Chapter One: The Hardest Part
The cold of the winter air wrapped itself around me as soon as I stepped outside, chilling me to the bone. The rain fell lightly, almost as if it were snow, but I knew better than to believe that. The almost frozen drops of rain fell slowly, kissing my pink nose as they landed without a sound. The moon's light lit up the ground beneath me beautifully, giving me the liberty of viewing my surroundings perfectly before I was forced to leave them for good. Suddenly, I couldn't tell the difference between the rain and tears rolling down my cheeks.
Two strong, sturdy arms wrapped themselves around me, holding me close to the figure at my back. Instinctively, I knew it was Shayne, his comforting warmth and familiar scent soon following his embrace. I felt my heart melt at his touch, wanting him to hold me through the night, speaking soft words of care and reassurance. Though, in the back of my aching mind, I knew my time was limited, I still managed to feel secure without any doubt while we stood. Breaking the silence, Shayne rested his head lightly on my shoulder as to be closer to my ear and whispered softly. "Why don't you come inside? It's raining out here," his smooth, almost perfect voice echoed in my ear. I felt myself nod slightly, without a moment's hesitation, but I knew I couldn't. My heart begged me to remain outside; staring at the place I would no longer call my home.
Turning around to face him, my nose buried into his warm neck, I managed to mumble a quiet, "I can't go inside." I knew he would question my response, but a part of me didn't want him to. I wanted him to be there, holding me like he always did. But I also wanted to be alone. To mourn in the depths of my own mind without distraction.