Beyond Birthday and I became rather compatible friends. He never tells me about his family, although I wonder what they are like. Everyday while my Aunt Lily take naps, I sneak out with a chocolate bar and jar of strawberry jam for Beyond. Apparently, he never has them at his house.

It is summer, and it is hot out. I don't mind the heat, so I always where my usual oversized white long sleeved teeshirt and jeans. I get funny looks at my direction for this.

"Thanks, L." Beyond smiles as I give him the jam. He opens it with his teeth.

"Your teeth are going to be loose. Be careful." I warn him. Beyond just gives me a smirk.

We are in the same alleyway, in the same cardboard pile, in the same street.

"Don't worry about my teeth." he laughs, his red eyes twinkling. I've never shown it, but I am frightened of those eyes. Those red eyes, usually symbolizing evil. Beyond stops laughing. He stares at the space above my head. "L, are you ..unhealthy?"

I was bewildered, and slightly insulted. "I am not unhealthy." I lie. "Is there a reason why you're asking me that?"

Beyond shakes his head. "L, will you keep a secret for me?"

I pause. Could I? Of course I can. "Of course."

Beyond looks around him, wary of anyone who may be listening to our conversation. "I have weird eyes." he says. "I-I see things."

I cock my head to the side. "Exactly what kind of things?"

"Whenever I see someone, I can see their name and lifespan floating above my head." Beyond whispers, licking the jam. "I-I can see yours..."

A horrible feeling in my stomach appears. "If you could see my name, why didn't you say so in the beginning?" I ask.

"I didn't want to scare you." Beyond blinked back tears. "I wanted you to be my friend."

"Well..how long am I going to live?" I ask, curious.

Beyond gives me a long stare. "I'm going to tell you the truth. You have...20 years left. That's why I asked you if you were unhealthy."

I stare back. Only twenty years? What's going to happen to me? Am I going to die from a disease? Am I going to get hit by some vehicle?

Am I going to be murdered?

"Relax" Beyond says, staring into his jar. "It's possible you can extend the time, I believe." He makes a small grin.

"What do you mean by that?" I ask, slightly nervous.

"Oh, nothing."

I hear a familiar scream coming from the streets. I turn around, wondering who it was. People are whispering and wailing.

"Horrible!"

"What happened?"

"Call an ambulance!"

Without hesitation, I run to where the commotion was located. There, on the ground, was Aunt Lily, gasping for breath, clutching her heart. She looks at me and Beyond with fear. Raising an index finger to point at him, she fails.

This is the death of my last family member. I am now alone, once again.