Chapter 24: Goodbye For Now
Ruthie walked along the path, stepping over puddles and holes. She looked across around her searching for him. A sudden burst of wind brushed by her, signaling her to zip up her sweater. She slowed her pace as she came upon what she had been looking for. As she stood in front of Tristan's grave she turned back to look at Max. Max walked closer and knelt down in front of his brother's grave.
"Tristan I told you I'd tell him…" Ruthie said quietly. Max looked up at her.
"Tristan, I'm sorry I tried to forget…" Max stopped and rubbed his eyes trying not to cry. "I just…I…didn't want to accept…" Max trailed off his voice trembling. "I didn't want to accept that you were gone." Ruthie knelt down behind him. Max turned around and gave her a hug.
"It's okay Max…" Ruthie said softly. " Everything's going to be okay."
Max and Ruthie sat there for a while before they were finally able to stop. When they did, they both looked up at each other, Ruthie smile and went into her bag and pulled out a rose. She stood up and placed it down on top of his headstone. She placed her fingers on his name.
"Tristan, I love you. I wish that this year had gone differently then it had. I don't know if I regret anything… But I know that I do wish that we had both made better decisions. We were both stupid and foolish this year…" Ruthie stopped wiping away her tears, she took a deep breath. "Unfortunately… for you… your mistakes… came with a bigger price. But I want you to know… That I will always Love you and I don't think I'll ever get over you… and I know I'll never forget you…."
"I love you Tristan, I'll take good care of Emily… I PROMISE! No matter what it takes I'll make mom and dad pay attention to both Emily and I just like you wanted." Max said crying. He walked up to Tristan's headstone and hugged it. "I love you"
"Goodbye Tristan…" Ruthie placed her arm around Max. "Goodbye for now."