• The day has finally come no and matter how much I think about it I still can’t believe it has been a year since his death. The fact that I have moved past this so quickly only seems like I am betraying him. Somewhere in my heart I know this isn’t true. Aiden was not the type of person who would wish for me to cry my life away over him and Nathan has been so understanding. He is even taking me to his grave for the first time since the funeral. I can’t help but to wonder what they would think of each other. I feel as if they would have been friends had they ever had the chance.

    I watch the barren trees flicker past the window as I finger the large golden locket that hangs around my neck. Inside of the locket is the last picture we took together as well as the ring he never had a chance to give me. In my left hand I clench the scribbled on scrap of paper I had found with the ring. I remove my eyes from the scenery and stare blankly at my dirty sneakers. I can’t help but wonder where we would be now if it were not for the accident. I could see us living together in a quaint little house always full of friends, happiness and most of all love.

    Nathan pulls the car to a stop just a short walk from the grave site reaches to the backseat and picks up the flowers we brought to leave at the grave. He then walks around to my side of the car and opens the door for me. We walk slowly hand in hand toward the grave my heart beating more rapidly every step I take. When we reach the grave he places the flowers in front of the stone and backs away leaving me alone.

    Without anyone to steady me my knees give way. For a few minuets all I can do is stare quietly at the ground till I gain the courage to look up at his tomb stone. It reads Aiden Lee October 15, 1986 – November 9, 2009. My trembling fingers open the note after much work and lay it down on the ground in front of me. Then I reach back to clumsily open the clasp keeping the locket around my neck. I hold it in my hand for a moment examining the delicate swirling pattern etched into the surface before opening it and removing the ring. I place both on the frostbitten earth in front of me and read the words he had written allowed.

    I know we have only been together a short time
    But, I’m ready to make this last a lifetime.
    Haley, I love you
    I hope that one day you will love me as much as I love you.
    Will You Marry Me?

    “You were wrong” I half heatedly laugh, “ there is no way you could have loved me as much as I love you” Not knowing exactly what to do I sat there as if waiting for him to reply. I replace the locket and ring around my neck and gently refold the note.

    “I would have said yes” I whispered barley audible even to my own ears. It’s silly he knew my answer there was no need to say it. I guess I just needed to make it final.
    Nathan arrived behind me placing his gentle hand on my shoulder. I look up at him only to see his usually bright face darkened by worry. He helps me to my feet and asks if I am ready to leave. I lean into him for support as we walk back towards the car. A sudden breeze brushes and I hear his laugh. I turn for one last look before we leave.

    Something must be wrong. There is no way this could be real. I see him standing there playful smile messy boyish hair and all leaning against the tree beside his grave. With out thinking I break away and run back to him stopping at the foot of his grave.
    “I love you” I call out desperate for this to be real. He looks at me still smiling so brightly that autumn twilight turns as bright as a summer day. The figure steps forward and place a hand to my cheek. I wish for the moment to last forever.

    Instead he says, “I know” and disappears in a gust of wind. I drop the note from my hand and spin around trying to find where he had gone. I knew he was gone but I could not help hoping. Suddenly the tears I had been holding back all day began to spill over. By the time I made it back to the car I was sobbing uncontrollably. Nathan stayed silent as I got in and pulled my knees to my chest. We remained like that the car ride home.