I just want to take this chance to say thank you for sticking with Silver and Blaze (and me) to the very end. Thank you for making my first, full length story so special. I hope to keep getting better, but until then, enjoy this epilogue.

-Silverflames16

P.S.-The "poem" is part of the chorus from the Aly & AJ song, Never Far Behind

(Many years later; 3rd person POV)

The light outside at it's very peak of the day. And in the Sterling Light jewelry shop, and elderly hedgehog was hard at work on a pair of wedding bands, his final order of the week. He looked at his watch, and it showed him that it was time for his lunch break. There was something special about this one though, it was that day of the month, that he would take an extra long break for something important. His son was meeting him as well.

Silver couldn't have been more proud of his son Sterling. He had his father's powers (psychokinesis) and metallic silver fur. But he had his mother's eyes, and that always put a smile on Silver's face.

So, replacing the rings that he was working on back into their original box, putting his wedding band and coat back on, and locking up his shop, Silver set off to the park to meet his son.

The streets were rather busy on the final day of the work week, but this was no surprise, caravans of trade goods had been flooding in from Epistria ever since King Faust and his wife, Lucidia took the throne of Epistria, and they reopened the trade routes between Epistria and Firenze.

He cut through the crowds of people and made his way into the park. In years past, he would have just flown over the top of the crowd, but he was far to old and could barely use his psychokinesis on small, household items.

As he walked through the park, he took note of all the young couples. It reminded him of Blaze and himself when they were young. Every chance they got they were stealing kisses or sweet talking or draped over one another in their arms. But that had long passed, and in recent years, it was more hand holding and simpler displays of affection. It wasn't that they were any less in love, they had just lost that youthful energy.

As he walked along, he noticed that the lilacs were in full bloom. He picked a couple and continued on his way. Near the center of the park, a middle aged cat, with metallic-silver fur was sitting and waiting. He caught sight of his father, Silver, approaching. He stood up and waved to get his father's attention. His father waved back and walked towards his son.

"Hi Dad." His son said with a smile.

Silver replied, "I'm glad you could make it." And gave his son a hug.

His son, Sterling, responded, "I wouldn't miss it for anything. I know how much it means to you."

Silver put a hand on Sterling's shoulder, "Thank you for coming with me."

Sterling replied, "Of course. Jennifer and the kids send their love."

Silver smiled and said, "Shall we?" His son only nodded. The father and son then continued walking through the park, exchanging small talk. With Sterling living so far away, it wasn't often that they got to see each other. However, their conversation ceased as they approached a large pair of iron gates that were open only ajar. They stooped at the entrance, and Sterling let out a sigh.

Silver once again placed his hand on his son's shoulder and said, "I know, it's hard, but it gets easier. Sterling nodded and they continued through the gates. They crossed the threshold from park to cemetery.

The beautiful, blooming flowers were replaced by headstones and there were no more birds chirping. Silver took the lead through the cemetery, since it was Sterling's first time back to the cemetery since the funeral, a year ago. They walked the rows in silence: Sterling unsure of what to say, Silver not wanting to say anything, not yet. After a couple minutes, they finally reached her headstone.

Blaze the Cat

Beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother

To My Husband Silver,

Remember that poem you wrote for me, I guess you were right

I will always be your friend

I know who you are inside

And I'll be with you 'till the end

Never far behind

They stood there in silence for a moment until Silver took some initiative, nudging his son foreword, and giving him a lilac. Sterling knelt down by his mother's grave for a moment. Then he muttered something inaudible and placed the flower on her grave. He then stood back up and wiped his eyes.

Silver then traded places with his son and got down on both his knees. A couple tears formed in his eyes as he spoke, "It's only been a year, but it feels like a lifetime. I've been doing alright, but it gets a little harder each day. I know it won't be too long now. My doctor is worried about my heart and I already know that I don't have much time left."

He paused for a moment to wipe some tears from his eyes.

He then continued, "I still try and keep in touch with the kids, but they just seem to get busier and busier. They do right by their kids, just like we raised them. And their as happy as we were. You know, looking back, their were a lot of pains with my life, but if I could go back and change them, I wouldn't. My life was better left to chance, and while I could have missed all the pain..."

He paused. With his hands on his knees, it felt like someone's hands were on top of his. It felt so soft and soothing...so familiar. He got a smile on his face, "...I would have had to miss all the great times we had. And the memories I have would be worthless."

He then took the lilac and placed a small kiss on it.

He then set it on the grave and whispered, "I'll see you soon." He then stood up and he and his son left together, each with a smile on their faces.