go of my hand as an announcement boomed over the intercom.

All passengers for the ten o'clock flight, please proceed to Wing B. All passengers for the ten o'clock flight, please proceed to Wing B.

Her eyes traveled down from my eyes to her hands that were now gently rested on her lap. I put an arm around her and she rested her head on my shoulder. I looked at her face. Usually bright and happy with a smile, she had tears in her eyes and a frown on her lips. I kiss the top of her head, sighing.

"You have to go," I whispered quietly.

"I don't want to go," she whispered back.

"I don't either, but you have to."

She sighed softly, nodding. She wiped her eyes with her hands and put on a smile. I knew it was fake, but it had to do. I shouldn't make things harder. I never should have come but I did, because I love her.

"You'll be back, right?" I said, trying to break the silence.

"I will."

"And I'll be here, waiting for you until you come back."

"Yes."

The intercom boomed again, asking for all the passengers to board the plane.

She stood up and grabbed her bags, taking a deep breath. Without turning around, she said to me, "I hope I see you in that same spot when I come back."

A smile danced across my lips. I nodded, but I didn't answer. I didn't trust my voice. She took a step forward, and another, and another, until she entered the door and disappeared on the other side.

My smile faded, and my head instantly retreated to my hands.

"You'll never come back, will you?"