Chapter 9: Ending the Dream
Kaoru combed her hair out. Then she pinned it up leaving a few bangs to cover her face. She was wearing her white gown. Her wedding gown. She had planned on marrying Kenshin a long time ago, but now she knew it was impossible. I wanna die as Kenshin's bride. I know he really doesn't want to marry me, and he doesn't really care...but somehow I feel he does. Maybe it's because he does. Maybe...I'm just crazy.
Kenshin entered the room where Kaoru had been resting.
"Kaoru? Are you awake yet?" No reply came. Kenshin pushed aside the curtain that covered her bed. Kaoru wasn't there. He began to panic. He questioned the nurse, but she said she did not hear or see Kaoru leave the room. There was only one other place she would go.
I found myself on the roof again. It was raining. What a great day to die. The pin in my hair had fallen down, and my hair blew with the wind. My dress was ruined but I couldn't help but smile. I wanted to keep my promise to him. He told me that no matter what happened to keep trying, but I don't think I'm strong enough. I wish I could see Kenshin one last time. I love him so much, but he will never know it. He won't even know I'm here. He doesn't even remember me. That final thought broke her heart. She started to cry. I feel so helpless.
Kenshin was running to the roof. Faster and faster, trying to get there before it was too late. He unlatched the door to the roof. He began to climb the ladder hoping he would make it in time. Please don't let her be dead. Don't let Kaoru die. Then he remembered what he said once. I told her before that...she wasn't gonna die before me. He started rushing. Climbing the ladder two at a time. I have to see her. Just one more time is good enough. I just want her to know that...I remember...and...He could see the light at the top. He made it.
"KAORU!" Kaoru turned her head to face Kenshin. Oh, thank you, God, for letting me see him one more time. This one time was enough. Now I have a last memory with him.
"Kenshin...it's getting hard to speak, but I'm gonna try for you." The hurt showed all over his face.
"Kaoru, I need to tell you something."
"No, Kenshin. You can speak afterwards. I need you to listen while I still can speak..." Silence. "I love you. I truly do, but you've broken my heart so many times. I can't remember a time where I haven't been hurt being together with you. Kenshin Himura, you are the only person I've ever opened up my heart to. I want you to keep it in your hands. I know I'm gonna die, I heard you talking. I wanted to die...as your wife. But you can't get everything you want...I know that now. I can't help but cry...I'm going to freeze here in the rain or die of my heart problem. How come no one ever told me? I guess it doesn't matter anymore...I hate this feeling. You can't help me. I can't even help myself...This moment isn't gonna last forever, but you'll always stay in my heart. I'll keep you safe in my heart for eternity." She looked up to the sky. "Oh look, Kenshin...It's one of those rays shining through the clouds. A crepuscular ray...I think that's it. I never knew those things were so pretty." The ray shined over her. All Kenshin could do was watch. "I never knew anything could be so beautiful, Kenshin." She looked over to him and smiled. "I never knew."
"Kaoru..."
"Please don't speak, it hurts my heart. You can't stop my death." A tear slid down her face. "Can I have a dying wish?" He nodded. "Will you hold me?" He crossed the roof to her and embraced her. "Never let go." She looked up to him one last time, then her eyes closed and never opened again. I...I love you, Kenshin.
Owari...
