Forever

Author's Note: My first fiction in the Shadow Hearts fandom. The idea for this came to me this afternoon and I was able to finish it right away. I know it's short, but if you like it, I'd be glad if you left some positive feedback!

Disclaimer: The characters in this story of course belong to Midway.

A japanese-style room.
Candlelight.
The scent of joss sticks in the air.

---

Alice.

I don't know if I have the right to speak to you in my heart like this anymore.

I know, it hasn't been a long time since you passed away, but for me, it feels like eternity. Never being able to see you again is the same as saying 'forever'.

I've been nothing more than a wandering spirit, who has nowhere left to go, no goal to strive for, since that day our ways parted.

Sometimes I wonder why I continue living like this. Is it because, deep inside my heart, I don't want our memories to die with me as well?

There are times I miss you so much, it's as if I could hear your voice calling my name. But every time I turn around, there's no one there. I'm all alone. Those memories I treasure so tightly inside my heart are the only things I have left now.

Alice. All I want is to be with you again. To see your smile again. To feel your warmth again.

When I look down, I see the Émigré Manuscript lying in my hands. Kato gave it to me today.

'Don't you want to see Alice again?'

There is nothing I'd rather want. But.

My mind is blank.

It is said that you should leave the bodies and souls of the ones who passed away rest in peace. That you shouldn't disturb their sleep.

There are so many questions inside my head. Would it be alright if I tried to bring you back?

But then again, it's not up to me to decide about the life of another person, is it? Do you think it would be a sin to interfere with one's destiny?

I wish you were here, Alice. I wish you could take my hands and guide me. I wish you could help me making the right decision.

Alice, I wish…

---

"Yuri? Are you alright?"
"…I'm fine, Karin."
"I just wanted to tell you, that we're ready to leave now."
"Alright. I'm coming."