The anniversary of the barricades came. That June day was filled with memories and horror.

Grantaire stared up at the sky in disgust. It was a beautiful day, which he hated. The day should not be beautiful. It should be awful and gloomy. His friends had been dead for a year, nothing should be good. He sighed, thinking about his friends.

Éponine was out getting some food. She looked at everyone happy and frowned. One year ago, they were crying in the streets over her murdered friends. How quickly they forgot.

Enjolras sighed; astonished that it had been a year since the barricades. The last year seemed like a dream. Bits of memories flashed through his mind.

The three of them met up with Marius, Cosette, and Musichetta after they had breakfast. Musichetta, Cosette, and Éponine all hugged and linked arms as they made their way to the graveyard. Enjolras, Grantaire, and Marius walked in silences. Eight of their friends were dead, including Éponine's little brother.

The first grave they visited was Combeferre's.

Musichetta walked over to it, "Combeferre. I hardly knew you, yet Bossuet told me so much about you. He said how you were the smartest man he's ever known. You were also incredibly kind and thoughtful. You had so much going for you."

Cosette stood next to Musichetta. "I don't know you, and I'm sorry. I should have made an effort to get to know Marius's friends. I was selfish back then. But now, as I look at you who fought for other people's freedom, I realize what true human beings are. And how you guys are the true angels of this world."

Éponine hugged Cosette and sniffed loudly. "Combeferre, dear Combeferre. I've heard so much about you and I enjoyed talking to you. You were like the father of the group, teaching them about revolution while keeping an eye over them. You protected them and were a remarkable being."

Marius took a deep breath, "I know we might not have gotten off on the right foot, but I hope you forgive me. I know you disliked my badgering over Napoleon and my political views. I know how your views were so radical, but you guys never gave up. Even when the people didn't come to our aid, you still fought. You were braver than I had ever been."

Grantaire sighed, "Oh Combeferre, the times we had together. I used to annoy you so much, but not as much as Marius, since you still talked to me. Your voice was nearly as good as Enjolras's, and you had the talent he had. You really were a great co-leader. You didn't let anything stop you."

Enjolras nodded. "Combeferre you were my best friend. You were always there, figuratively and literally. You helped the revolution greatly. You were always on task, always fighting. Whenever I needed anything, you were there. You were dedicated and loyal to the cause. That was all I could ask of you."

They moved on slowly to Courfeyrac's grave.

Musichetta tried to smile, "Courfeyrac, the flirter. My first impression of you was that I better keep an eye on you. You got into trouble a lot, even though you didn't mean it. You were so good natured and would always crack jokes. One of the nicest things you've ever said about me was when you first met me. You turned to Bossuet and said how 'hey, your luck has turned around.' I was so touched by what you said. It made me feel so much better about being introduced into a group of intimidating men. Thank you so much."

Cosette brushed some hair out of her face, "You were friendly to everyone, even when they didn't deserve it. What I've been told about you is how much you brought to their group. You were special and you should have known that in your life."

Éponine closed her eyes, remembering Courfeyrac's cocky grin. "You were always looking out for Jehan. I remember how close you two were. I also remember how you sacrificed yourself just to put the National Guard in their place. They had no business insulting him and you fought for him. I hope you two are happy together in Heaven."

Marius fought back some tears. "You were my first friend here. I was a new and shy boy, and you accepted me. You brought me in and immediately took a liking to me. I'm not exactly friendship material, but you didn't care. You adopted me and really helped me. After leaving my Grandfather's no one really showed me any kindness. They laughed at me and talked behind my back. But you were just standing on the street and decided to start a conversation with a lonely boy without a home. That means so much to me. Without you, I might not have survived. I wouldn't have known to manage my time and get a job. You were there for me, and I should have always been there for you. I feel like a bad friend so many times for avoiding the meetings to see Cosette and only fighting a little bit. I didn't want to die, and I let that overshadow me. You were so focused on your goals and kept on fighting. You are a hero, Courfeyrac, simple as that."

