It hurts dying. Every cell in your body must burn out and regenerate. It hurts.
This hurt more. Her beautiful face, so unaware of the universe she will one day save so many times.
She turned toward me, her deep brown eyes gazing out worried.
" You alright mate?"
I tried to smile, "yeah."
"too much to drink?"
Her gentle smile tore me.
"something like that"
She looked curiously out at me.
"Maybe its time you went home."
I took a deep breath and tried to push the regeneration further down.
She started to walk away, dragging part of me with her.
"what's the date?" I called out one final time.
She stared at me, head tilted, through the darkness.
"1st January, 2005," she said slowly.
"thanks," I said. She turned to walk away. Another sharp pain ripped through me.
"I.. I have a feeling you are going to have a great year."
Rose turned, once again, and for the first time, I saw an odd trace of familiarity dance in her eyes.
I can't do this. I see her, the life she could have had, if only our paths had never crossed. I can't let her meet me. I can't lose her.
"Rose?"
Her eyes changed, now wide in shock.
"how do you know my name?"
"that doesn't matter, you just need to listen to me."
It's done now