Chapter 9:

Lullaby

An hour has passed and the two have not let go of each other. They just stood there in silence holding each other.

"Mirielle..." "Yes Ed...?" "Will you sing to me?"

Mirielle looked at Ed confused.

"Sing? But Ed you know I only play the flute." "Just because you play the flute doesn't mean you can't sing." "But Edwa-" "I have my sources." "Armstrong told you didn't he?" "You might say that." "Look Ed I-" "Shhhhh...Just sing...I don't care what song it is...Just sing...For me..." "Alright...for you...because you're leaving..."

Mirielle took in a deep breathe and slowly let it out then began to sing.

'Is this end

Do you have to leave

My heart can't take the pain

Nobody said I was going to do this

Nobody told me you would leave me alone

Don't say goodbye

I'm not ready for this

Please don't you leave me behind

With nothing to hold on to

Don't turn away

Stay a little longer

For me'

Mirielle pushed herself out Ed's arms and turned away.

"No...I-I can't do this..." "Mirielle..." "No Ed...Just no..." "I'm sorry..." "It's not your fault...I just...can't do it anymore..."

Ed stepped up to her and wrapped his arms around her. Mirielle whipped around and held Ed as tight as she could.

"Ed...Do you have to leave?" "I'm sorry but I can't get out of it..." "I want you to stay here...With me..." "If that was possible I'd take the chance but...I just can't..."

Mirielle gripped Ed's shirt and started to cry. Ed just held her and stroked her head.

"I know Mirielle...I know..." "It's not fair..." "Nothing ever is with my job..."

She looked up at him with tears still in her eyes. He smiled then wiped away the remaining tears and kissed her. Ed put his weight against Mirielle causing them to fall on the bed. Mirielle giggled a little bit and moved ed to her side.

"It's going to be lonely without you Ed..." "You'll get used it...Everyone does..." "But I'm not everyone..." "I know and I never said you were..."

Mirielle just sighed then began humming. Ed just held onto her as she hummed and began to fall asleep.

"The way you're huming...It's like...A baby getting a lullaby sung to him..." "And when you wake up...I'll be right here...To sing you another lullaby..."

Ed closed his eyes and went straight to sleep while Mirielle remained humming as she gently stroked his forehead.