Once Again

Prologue

June, 2008

I sit limply in my uncomfortable chair, listening to a speech about love and loss. I haven't slept for several nights so far, so it's not a surprise I have huge bags under my eyes. It's a dull day for Arizona; the skies are grey and rain pours down non-stop. An air of melancholy lingers, surrounding and suffocating me.

Beside me sits my mom, hanging on to my hand like her life depends on it. My dad is doing the same from the other side, apprehension etched in both of their faces.

I dutifully approach my best friend's casket, my legs shaky and my throat tied in knots. Honestly, I still don't understand what happened. One day I was playing with Dylan in the park, and the next I'm being told that he won't be around anymore. How am I supposed to live without the only person who can actually make me smile?

With unsteady hands, I place a yellow tulip onto his glossy wooden casket. After Gammy had told me their meaning, I made sure to bring one with me today.

'Hoplessly in love or happiness in one's life.'

I will always love you, Dylan Christopher Scott.

"In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen," father Michael's solemn voice interrupts my reverie as he finishes off the ceremony.

Goodbye, Dylan.