AN: Hi. Thunderstorm happening over here so all my lights went out! Not much you can do with no electricity so I'm writing another chapter on my phone. I wanted to add that Ste is not 70 years old in 2066 lol, he has already died in the previous life. It's him in the next life. But I did change the dates now on the advice from a lovely reviewer. Hope you enjoy :)

["Holding the knife with the blade against my palm, it became so clear how my life would only contain shadows now. Shadows of things gone; not just the people themselves but everything connected to them. Was this my future? Every moment, every tiny thing I saw and did and touched, weighted by loss. Every space in this house and my town and the world in general, empty in a way that could never be filled." ― Jennifer Castle, The Beginning of After]

February 14, 2095

How he managed to find himself in the valentines day card section, Steven will never know. He rummages through the generic cheesy ones and smiles to himself. Love sick teenagers would love these. One card in particular catches his eyes:

"To say that one waits a lifetime for his soulmate to come around is a paradox. People eventually get sick of waiting, take a chance on someone, and by the art of commitment become soulmates, which takes a lifetime to perfect."

Hmm that's an interesting card he says to himself as he places the card back and turns around bumping straight into a tall man behind him.

"Oh sorry mate didn't see ya there. You were standing close there too. You should watch that, some people actually like their personal space." Steven told the man as he gave him a apologetic smile and made sure he didn't knock any of the things he was carrying. Nope no butterfingers here.

"It's no bother. Was my fault really, wasn't watching where I was going. Getting something for the missus?" Asked the tall man with jet black hair.

Ste got a a strange feeling. Something was bugging him about this man. He knew he never met him before but it was like something was pulling him towards him. A magnetic force. A chill went down his spine. It felt like time had stopped.

"Erm no actually. Don't really believe in Valentines day. Just people trying to get extra money innt." It was all riddled with sadness and for some reason his mind flashes with a picture of an old dingy flat and just as fast as it came it disappeared. Steven didn't live in a flat and he sure doesn't remember ever going to a flat that looked like that.

"Guess so. But it helps somedays to know that someone still loves you."

"Maybe. But love, it ruins you. Anyway I'm running late. Sorry again for crashing into you. Have a good day mate."

The mysterious man gave him a small smile, but there was no happiness behind it. Steven smiled and walked away, never looking back.

July 2, 2095

Everything was going well. Stevens business was bringing in enough cash to support himself and still have a lot of money left over to do with what he wished. A couple years ago he opened up a small bar in the town. It took awhile to get it going and for people to start coming around to it, but eventually it was the talk of the town. The staff were great and bubbly. And the drinks, well those were the best part. He got the money from a silent partner to open it, he always wondered who it was but was assured that partner only wanted their investment returned. He never spoke to the investor and it was better that way. One day as Steven was opening up by himself the door swung open.

"Hello mate, my names Wes Jaxzon. Was wondering if there was any job openings available?"

"Umm we might have some part-time work available. Take a seat let me just finish opening up the place and I'll be with ya in a second."

"Need some help?"

Steven smiled.

November 11, 2033

Padraig stood up and walked over to the side of the pier. Breathe in. He stared across the calm blue sea. Breathe out. He stared towards the clear blue sky and began his speech.

"If I only had five minutes the day you passed away, I would have had time to tell you all the things I needed to say. I never got to tell you how much you mean to me. The last time that I talked to you I wish I would have known. I would have said I love you, and kept you on the phone. If I only had five minutes, I'd give you one last hug so tight. I'd tell you that I don't think I could live without you, not even for awhile. I'd kiss your cheek and take your hand and tell you it's okay to go. And tell you that I'll miss you, more than you'll ever know. Before you even knew it, you were standing at heavens gate. Now God has called upon you, it's time to get your wings. To leave this life behind you, and enjoy all of heavens beautiful things. So wait for me in heaven Dad, don't let me come alone. The day the angels come for me, please be there to bring me home."

He was gone. Gone but free.

Depressing? Maybe. A lot of dates? Definitely. Let me know what y'all think. Thanks.