A/N: Well guys, here we are, at the end. This has been such an amazing journey for me. I never expected to get as many reviews/faves as I did, and I am eternally grateful for all who read my story. This was the first full-length fan fic I ever did, and I am so encouraged by the positive feedback. You have no idea how much it means to me!

I wanted to give a special shout-out to TheWonderfulShoe, who, as far as I know, left a review for every chapter. Thank you so very much! I was thrilled at the prospect of having such a loyal reader. :)

And just for the heck of it guys, why not check out the song Hospital Flowers by Owl City and get a feel for what inspired this story? Just a suggestion, if you feel so inclined!

Again, thank you so much, to everyone!

~Epilogue~

Jimmy walked slowly down the sidewalk, eyeing the sights about him with a curious air. He let out a small puff of breath, watching it turn into a white cloud as soon as it hit the icy air. He shoved his hands in his pockets and continued his trek. He slowed when he passed a familiar-looking gate and felt a misplaced sense of compassion at the FOR SALE sign hanging in the window. The place hadn't even lasted a year. He shook his head then, wondering why those particular thoughts were even crossing his mind. Gently, he placed his hand on the gate's handle and took a moment to re-live the moments from the last time he had stood here. A quiet sigh escaped his lips and he pulled himself away, walking onwards. He didn't have far to go now.

Several moments later, he was at his destination, studying the street signs and the few people who had decided to venture out into the cold evening. He found it somewhat amazing how different a place could look, all depending on your perspective. It was all about a time and a place, and this was one instance in his life he was happy was over.

He closed his eyes and the scene played out before him yet again. That darned accident. It would be hard to forget, but he knew the passage of time would dull the memory. But being here, right now, was to supposed to serve only one purpose, and that purpose was closure. He had not set foot in this particular part of town since his release from the hospital five months ago, and he had not been too eager to return. He was glad he had come to the point where he realized how ridiculous that was. Being here now...it didn't seem like such a big deal.

Someone suddenly approached from behind, and wrapped a cold hand around his own. "How're you doing?" a soft voice whispered. He turned and smiled, squeezing the hand resting so perfectly in his own.

"Just fine," he responded, and Cindy gave a grin in return. They both turned and took in the scene in silence, pondering their own private thoughts. So much had changed since the last time they were here; they were as close with the same old gang, neither one holding any grudges. They had started middle school together with happy and forgiving hearts, taking on the new adventure together. And though it came as just a bit of a surprise to everyone that Cindy and Jimmy were officially "together," everyone was quick to accept it with thoughts of, It's about time! Life was good again.

From above, gentle snowflakes started to fall: a rare occurrence that neither of the children had seen in their lifetime in Retroville, and one that that would not happen again until their last year of high school. Jimmy closed his eyes, relishing the feeling of the tiny white flakes melting on his face. Cindy watched, transfixed at his tranquil expression, and it made her appreciate even more the fact that she was standing beside him. Life could certainly throw some curve balls, but she had learned that it was how you dealt with it that made you into the person you would become - good, or bad. Life was a treasure neither she, nor the boy beside her, would ever take for granted again.

"Okay," Jimmy suddenly said. He squeezed her hand, but kept his eyes on the wet street. "Let's go home." She nodded, and the two turned in unison with each other, away from the memories of a boiling summer day that had altered the course of their lives forever. It was an interesting paradox, considering how they would both rather forget the horrors - yet without it, life as they knew it would not exist. The thought drew her closer to him, and she had no idea he had the same thoughts swimming in his own massive mind.

The lights slowly faded as night overtook the small town. The figures on the streets soon disappeared into the warmth and comfort of their homes, and a few twinkling stars popped into the black sky. Life continued on, as it always did...a bittersweet series of events full of thrills, heartbreak, routine, and the choices that can only result in one possible outcome.

And for two certain kids who lived across the street from each other, it was a lesson they would never forget.

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."

FINIS.


Btdubs, that quote is from Mae West. Thanks again for reading. Hope to see you soon!