Mark Cohen didn't slow down despite his age. He was 77 years old, and still went out to film the city every single day. Benny remained a prominent businessman until his retirement.
"You going out today?" he asked Mark one morning. Mark nodded.
"Yeah, for a little while," he replied as she pulled his jacket on. He wrapped his ancient scarf around his neck, and grabbed his camera. "I might stop at the store, do you want anything?"
"We need milk," Benny replied.
"Okay, I'll try to remember." Benny waved as his roommate left the loft to face the bitter January air.
Benny returned to the book he was reading. He was 79 years old, but the long years in Bohemia made him tough. He liked living with Mark, but he missed how they used to live. They two of them, Maureen, Roger, Collins, and April all living together. Those were what the two remaining Bohemians referred to as the beginning of the Golden Days.
Mark walked down the street, his sharp eye looking for a new focus for his film. Suddenly, he stopped. He couldn't breath. He put his hand over his heart, and took several deep breaths.
"Are you okay?" a young man that appeared to be on his way to college asked Mark. Mark nodded, it probably wasn't anything. If things got any worse in the next week or so, he'd go down to the free clinic. Mark was about to continue walking, but when he tried to take another step, he collapsed.
"Quick, someone call 911!" the college student yelled before he got down on the ground next to Mark, and searched for a pulse. When he didn't find one, he began to perform CPR.
Benny was so wrapped up in his book that he didn't see a simple white envelope appear on the coffee table in front of him. Only when he got up to get a glass of water did he notice it. His name was written across it in Mark's neat handwriting. Benny's hands shook terribly as he picked up the envelope, and opened it. He knew all too well what this meant; another letter to add to the shoebox with everyone else's, along with a collection of assorted pictures of his past. He was…all alone.
Dear Benny, sorry to leave you all alone, man. I guess you'll have to find someone else to bug about the rent. Don't forget all the lessons we've taught you over the years (when you weren't mad at us!). forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No day but today. Oh, and most importantly, viva la vie bohemé! We'll all be waiting to see you again. Mark.
Mark slowly opened his eyes. The golden sunlight streamed thought the windows. A hand appeared to help him to his feet. When Mark took the hand, he realized that his hand wasn't worn and wrinkled anymore; it was fresh and young. Mark felt himself being pulled to his feet, and he got a good look at who had helped him to his feet. He was finally there.
A/N: Please check out "He's Gone" and "Off-Camera" (link on my profile). "He's Gone" is new, and it's about Jonathan's death. Thanks! Much love, and there will be a short prequel to this story after I finish "He's Gone" about April and Angel. Thanks to Laurel Ducky for the title ideas!
Tina101