Grantaire smiled sadly. "Courfeyrac, the flirt. I remember how you flirted with everyone single person you saw. And I mean everyone. You were always there to try to settle out the drama. And I was told that you had a hand in Éponine and Enjolras being together. Thank you, Courf. You always know the right thing to do, and you always have a hand in love problems. You always mean the best, and your plans have yet to fail. Keep an eye on every lover, Courf, they need your help," Grantaire joked weakly.

Enjolras was touched by what Grantaire had said. "Courfeyrac, you really held the group together. You were the peacekeeper. You were the friend that always lent a hand. I appreciate it ways that are impossible to say. Thank you for being a part of this group and contributing to it. You did not die in vain. The world will become a better place, and it's thanks to you as well as the other members."

Jehan's grave was dotted with flowers.

Musichetta bit her lip. "You were so sweet and gentle. I remember how you thanked me every day for no reason. Joly and Bossuet would talk about your poetry and how good it was. I asked for a poem, and I got the most wonderful poem ever. It was beautiful and I've kept it. I will keep it forever as a reminder of you."

Cosette wiped her eyes. "Marius has told me a lot about you. He said how your hair was covered in flowers. I've always wondered where you got all of those flowers. I feel as if we would have been best friends if we knew each other. But now, I'll guess we'll never know," Cosette's voice broke at the end.

Éponine shakily stepped forward. "You were the most innocent young man I have ever known. Everything about you was nice, and you loved flowers and poetry and all good things. You shouldn't have died. You were barely old enough to experience life, you shouldn't have died! You should be standing right next to us, laughing and giggling and composing poetry. You should be running in the summer air and having fun. But that's not what happened. Instead those soldiers took you and shot you! You were a hostage! And afterwards, they mocked you! Those pieces of filth!" Éponine's tears were coming down and she stepped back.

Marius put his hands behind his back. "When I first saw you, I knew you were sweet and caring. I always wondered why the revolution called to you. You had everything you need and you disapproved of violence. I never really saw what was hidden behind the flowers and giggling and happiness. Behind all of that was a soldier. A fierce soldier who showed himself at the time of your death. Someone who would sacrifice their life just for a cause. You are brave, Jehan."

Grantaire opened his mouth, "It's remarkable to find an optimistic person in these troubled times. I saw the decrease of people on the streets, and say how people are killing each other. You see the decrease and say how people are helping. You were bright and cheerful, a flame that shouldn't have been burnt out. I hope you realize just how dear in our hearts you were. It was impossible to dislike you, and coming from me, that's saying something. Farewell, Jehan, and spread hope wherever you are now."

Enjolras cleared his throat slightly, since it was becoming tighter and tighter. "Jehan, you were a boy at heart. You would have fun and get distracted. You showed us how we are all boys at heart, and we mustn't forget that. You were our grip on the child world, the world of happiness and purity. You brightened up the revolution and I am happy to have known you."

The next grave was Feuilly's.

Musichetta was holding onto Cosette and Éponine. "Well, dear Feuilly, you were very nice to me when we met. I remember how excited you were about Poland. Your fans were beautifully crafted. I secretly bought one because I thought it was the loveliest one I had ever seen. It was pink with purple trimmings. There was a purple sketch of a flower on it. I still have it, and I remember you every time I look at it."

Cosette squeezed her hand. "I heard how you were a workingman and an orphan. I'm an orphan as well. I feel so bad when I think about young boys abandoned on the street, barely making any money with the work they do. I am so glad you found Les Amis. I do not know how you found them, but they helped you. They're your friends. And, sometimes, that's all a lonely orphan needs."

Éponine squeezed her hand back. "Feuilly, I feel as if everyone forgets about you. Your story is amazing, but people overlook it. And I promise you to make sure no one forgets your story. I'll tell your story and the rest of Les Amis's story to everyone I can find. You will not be forgotten, I promise you."

Marius bit his lip. "I never really took a chance to get to know you. I feel awful about that. You were so nice and polite. You really would help people and you knew what it was like to be an orphan. The Les Amis adopted both of us. But you were really a part of them. You added your story to theirs and made their story your own. You deserve a family, and you got one with Les Amis."

Grantaire nodded. "You would always take a joke, and had a nice sense of humor. You would chat with Bahorel and me, and we would talk about various things. You have good social skills, and really talk to the people, not just lecture them."

