…Part 25: Yura Kamatte…

He was dying, and there was nothing I the doctors could do to help him. His heart was failing miserably, and the disease was slowly beginning to spread through his body – most likely through the blood the sick heart was pumping through his veins. It was like poison – that was the only explanation I had for such a predicament.

I had been an artist ever since I was a child, and I had created a few fantastic pieces since then. I would say that it was in my blood from somewhere, but I wouldn't know because I hardly ever saw my parents or talked to them. I had been raised by my grandparents ever since I was very little, because my parents traveled – a lot. Their lives were travel, and I wouldn't doubt that they forgot about me from time to often time.

So, as I always managed to do in a time of emotional turmoil, I created. My favorite medium to work with had always been crystal – don't ask how I found all the equipment to do so. I faceted a life-size heart, about the size of my dying fiancé's fist. It glimmered beautifully in the sunlight, or moonlight; basically in whatever small light seemed to be around. The crystal I had worked it from was a soft, translucent pink color.

Metals were also something I enjoyed. I was a unique artist, in a time where paintings and sculptures had their reign over the inspiration of others. Metal and crystal was harder to work with, and I enjoyed the absorbed state I would have to be in to do my work right. It kept my mind off of other things…

"Yura, come here…" He called softly, trying not to let the hoarseness of his voice come through in his speech.

I sat on the edge of his bed, taking his hand in mine. "What is it?"

"I don't… think I have much longer…"

I shook my head in denial, though I knew what he was telling me was probably the truth. "No – you'll be fine; you'll see," I argued confidently. "I'm making this for you." I showed him my artwork. It was finally complete after… well, actually I'd lost track of the time.

He sighed. "Yura…"

"Wait – I haven't explained it yet. Please believe that it will work. I know it sounds impossible, but if you believe in its potential, I think –" I tried, but he interrupted me.

"Yura, love, please let me go in peace." He had a sad note in his voice.

"But… it's The Heart – your heart. I think –"

"Yura."

I lowered my gaze. Had I been too hopeful? The Heart looked as if it had a small fire glowing inside of it – it looked almost red now, rather than its usual pale pink.

What…?



It throbbed once, and my eyes widened. "It's living, though…" I insisted, my voice filling with pain. This was his only option left for life, and he was rejecting it – it looked rejected. Actually, it looked angry. "Shhh…" I rubbed my thumb over it while I held it, and turned back to my fiancé. "Please see reason."

"I am being reasonable," he coughed. "That is a crystal, not an organ, love. It won't replace what cannot be replaced."

Tears welled up in my eyes and slowly streaked down my face. "Okay," I gave in – even though I knew that, in fact, my premonitions were not crazy, as many people would think. I couldn't make him want to live. If someone does not have the will to keep on living, it is evident that they will not, and he was convinced.

"I love you," he told me, smiling weakly. He twined his fingers with mine, and I kissed him softly.

"I love you, too."

He died later that night.