I remember the first time I saw you.

You were walking towards me, the sun radiant on your face. I remember seeing the kindness and the beauty of your smile. I remember seeing you and thinking, "I have found forever…my forever,". I remember feeling things I have never felt before. At that moment, I felt so lonely suddenly, that everything I had was worth nothing compared to you. My heart, for the first time, was beating audibly…incessant and needy.

It was odd and yet it made sense.

At that moment I knew I loved you.

And that I always will.

The first time you held my hand, I felt warmth spread throughout me and something inside me knew that that was where I belong. The first time we kissed, I never wanted to stop. The first time we made love, I knew I never wanted to see another sunrise without you.

The world is chaotic and troublesome and cruel but you made it seem so easy. I don't know what I had or how I survived without you, but somehow the gods were kind enough to let me live through that and start a much more meaningful and sensible life with you.

I've written so many beautiful music but none could compare to the music my heart makes whenever you look at me or call my name, or whisper sweet nothings or whenever we make love. If I close my eyes now, I know I'll still hear your voice.

I can still feel your warm hands on mine. I can hear the steady beating of your heart. I can still see your smile.

You gave me love and a life worth living. And I will use these gifts as long as my heart beats. I will continue living because I do not want to waste this beautiful life you have given me. I want to continue to make you proud to call me yours.

It was yesterday, half a lifetime ago, that I swore my undying love and you gave me yours. I hold true to that promise as I know you do.

This is not goodbye, my love.

This is "See you later".

…

84 yr. old Himemiya Chikane folded the piece of paper she read from neatly and placed it under a small headstone. The headstone was under a huge tree in the middle of the rose garden. She slowly, gracefully sat beneath the tree and leaned her head on the tree trunk.

She was smiling, her eyes closed, as the tears began to fall.