Enjolras put his hand on Grantaire's shoulder for emotional support. "You helped us see the outside world. You would remind us what was really going on and how we really needed to hurry. You took France as your mother, and had a place in your heart just for her. You knew about the affairs of other countries. You would tell us of revolutions there. You should have traveled across the world, talking to regular, ordinary people about freedom. There was so much more we can do, but our time was cut too short."

Bahorel's grave was next.

Musichetta wiped some tears from her eyes, "Bahorel, always getting into fights and drinking to nearly a Grantaire-drunkenness level. You let words fly out of your mouth without thinking them through. But that was nice. It was nice that you never tried to sugar-coat the truth. True, you were brash at some points and could use a bit more tact, but you always knew in your heart what to do."

Cosette was crying softly. "I hope you would like me if you knew me. We have very different personalities, but we could find some common ground. We could talk about helping the poor…and the stupid rich…and how much I respect you guys. I've never tried to really change the world, but you tried and succeeded. You showed them what it means to sacrifice yourself for a cause, and to believe in something so fully that nothing else matters."

Éponine buried her face in her hands. "You saved my life. At the barricades. The debris was falling and I would have died. But you saved me. I know you did. I felt you push me away as the dust fell. And I never knew who shot at the debris to make it fall. I never got my revenge. And I wish I did. You were like a big brother to me, looking out for me as best as you could. I just wish we could have talked more."

Marius had a handkerchief out. "Honestly, you intimidated me. You were huge and tall and muscular and could have squashed me like a fly. But you were nice and didn't abuse your power, except for in fights. There was a great man behind that grin."

Grantaire was crying as well. "Bahorel, my drinking buddy. The number of times we would drink together and reminisce about the good ol' days. It was nice to have a buddy who didn't yell at me for drinking my problems and pain away. You were always there, with or without a young lady besides you. Even though I'm trying to cut back on drinking, every time I drink, I drink to you."

Enjolras put an arm around Grantaire. "You are a very good listener and have always followed me without any protests. Your dedication helped my confidence, as I saw how you followed me without question. You took the revolution seriously, which was one of the only things you actually did take seriously. You fought bravely and valiantly. I am proud to have fought beside you."

Next was Bossuet's grave.

Musichetta was crying really hard now and being hugged by Cosette and Éponine. "My Bossuet, oh my Bossuet! I wonder if you knew how much I loved you. You would always trip down the street with a small on your face. You were covered in bruises and nasty cuts, which you didn't care about. We made jokes about your luck, and you would always laugh along with us. You were one of the best men I have ever known. I was glad to be with you and Joly. You got self-conscious with your bald head, until I remarked how handsome it was. You are handsome, no matter what anybody says."

Cosette patted Musichetta on the back. "I was told of your bad luck, and of your optimism. Because of this, I admire you so much. You were constantly being put through awful situations, and you always had a smile on your face. How you could have done that, I don't know. The worst always happens to the best of people. I hope your luck is back, Bossuet, where you are now."

Éponine let Musichetta cry into her shoulder. "You were hilarious and told some of the best jokes I have ever heard. I loved the way your face lit up whenever you saw Musichetta or Joly. And I am happy that Joly was with you when you died. You deserved happiness at your final moment, and that was what you got."

Marius took a deep breath. "The very first day I met you, you managed to save my skin in school and fail yourself. Why you did that, I do not know. You sacrificed your spot in the class for me, a stranger you did not know. We became friends and I grew to like you even more. Your bad luck never tied you down. It makes me feel bad that I have good luck when you had some bad luck. Well, at least your love life was much easier to manage than mine. You deserve that happiness, something you weren't given to last."

Grantaire sighed. "I apologize for making fun of your baldness. It was not something you could help, and I honestly did not like it. But it was rude of me. I hope you didn't hold it against me. Now that I think about it, all the times we spent drunk leads me to believe you forgave me. I doubt if I do deserve your forgiveness. I'm just a cynic drunkard. You, my man, are a loveable friend."

