*Epilogue*

*"The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love, and be loved in return"*

I remember when Master Yoda had said that to us. I, blinded by grief, as I probably am right now, had been on the verge of destroying everything. It seems so long ago- that night… that was the last time I had lost someone.

This time I didn't have to do anything. This time…

This time a force blacker than jealousy, and stronger than love…

Took her away from me.

Now, gazing unblinking into her pyre, I know that any happiness I could have had…is dead.

She said I have so much to give, but with her gone, to whom?

To Anakin…my apprentice. Anakin, who killed in vengeance…in anger…in hate. Will I lose him, too?

He has not spoken since that day, probably in awe…or fear…of his actions. Now I see the fire reflecting in his desolate eyes, it fills the vacancy left by innocence irretrievable. He cared for her, perhaps more than I had perceived before.

But I loved- no- I *love* her, I always will love her. And she will never leave me. In the flames, I see everything that we had…

The first night she arrived at the Temple- the first time we met- the first time my eyes locked with hers…that first kiss- so sweet and spontaneous…the first time she let me take her hand to hold in mine…

The first time I had to leave her- how hard it was- she was so strong for me…

When I came back from Naboo- how she never gave up on me, even though I in my blindness tried to push her away…

Only two more weeks and it would've been our 20th anniversary…

I long for sleep, though it has yet to come to me, I know it will bring visions of her- I believe in them, I believe in the Force, I believe in her.

And above all things, I believe in love.

*The End*