Disclaimer: I don't own the Mighty Duck, Dream Theater, or Dream Theater's lyrics.
Chapter 2: 'One Last Time'
(Dwayne)
Graveyards are so quiet, so peaceful…I'd never noticed before. I didn't mean to come here, tried to stay away, in fact. But memories have pulled me back; to the last place I want to be right now. I've only been here twice, but already my feet know the way, pulling me inexorably onwards to a sight that's been stuck in my mind for days.
There he is, just like always. He'll always be there, never moving, never changing. Someone's been recently, most likely Fulton. He left flowers, but already they're wilting; lying shrivelled and fragile against their small clay vase. It's a simple vessel, plain and unglazed, but somehow elegant and just right for Adam. I stare at the sad floral display for a few moments, before turning to the fresh bunch of flowers in my arms. Kneeling, I pull gently at the dead carnations, laying them aside reverently…they were Fulton's tribute, given in sorrow and the ache of loss, they shouldn't be lightly cast aside. Carefully I separate myself from the blooms in my hands and slide them into the pot, adding a little fresh water from a bottle in my rucksack. Kneeling back, I look up at the headstone, the words still curt and sharp, not yet rounded smooth by weather.
The headstone…Fulton and I encouraged the rest of the Ducks to pool some money for it. We told them we were repaying the Banks', as a present and they gladly gave all they had. The truth was that Adam's family had forgotten entirely about it, perfectly willing to let their youngest son lie in an unmarked grave. It didn't bear thinking about. We couldn't let him be disowned like that, so we used the money to get the best we could…it's the only thing we can do for Adam now: make sure he's remembered properly.
In Loving Memory of
Adam Richard Banks
Who died aged 15
'One last time
We'll lay down today,
One last time,
Until we fade away.'
The words on the bottom were chosen by Fulton. They're the lyrics from a song…he thought they sounded appropriate. I'm inclined to agree.
"Here you go Adam." I say softly, shifting the small vase slightly. "Hope you like them…they're the last of the summer roses. They're the best I've seen in a long time." It's true, they are beautiful. Such big, sweet-smelling blooms, their petals a soft cream colour, blushed with pale pink. And yet so fragile, so delicate looking…"I saw them and thought of you."
Everything has a very surreal edge to it right now; nothing's sunk in yet. I'm sitting here, on the sun-warmed grass in the middle of a graveyard and talking to a headstone. I can't take any of this seriously…I keep expecting to see Adam step from behind the hulking, carved stone, a small, ethereal smile on his face. I'm still waiting for the laugh trickling from him in that familiar way, telling me it's all just a joke, that I should lighten up…
But somewhere inside me tells me it's never going to happen, because he's dead. One small part of me has taken stock of everything and is desperately trying to get me to face up to the truth. I went back home to try to get rid of it, but it didn't leave me for one moment, despite my efforts. I spent every day out riding, pushing my horse to his limits as I galloped him endlessly through pastures in an attempt to leave everything behind, especially the small, truthful voice. And at the end of it all, it's still there, still haunting me…there's only one way to get rid of it, but I don't want to admit that maybe Adam really is gone. He can't be, it just doesn't make sense. How could he be gone? He wouldn't just leave Fulton and me, wouldn't abandon us because of Charlie…
But that's exactly what he has done.
"I'm sorry Adam, so sorry…I should've stopped him. I was too weak…forgive me…"
Author's note: Sorry for being cheesy and using lyrics on Adam's headstone, but it seemed like a good idea at the time! Dream Theater are an amazing band, though, so if you've never heard them before, I seriously suggest you check them out. I was hooked the first time I heard their stuff!
Oh yeah, just to make extra sure I'm not done for plagiarism…the lyrics belong to Dream Theater. I don't own the band; I don't own the lyrics.