Enjolras hugged Grantaire. "Bossuet, you were very brave. You didn't let anything stop you from your dreams. Your bad luck was just a nuisance to you. You didn't let it control you, you revolted from it. And you revolted again with us. I was glad to have you as a part of Les Amis."

Right next to Bossuet's grave was Joly's grave.

Musichetta shook as she spoke, "Joly, my wonderful dear little hypochondriac. You were so cute, talking about all the diseases you had. I remember how adorable you were when you were panicked. We always managed to calm you down. You were studying to be a doctor. You were going to save millions of lives. And you tried to. I just didn't think it'll come at the price of your life," Musichetta broke down again.

Cosette held onto Musichetta and Éponine. "Joly, the doctor. You helped heal people. You worked with the wounded on the barricade. You saved people. You should be still saving people right now. The world needs doctors like you, Joly."

Éponine closed her eyes. "Thank you for saving my life. So many doctors would have abandoned me. The bullet was still in there, and everything had looked hopeless. But you tried. You always tried. Even when the stakes are against you, you never stop trying. And that is a wonderful trait to have. Because of you, more people are living. You are determined to help, and that is one of the greatest gifts anyone can ever have. And I was happy to know someone like that."

Marius put his hands in his pockets. "My praise seems small next to theirs, but you were a great guy. I remember the time you were convinced I had pneumonia. I had said it was just a simple cold, but you forced Courfeyrac to take me home and care for me. I was secretly glad, since it could have grown to something much worse. You always know what's best for people. Your bond with Bossuet and Musichetta is very strong. You have two people who love you dearly and would do anything for you."

Grantaire took a deep breath, "Oh Jolllly, how smart and dedicated you are. Bossuet would always talk highly of you, and you meant so much to him. You were so happy and delightful. Until you thought you were sick and then panicked. But, apart from those moments, you were full of joy. And that's not easy. Well, for me it isn't."

Enjolras stared at his shoes. "Joly, you saved 'Ponine and me. You let us go to the back room, you stalled for us. You sacrificed yourself so that Bossuet would have some company and so that they wouldn't hurt Musichetta. You always thought about others, and not yourself. You put our lives before yours, and saved our lives as a result. You were brave, standing in front of the National Guard. You were ready to see Bossuet again and joke with Courfeyrac and talk with Jehan. You were so brave that day, I hope you realize that."

There was one grave left. It was a very small grave, a child's grave. This grave belonged to Gavroche.

Musichetta remembered Gavroche, the lively young boy, "You had so much going for you. You were so spirited and lively. You were smart and cunning, and really tried your best to help. You were a very remarkable young boy."

Cosette was crying silently. "I saw you in the streets a couple of times, but I doubt you would have remembered me. I was just a simple rich girl. I remember you from my time at the Thénardiers, you were just a baby. You didn't remember me. I remembered how your parents would look at you with disgust. No child should ever have to go through that! They were your parents! I hope you and 'Ponine can forgive me for saying that they're awful people. A boy like you should have grown up with a loving family."

Éponine had to find her voice to speak again. "You were just a boy. Just a boy! They shot you! Those pieces of trash shot at a little boy! You weren't doing anything wrong! You shouldn't have died! You can't have died! Please, come back, Gavroche, please come back. Courfeyrac, look out for him up there. Will you please do that for me?" Éponine was crying so hard she couldn't speak again.

Marius looked as if he was going to be sick. "Little Gavroche. Innocent Gavroche. You shouldn't have been at the barricades. You shouldn't have put yourself in danger. You shouldn't have collected the ammo. You should have gotten out of harm's way and survived. You should have survived. You should have survived."

Grantaire numbly acknowledged that Marius was done talking. "You were a wonderful little spitfire who was as brave as all of us. I'm glad you're still with Les Amis. We're all watching out for you Gavroche. We have your best interests at heart. We wanted you to have a good life in our new world we wanted to create. But some things just cannot be."

Enjolras looked into the sky, and thought of Gavroche. "I had let you be at the barricade. I never thought you would die. I never thought you would go collect some ammo. You were so young. You had barely begun your life and it was snatched away from you. My Amis, my friends. If I could bring you back, I would. We need you here on Earth, with us. We need your laughter and quiet chatter. We need you."