A Breath of Life

A gentle wind caused the branches of the ancient elm to shudder. Wisps of light from the full moon gave subtle illumination to the courtyard behind the chapel as a final few flakes of snow fell from the sky - mute testament to the blizzard that had begun a day before.

But now, only thin ghosts of the once dark clouds remained, and they danced solemnly to the music of the moon.

It was an unusually warm night - considering the snow on the ground, and a close look revealed two figures sitting opposite each other, cross-legged on the snow.

A gust of wind ripped through the trees, and Jennifer shuddered and hugged herself. She dropped her chin to her chest and let a tear roll down her cheek. Slowly, she lifted her head and gazed into the eyes of her companion.

Jen's deep brown eyes glowed from her passion and caring - she wanted some much for him to see. She didn't want him to fade out again. Already, he seemed to be growing dim.

Another tear began to fall as Jen brought her hand up to brush her lover's face. She missed so much having him near.

Someone was running across the courtyard. Quickly, she took his hand. "I love you, my darling," came the soft utterance. The words were more heart beats than sounds. He gently kissed her cheek. "I love you too." She felt his words deep within her soul.

"Jen!" someone called. It was Michelle. So she was the one who had been running. Jen clutched Colin's hand. He returned the grasp, and then suddenly her hand fell shut and dropped to her lap.

"Jen!!" Michelle was screaming now. "What are you doing?"

Jennifer was crying now. Between sobs, four words feel from her mouth. "I love you, Colin."

Michelle put her hand on Jen's shoulder and knelt beside her. "Jen, he's gone."

"No!!" Jen cried.

"Jenni... Poor girl... It must have really hurt - I mean to have been there..."

"Uh-huh..." Jennifer sobbed.

"Are you... Do you need anything?"

"No, I'm fine. 'Chelle, he was here again..."

"Jen, don't torture..."

"He was. Don't treat me like this. I was talking to him 'til you ran out here."

"I believe you." A part of her did.

"It doesn't matter if you do or don't. But he told me tonight that if it was really what I wanted he would come back."

"Jen, please come inside.

Reluctantly, Jen stood up and let her friend walk her to her room.

The moon smiled at her as she walked in...

Jen lay quietly in her bed. A wind rattled in her window, and she looked up. Colin sat at the foot of her bed.

"Is it truly what you want?" Colin asked her.

"Yes, my love."

"You cannot tell anyone - that will be the hardest part."

"No one would care - except Michelle - and she will know..."

"Then it is done... Take my hand."

Two souls left through the window, embracing as they danced toward the moon.

Michelle woke up, startled and bathed in sweat. She had heard a voice in her dreams. "I told you he would come for me, Michelle. I knew he would!"

Michelle ran to Jen's room and woke her. Jen sat up, and for a moment, Michelle thought it had been just a dream. But then she saw Jennifer's eyes. Colin had come. Michelle ran out to the courtyard. "I believe!" she shouted.

'Chelle fell to her knees, crying tears of joy. Jen meant a lot to her, and she knew how happy Jen was when she was with Colin. Now they were together again - forever. Death did not have to part.

The first lights of dawn had fallen into the courtyard. Wind rustled as three figures embraced in a joyous hug.

Jen's body walked on without her. A few people wondered why Jen and Michelle never talked anymore - some even criticized Michelle for letting down a friend in time of need. No one else realized that Jen was no longer Jen...

So that somewhere, my people will be real-
Caring not for themselves, but for their brothers and sisters
No shell to hide behind,
But open doors to let others see,
Let there be life
And let them learn...
to live