Unforgettable
Certain people come into your life and leave a mark that cannot be erased.
Not by trauma, not by denial, not by sadness, not even by time. They are etched into your heart forever, scars that you come to treasure no matter how painful the wound once was.
Twelve was the biggest scar of her past. He was the kind of person whose presence lingered long after they had left you and no matter what, you could not forget each and every single one of their traits, traits that had made them special and unique to you.
It had been his spontaneity: The way he had stormed into her life, all smiles and laughter and mischief.
It had been his joking nature: The way he teased her and made her heart jump to her throat with each childish prank he pulled.
It had been the warmth in his eyes: The way it was a perfect counterpart to the iciness of Nine's stare. The way he saw beauty in everything, even her.
It had been his wide range of emotions: The way his lips and eyes worked together to convey arrogance, happiness, worry, reassurance, love. No one could put so much meaning behind a facial expression the way he did.
It had been his unique sense of wonder: The way he could detonate a bomb without a second thought, but having a normal day at school made him euphoric.
It had been his confidence: The way he carried himself, unconcerned with the way others might see or judge him.
It had been his healing touch: The way his arms had wrapped around her whenever she jumped into them. Making her feel safe, comforted, valued.
It had been his voice: The manner in which it turned soft and caring when he addressed her. That change of tone that made her name sound anything but mundane.
It had been his fearlessness: The way he made a stance for what he believed to be right. Challenging the path presented to him, taking a leap of faith.
It had been his humanity: The way he had managed to hold onto the one thing that the people at the institution had repeatedly attempted to strip him of and made it an essential part of who he was.
It had been his unconditional love: The way he had torn himself in two to help her and Nine. How he had willingly risked his life for the both of them, asking for nothing in return.
It had been his smile: Bright as the sun on a hot summer day.
Lisa smiled to herself, standing up with great effort. Her muscles protested after the long walk and the brief moment of rest they had gotten in return.
Far too many summers had passed since the day she had met the two boys, her body had withered with time but she had promised to keep visiting until her legs could no longer carry her,and that was a promise she didn't plan on breaking.
She placed a gentle hand on Nine's grave for a moment before leaning over to press a kiss against the wooden plank belonging to Twelve.
Nine had asked that they were remembered.
Twelve had made sure that they couldn't possibly be forgotten.
