Prologue

Stepping out of the Beetle and onto the freshly manicured lawn, I looked around. This is just another visit, I told myself, but my heart still ached all the same. It was always this way, and I couldn't imagine the hollow and dull feeling subsiding any time soon. Carefully clutching the fairly decent-sized leather journal, I drew in a deep breath. I carded my hand through my free hair as I stared at the small, green hill that I would have to trudge up in a few moments.

The engine to the car was silenced, and I looked back to find Matthew getting out of his car. We had woken up and had met especially early today, as it was Sunday. It was seven in the morning by the time we had finally made it up to our destination. We were visiting him today, like we always did every other Sunday for the past three years. We always ended up staying from dawn until dusk when we went to visit the man. We were prepared to stay until late this evening, as always. The tall bloke came up to me, and rested a hand on my shoulder. In his other hand, he held a small bouquet of colourful flowers that seemed to scream with life.

"Arthur," Matthew began, his hand lightly patting my shoulder a bit. I looked up at his cherub-like face. What was usually so sweet and tender, now resembled a melancholic-like state. He looked tired, as he always had seemed for the longest time now. "You ready to get going?" He asked me quietly.

I looked up at Matthew and gulped, anxious to see him. "Yes, I believe so." I held on to the journal with both hands now, glancing at the multiple grave markers that looked old and decayed. Suddenly, my hands felt sweaty, and I felt nervous. This is ridiculous, I thought to myself. It's just him.

Matthew nodded, beginning to walk ahead of me. I followed after him, my pace a bit faster than his. It was only a few minutes before I was ahead of him, my feet carrying me across the lawn, past the large slabs of stone.

It had been three years since that awful day, and my chest still ached whenever I began to thing about it. I remember what had happened the days prior to the event, and the days following after. Life had changed dramatically. Matthew hadn't liked to think about it too much, either. It just pained him too much to look back now. I understood perfectly.

I stepped in front of a humbled grave marker that still looked fairly new. Its front was glossy, and no moss had grown on it like the others. It was square and stood up to the top of my knee. When most people were asleep, or at church, worshipping their God, I was here. When they were just waking up or singing their hymns, I sat down here, letting all pent-up emotions pour out.

My hands felt ridiculously sweaty, so I wiped them on my trousers. It didn't help very much. Matthew caught up to me, and stared ahead at the stone. The air around us felt heavy, as if it were weighing down on our shoulders. We carefully sat down on the dew-covered grass in front of the grey slab. I opened the journal and inhaled deeply. Matthew listened intently, leaning over a bit. I almost did not want to begin. I knew this was like opening old wounds, so why did I bother? I hadn't the slightest clue.

"Nice to see you again," I said to the stone like it was completely normal. I glanced up at the slightly cloudy sky, noticing that they were probably going to be gone before noon. Small rays of light had shone through the clouds, gracing the ground with itself in little patches.

Matthew pulled at the grass from underneath himself, his face downcast. I bit my lip, trying to stay positive. I was not going to let myself look like a fool in front of the boy. I was the strong one.

My thumb brushed the page as I turned my head back to the cold slab of stone. This week was a special one, as I was telling him about somebody who had changed my views about life radically. This person was so important, so special to me. He felt the same way, too. The bond had never faded between us, even if said man was far away now.

With my eyes to the paper, I began to read quietly. I made sure Matthew could hear, though. This was surely going to take some time to read, but I was prepared to stay until I couldn't see in front of me to finish this. It was important for him to hear this. It was important for me to read this.

A/N:

Welcome to my first fanfic! I've had this idea floating around for a while now, and with the help of my friend, it's finally starting to move along! Reviews are welcomed. Expect this to be updated again soon~