At Last A Life Novels & Stories

This had once been the place where our love first took root, but time had passed, and so many things had faded that I could barely remember them anymore. Following June's final wishes, I found a grove of poplar trees and erected a nameless gravestone for her there. Back when we first arrived in the desert, I remembered June making a vow. She said she would one day cover this barren land with greenery and life. And this grove of poplars had been planted by our own hands. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but green. But I no longer had the heart to stay and admire the scenery.

And I am also ready. 'Remember what I've promised? That I'll protect you for the rest of my life? This is it, my love. This is my last chance and I won't fail this time.' I smiled bitterly at the thought. I feel like things suddenly turned slow motion. So, this is what it feels like when you're already about to die. "I love you, Maze." Gabriel said as he cried and I shook my head at him. You're not gonna die here, Gabriel. Cause you should know by now.

But now, the last person tied to my life had walked away too. When I died... There probably wouldn't even be anyone to claim my body. My tears wouldn't stop. Fine. I'd mourn myself early. *** I was feeding a bunch of stray cats when an old coworker called. She burst into tears before she even said a word. "Yara, you absolute angel, please come back, okay?" "I'm not going back." I poured food into a little bowl. The cats ate like it was the best meal of their lives, and I smiled.

And for the first time in my life, I was certain of one unshakable truth: this — this perfect, messy, wonderful life — was exactly where I was supposed to be. THE END.

The last image that accompanies me into the darkness are the soulless eyes of my killer. The last voice I hear is his; “You fought a good fight, Astrid. I believe it’s time to go…”