60. Coping
For weeks after that horrible day, Len was unable to speak.
It happened so fast. Everyone knew it was coming, that because of her illness, death was inevitable. Everyone but he had already made peace with the fact that eventually, Rin was going to pass away.
Len was in the worst condition at her time of death. He was with her. She was smiling, talking, walking around with him outside their house. They had been enjoying the snow, one of Rin's favorite things.
He had only turned away for a moment.
When he looked back at her, she had fallen into the snow, that happy smile still etched on her lips. He'd ran to her side, but it was far too late.
Rin was gone.
Now, Len sits at his table listlessly. In his hands is the tear-stained, beautiful ribbon she always wore. Alone, he remembers how much a part of his life Rin was.
She wouldn't want him to mourn her forever. In fact, she'd probably be angry he was moping for so long. Rin always wanted him to smile for her.
Len knew that he'd do it, for her sake. He'd learn to cope with her death, to remember her and not cry. Just for her.
He wished that he'd been brave enough to tell her how much he loved her.
His eyes catch sight of his most cherished picture of the two of them, and he stares brokenly at her cheerful face.
God, how he misses her.
A/N: Based on 'Soundless Voice'.