A/N: And here is the final chapter! It's been a pleasure writing this story. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. Thank you for all your support. I will post another chapter to show the sequence of this story and some other notes.
Don't forget to review and give me your thoughts.
Final Chapter: Precious Moments
He smelled of greenery, of fresh open fields, of the sun, of warmth, and of safety. Being in his arms had always made her feel at ease, caging her with feelings that nearly sent her to tears because she was so, so happy.
She had lived a monotonous life before he came to her life – alone, lonely, and isolated. Her life had been filled with hues of whites and blacks – bleak and mundane. But the moment he walked in – with his warm, long fingers wrapped around hers and bright smile cast her way – her world began to change, began to bloom and fill with colours.
She knew then that she was no longer alone, that she had him on her side.
"You are my most precious person."
And he would give her that breathy chuckle of his, fingers slightly tightening around hers as he placed a fond kiss on her forehead.
She wished to protect him and remain by his side forever because every moment and time she spent with him was precious.
"I love you."
He smiled, wiping the tears that had fallen from her eyes.
"I love you, too."
She wakes up at the insistent tugging on her hand. Slowly, she leaves the realm of dreams, blinking blearily as she adjusts her sight to her surroundings. She feels the tugging again, followed by a soft voice.
"Mama."
She blinks again, shifting slightly to see the face of a child staring at her. His red eyes stare at her own red ones, blinking and pouting as she remains unresponsive.
"Mama, wake up." After this command, he tugs her hand again, more insistently now that she is finally conscious. She lets out a soft laugh, pushing herself up with her hands. She feels the soft texture of the grass, tickling her slightly. There is a soft breeze the passes by, caressing her skin and making her hair whirl with the movement.
"Ah, did I fall asleep?" She asks, more to herself.
She feels him lie down on her lap and she automatically brushes her fingers through his dark hair, a habit she never seems to have gotten rid of even now.
"Yes! Everyone already left home and I'm hungry," he tells her in a petulant manner.
"Is that so? Then I'm sorry," she murmurs, placing a kiss on his cheek. "What would you like for dinner?"
He pauses to think, humming as he swings his feet back and forth from behind him. After much thinking, perhaps finally having come to a decision, his face lights up and grins at her.
"Hamburgers!" He tells her with a toothy smile.
She covers her mouth as she laughs, wondering if perhaps this is her due to her influence.
"Of course. Shall we go ahead and go to the grocery shop to buy the ingredients?"
"Mmkay!"
Quickly, he is on his feet, already climbing up the slope leading back to the road. She watches him, taking her time to stand up as she watches the setting sun. A sad smile forms on her lips as the view before her reminds her of the past, during those times she spent hanging out here with him.
"I'll be fine," she whispers, closing her eyes. "We'll be fine."
She looks at her child when he calls out to her again and she apologizes with a smile, climbing up the slope to meet his awaiting hand.
"Can we go buy ice cream, too?"
"Hmm, only if you're well-behaved."
"I'm always well-behaved!"
Their clasped hands swing as they walk, chatting happily as they talk about what flavour to get. From behind them, a translucent form watches them, a fond and warm smile playing on his lips.
"I'm glad."
She stops to look back, hearing a familiar voice. Her child stops, too, sending her a curious look.
"Mama?" He calls.
She sees nothing but the empty road and riverbank, no sign of human life. A small smile forms on her lips and she resumes their walk.
"Nothing."
The band around her left ring finger glistened as the sun shone on it, the ruby red gem glittering under the sunlight.
I will watch over you, waiting until you are by my side once again.
Until then, my most precious love,
Please be happy.
End.
