A Million Parachutes
It was the fifth of July- the day when Cagalli opened her eyes and looked at the world with a different eye…
It was also the birthday of her nephews Andrew and Athrun.
She told Kira and Lacus that the twins must celebrate on her house and the couple agreed.
It was a sunny day and the clouds are thin. No rain.
Lacus was fixing the birthday cake for the boys and Kira was setting up the table. Meanwhile, the twins were busy playing video games with their uncle Shinn.
They were expecting few guests, like Miriallia, Dearka and their nine-month old daughter Juliana. Meyrin and Luna will also be there, together with Yzak.
A reunion- minus one.
It's lunchtime and the guests have arrived.
"So, are we going to start without the mistress of the house?" Yzak said.
"She said she'll be late so I think we'd better do. The boys said they wanted to eat their cake," Kira answered.
"Shinn, aren't you going to pick her up?" Lacus asked.
"No. I know she has a lot of things to do for today. Personal stuff," Shinn said.
"Personal?" Luna was quite confused. "She's dating someone other than you?"
"That's not what he means sis," Meyrin answered. Somehow, she understood what Shinn meant.
Juliana was crying on Mir's arms.
"Hey baby, what's the matter?" Mir wiped her daughter's tears.
"Maybe she's hungry too," Dearka joked.
"Daddy, aunt said she'll buy us some gifts? I want to see them now!" Andrew complained.
"Aunt's a little busy so you'll have to wait. And don't give me that sour look Andrew," Kira warned.
On the other hand, Andrew's twin brother, Athrun remained seated and quiet.
"What's the matter Athrun? Aren't you happy it's your birthday? Mom did some nice cake for you two," Lacus said.
"Nothing mom. I just thought of …" The kid held his words.
"So let's sing the birthday song!" Dearka cheered.
Everyone sang and the twins made their wish. Then blew the candles.
There were five candles. Each stands for a year.
Five years, and more to come. Like a million parachutes, they will be spent as they fly to the heavens. They will never return.
She was driving alone towards a familiar place. The sunflower garden appeared as it did before- serene and lonely under sun. She got out of the car, holding a bouquet of white roses on the left hand, the car keys on the right.
The sun was too bright so she was wearing sunglasses.
"It's nice to see you again, I never thought you'd come."
The voice came from a fading vision of a man sitting on a granite tomb. His hair was long, like it was before, and his smile was still the same- boyish, yet deep.
She returned his smile, as if he was really there.
"Brought you some flowers," Cagalli spoke.
"Thank you," the voice answered.
Cagalli sat beside the tomb and looked at the skies.
It was a very spacious place out there- she thought.
A million parachutes will never fill it.
The soft hum of the wind echoed in her ears. She closed her eyes and dreamed about the years that passed.
The silence was comforting. She was alone, yet she was not afraid. She knew he'll always be up there, watching.
She bowed her head and whispered a silent prayer.
She looked at her watch.
Three o'clock.
"I'm late…"
A million parachutes
Of feelings unsaid
Of words unheard
Drift like the clouds
Vanish like the air
I'll watch them as they fly
From my hands to the heavens
And burn at the sun
A million parachutes
Will always be mine.
FIN