Author's Note: #1: After what's felt like weeks, my muse decided to finally come back and make an appearance. This story came to me at 3am one morning, playing out in full color, when I sat down the next morning to type it, it was 100 words exactly. Must be kismet, right? ^_^
Author's Note #2: My partner-in-crime, comrade-in-arms...my sister, Riathe Mai; family doesn't end with blood..."Thanks" doesn't seem nearly strong enough.
ooOOoo
"Hey, it's me. It's about 10:40 today...So, come home soon, okay? I love you."
Jessica, voice mail message left on Sam's phone ~ Pilot.
ooOOoo
"I love you, too."
It emerged, a mere breath of a sob; choked, broken.
Sam clutched the phone tighter, trembling fingers once again pressing the button to play the message.
All that remained
All that he had.
He squeezed his eyes shut, tears running unhindered down his cheeks as Jessica's soft, sweet voice echoed through the darkness; embracing his soul, caressing his shattered heart.
Memories washed over him, burning as bright and fierce as the flames that had taken her. He held them close, guarded them ferociously.
He welcomed them, let them take him; envelope him, drown him, break him.