Prompt Name: Flicker of Life
Written By: Jadsmama
Pairing/Main Character(s): Bella/Edward
Rating: T
Photo prompts can be viewed here: http:/photobucket(dot)com/snippetysnippets
Thanks to Jessypt for beta'ing, but especially for her wisdom and advice.
Many thanks to Tanglingshadows for pre-reading and to my partner in crime Ladysharkey1 for her continuous support and encouragement of everything I do.
"Have I told you lately how thankful I am for you?" Edward whispers in my ear as his arms snake around my waist, pulling me into his embrace.
"About a million times today alone," I answer back, keeping my tone as soft as his.
The day has been spent in support of finding a cure for cancer, walking and showing our confidence in researchers to discover a way to stop the cycle of people losing their lives to such a devastating disease.
As the darkness of the night falls around us, the atmosphere changes. People's voices soften as I watch their bodies gravitate towards one another for support. Hugs and kisses surround us, and memories of loved one's stories are shared amongst strangers, uniting us all in a common cause.
"I'm serious when I say I wouldn't have made it without you. You're our family's strength. We are the ones that wouldn't have survived…" His voice trails off, and I can hear the fear that's been lying dormant resurface as if he's reliving those dreadful days all over again.
Several years ago during a routine exam, my doctor discovered a lump in my breast. I thought nothing would come of it, but I was wrong. Within a week, I learned I had stage two Breast Cancer.
Edward had taken the news harder than anyone, including me. His anguish tortured me, and I wanted nothing more than to take his pain away. His fear of losing me gave me even more determination to win my battle. I refused to let myself give up because of my husband and our children. They were my strength, my reason to live another day.
I intertwine my fingers with his as they rest on my stomach, holding me tightly against him. I know he needs reassurance that I'm here… that I'm okay. I have been in remission now for the past two years, but the fear of knowing it can return is something our family battles with often.
"You can't get rid of me that easily," I say with a chuckle, hoping to lighten his mood.
"I don't expect anything else! My Bella Cullen is the kind of woman who doesn't go down without a fight," he states with enthusiasm, before softening his tone once again, "It's what I admire the most about you."
I turn in his arms so I can wrap mine around him, wanting to feel his love engulfing me. I need the same reassurances from time to time just like he does. He always seems to sense when I allow myself to have a weak moment.
We stand silently, watching the candles inside the Mason jars flicker softly as they light the brick wall along our path. It's powerful to look around and see so many others standing in a similar trance-like state, staring at the flicking lights and reflecting on their loved ones' lives.
I couldn't help but think about how such a small candle could have many different functions and different effects on people's lives. One person may use it to illuminate a room, so they can see their surroundings. Others could use it to set a romantic ambiance for lovers. Fragrant candles are always great to give as gifts.
However, the one in front of us has its own purpose. It represents a life, my life, and the promise that every day will be amazing just because I have the privilege to live to see it flickering with life.
I wrote this drabble loosely based off of my own experience partaking in a Rely for Life event. The illumination ceremony at dusk is a beautiful sight to see and is a memory I'll always cherish.
Thanks for taking the time to read and sharing your thoughts!
Jadsmama
