Author's note: This is the third to last chapter, so everything is about to wrap up. The next one won't be until after the weekend because I'm going on vacation. So, I'm thinking it will be posted Monday or Tuesday.
The Choice
Chap. 8 Love Again?
Henry's funeral took place the next week. Afterwards, Rika stepped outside the church and walked to the park nearby.
She passed the bench where she had sat the day her and Henry had shared their feelings for each other. Tears welled up and she ran away. She ended up at the playground and sat on a swing.
Why?...Why'd he have to go?...
She wept as her hands covered her face.
"Rika?"
She didn't look up, but spoke, "…Go away, Ryo."
He didn't listen and sat on the swing next to her.
"…You ok?"
Rika's face was revealed, streaked in tears, "What do you think?"
"Don't worry. The pain will go away eventually."
"No, it won't…"
"Look, Rika, I'm just trying to help."
"I…I know…..It's just," she looked up at him, "…I really want him back."
"We all do," moisture began to trickle down Ryo's cheek, "…We all do," his head was bowed down, "…I know I do…"
Rika tried to stop her tears from falling, then stood up. She reached her hand out to him, "C'mon."
She helped him up and they hugged each other tight.
Rika whispered, "Let's head home," and they walked back to the church.
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Rika lay in bed at night, not able to fall asleep.
Henry...she looked out her window, I miss you…
She turned over and closed her eyes…..
"Rika…"
Her eyes flew open. She knew that voice.
"…Rika?"
She sat up and looked over at the door.
"…Henry? Is it-"
"Yes, it's me…..but…"
Rika frowned, "I'm just dreaming, right?"
Henry nodded.
"But, how?" she asked, "…You're standing here in front of me…"
"But, Rika…"
"You're right there…" tears formed in Rika's eyes, "Why?"
"Because I'm always with you."
"How?"
"In your heart…"
Rika smiled through the pain, "But, what now? What do I do with the rest of my life?"
"Only one person can answer that."
"…Who?"
"Rika…there is someone else who cares about you…"
Rika's tears then stopped falling as she saw Henry's image begin to fade away.
He whispered, "Just like I do….."
With that, he was gone, and Rika felt a shiver go down her spine.
…Could it be?...Could it be him?...
Author's note: Will Rika love again? Is Ryo "the one"? Who knows? The next chapter is called…..Wait! I can't say or else you'll know what happens next, so…yeah, I'll talk later :)