Digimon: The Year of Reckoning
Epilogue
Narrated by Brandon
"Friends, we are gathered here today, to honor the life of Mya Solange Johnson. It is always distressing when we see such a young person pass on. But when that person is so full of life, so congenial, and so loved by all her peers, it is one hundred times harder."
The reverend had a wonderful speech. He of course had no idea who Mya was, or what she was. No one did, save myself, Nick, JT, and Faith. But his words were so true, so perfectly spoken, it was as if he was speaking of his own daughter.
I stood there, under the bright sun, in the cemetery. A small gathering of people were standing around Mya's coffin, which would soon be lowered into the ground forever. Most of the people were just churchgoers that the reverend must have convinced to come.
I was wearing the same suit I had worn when my father had died. But I had gotten it altered due to a growth spurt. Faith was holding my hand. She stood in a simple black dress. This was very hard on her.
Nick and JT were on the opposite side of the gathering wearing similar suits. Their father, James, stood with them. He didn't know Mya, but he was very committed to his children and was always there for them.
"I know most of you never had relationships with this young lady. To be honest, I myself never did. So, to give her proper respect, I have invited those who knew her the best to share their feelings and emotions."
He stepped to the side as Faith walked towards the podium. She struggled with tears, then compiled herself, and began.
"I had known Mya only a few weeks. We were thrown into each other's lives unconventionally. But in the time I got to know her, I knew us meeting was fate. She was definitely like a sister to me. She taught me a lot, though she probably didn't even know it. She taught me that you should be able to do anything and everything for your true friends, even if it means hurting yourself. She was always there for me and her other friends and I love her for that. She was truly one of a kind."
Faith stepped down. Her speech was very professional for a twelve-year-old. I was very proud of her. JT was next.
"I too experienced the teachings of Mya Solange Johnson. For she stuck to her commitment of doing anything for her friends, with me. She gave me the best gift anyone ever has. Life. She saved my life by putting her own in jeopardy and I am eternally grateful for that. I wish she were still her today so I could repay her," he said looking up to the sky. "Mya, I know you are in heaven. Please accept my gratitude, for it is all I can give you now."
JT wiped his eyes and walked back over to his brother and father. I was surprised at his eulogy, but later found out that Nick helped him write it. Nick stepped up to the podium.
"I would like to consider Mya as one of my best friends. In the short time I had known her, she easily made a lasting impression in my heart. Knowing that I will never see her shining face again, is more pain than most of you will ever know. I would just like to apologize once more to her. Not too long ago, I was needed to look after her best friend. But my own selfishness caused this friend her life. Though Mya could not express her true devastation at the time, I knew she was crushed. Thankfully, a miracle brought this friend back to life. I believe it was Mya's loving heart. Mya, I'm sorry for the pain I put you through. Please forgive me."
I had no idea Nick still blamed himself for Catermon's short death. I thought he had accepted Mya's forgiveness and moved on. But I guess I was wrong. It was my turn now.
"This is very hard for me. Because I knew Mya like no one else did. When I first met Mya, I was in awe at her beauty and grace. But once I got to know her, I realized her true beauty was on the inside. After being in such close quarters, I developed feelings for her. We both kinda had a non-spoken relationship. Until I was put under the impression that she was dying. Then I finally told her how I felt, and vice-versa. We went on to spend many days together, in love. But on her last day on earth, when I found out that I was going to lose her, my world ended. I felt I couldn't go on. Then we shared our first kiss, and that was it. She died and I must go on without the one person I love most. But I'll do it, and her watching over me will help me. Mya, I love you."
I broke down. I was a mess. I couldn't let people see me like this. Without another word, I bolted. Running nowhere, just trying to get away. I eventually found myself back at the lake, where Mya and I had first met. Sort of. I had thought at one time, this lake had ruined my life. All the horrible times spent in the digital world.
But as I thought about it, I would have never have met Mya otherwise. True, I wouldn't have to go through this pain of losing her. But I would never have felt the love that we shared. What's that quote…. "It's better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved before." I truly appreciated that now.
I just sat there, watching the water ripple. I could have been there for hours or minutes, time wasn't really comprehendible. After a while, Nick, JT, and Faith joined me. Mya had been buried. The funeral was over. It was all over. We all just sat in silence, thinking about how much we had been through in the past few weeks. A lifetime's worth.
I looked to the side and saw Mya. Her beautiful smiling face staring into my eyes.
"The funeral was beautiful. So were the eulogies. Thank you so much for everything. I love you, Brandon."
I couldn't believe my eyes. Mya was sitting right there talking to me! I turned to the others, but they were just staring out at the ocean. When I looked back, she was gone.
"I wish Mya could have been here with us," Nick said.
I thought about what he said, and what I had just seen. Mya may have been gone in body, but her spirit would always remain. My mind went back to that fateful day Mya was taken away from me. Back to the words she had said.
"Brandon…oh, this is so hard. Um, I guess there's only one thing for me to say. I love you. You've saved my life countless times, and you have been so sweet to me, and I love you for that. I will always be in your heart."
A smile filled my face. It was the first smile that had graced my face in the last twenty-four hours. I looked at Nick and he looked at me quizzically.
"She is."