The woman threw her arms around Trowa's head in an enthusiastic hug. He let her embrace him for a few seconds, then looked to the security guards beside him, signaling them to take action. Stepping forward, the man dressed in a simple uniform, radios cracking with a voice on the other side every once in a while, patted the womans shoulder.
"Mame. You're not allowed to do that. Please let go of him mame. Mame."
Wiping the tears of joy from her eyes, she released the suffocating boy and stepped back, waiting behind the white line on the ground infront of the large wooden table. Today was the third day of the Annual Book Convention, this year held on the first three levels of the Museum of Modern Art in Galla city. The convention was international and moved to a different location each year. The place would be chosen to accentuate the best selling novel written by the writer of the year. The honoured novelist would be available for book signing throughout the entire duration of the convention. And for the third time in three consecutive years, Trowa Barton has been chosen as Writer of the Year.
His works found no limit or set genre. Ranging from Sci Fi to adventure romance, fantasy, mystery and even horror, Mr. Barton would capture the crowd in his colourful world and amaze them with his flairs and quirks.
Closing the book in his hands and handing it back to the woman, he gave her a slight nod and waved for the next person in line to come over. With a big smile on his face, the man straigtened his hair and clothes, then hustled towards the desk where Trowa had been sitting for over three hours.
"Mr. Barton. I just wanted to say that eventhough I really don't like sappy chick stuff, this book had me and my girlfriend totally bawling by the end. I can't tell you how much I love your work."
"Un."
Not so much as looking up at the man, Trowa opened the hard white cover of his book 'Eternal Lake' and signed his name, complete with a thank you message. The man eagarly took the autographed book back and hurried off to show his lady waiting at the line exit. Tiredly, the writer waved the next person over, whispering to the guards in the process that this would be the last one because he needed a break.
Stepping outside of the museum, he lifted his arms up to the sky in a well deserved stretch. He wished he had made a stamp of his name, like many of his friends did. That way he didn't have to write it over and over until he was ready to go insane. Reaching into his pocket, Trowa pulled out a cigarette and lit it up as he walked towards the lake that was situated behind the museum.
"Well if it isn't Mr. Popular."
Turning around, he watched as two young men strolled (one hopped), towards him. Both had lovely blue to almost purplish eyes and varying shades of brown hair. Trowa himself had deep brown hair, their only difference being his emerald green eyes. Many book critiques and media press called them the 'three musketeers' because they were always together, plus they were the only 19 year olds to establish themselves in the literary world.
"Good afternoon to you too Duo. And please. Parden my popularity as it is not something I asked for."
Said boy stopped in his tracks, long braid smacking his back in the sudden hault, and scrunched his nose.
"Touchy touchy. Maybe somebody should get a stamp like the rest of us. Right Heero?"
The other boy rolled his eyes quickly and took a spot beside the edge of the lake with his friends. Gazing out into the vast expanse of water, he crossed his arms before his toned chest, exposed due to the three undone bottons at the top of his shirt.
"Beautiful isn't it?"
"Ha...?"
Turning also to the lake, Trowa put out his cigarette, crossed his arms and took a deep breath while Duo placed his hands on his hips, annoyed at being ignored. But eventually, the tranquility of the winds laughing through the rustling leaves caught his attention, and the three boys stood dazed by the waterside in silence.
"Hard to believe that a year ago you almost drowned in there T."
"Hm."
"What were you doing here anyways?"
".........."
The three slipped back into a long silence, each remembering the events of a time long passed. Trowa had never told Heero nor Duo of what actually took place on this very lake one year ago while they were vacationing. The two had found him one night floating face-down in the water. Of course, they had immediately jumped in and rescued him, bringing him to the hospital where he stayed for 2 weeks in recovery. Nomally, simple drowinng didn't need so long a time to recooperate but the boy had been a total mess.
When Trowa woke up in the hospital, he had sprung out of bed and rushed around the entire complex completely disoriented. He kept mumbling to the gods not to let this happen and calling out someone's name whom they couldn't recognize. When he seemed to realize just who and where he was, Trowa mentally shut himself down. The doctors couldn't do anything but restrain him. He wouldn't eat or sleep, and whenever he was left unattended, he would attempt to go back to the lake and drown himself again. Duo and Heero were worried sick. While their friend had always been quite reserved and somewhat anti-social, they knew for a fact that he wasn't depressed or suicidal. At times they had wondered if he was lonely. He never really had any kind of romantic relationship, his aloof attitude scaring away any potential girlfriends. They had thought perhaps they were going at it the wrong way and tried introducing him to some fine young men but he paid no attention to them either. Nobody seemed to be able to spark his attention in any way.
The two have always been amazed that Trowa was able to write stories with romantic undertones eventhough he never had a significant relationship himself. Being writers themselves, they knew how much of their work reflected their own interest. Heero wrote sci fi, while Duo wrote horror and fantasy works. Their style was modern and fresh, full of excitement and sometimes unorthodox relationships as some of the critiques would call it. Both would always include some hints of romance between members of the same sex in their works. It had caught some bad media attention a few years back, the press forcing an explanation of their own sexual orientation. The two had surprised the world by saying very loudly infront of millions that "We're queer, we're here, now deal with it!" , then sharing an intimate kiss before the camera.
Heero waiting patiently, watching Trowa who continued to look out into the lake with sadness in his eyes. Duo decided to stay quiet, knowing the intentions of the man beside him were not just random musings. When the tall boy with fashionably styled hair swepted before his green eyes did not answer, he continued, not to be denied an explanation this time around.
"What ever it is that happened out here, you won't surprise us. I...we are your friends and hope to share whatever burden hangs on your shoulders."
"You would never believe me."
"Try us buddy. You'll be surprised."
Closing his eyes, as if pained by the rememberance, Trowa reached into his pocket and pulled out a simple necklace. It was a simple black string with a charm hanging from it. The two moved closer, trying to get a good look at the little piece of metal. A single letter 'Q' in ancient gothic lettering accented by a light blue crystal in the little swirl that made the tail hung from the string.
"Hey that's nice man. Very delicate looking."
"Does this have something to do with you consistantly trying to drown yourself last year?"
Trowa didn't answer but tied the necklace around his neck instead. He motioned for the others to sit down on the grass then settled down on the soft ground himself.
"Thee who hath the same wish as I, the door shall open for them. If thou hast the courage to lose all ye possesses, then speak that which must be, and thy wish shalt be granted."
Gazing at the charm fondly, he lifted it to his lips and kissed the metal lightly.
"I wanted to see.....that person."
We had come to the city of Galla in search of some rest and relaxation. At least that was what I was searching for plus maybe a little inspiration for a new book. Galla was a beautiful city with white stone buildings much like that of Greece but the architecture resembled more to that of medival Britain. Fountains with angel pouring spouts and colourful street vendors littered the cobble stone road. It was a beautiful city, a perfect setting for some whimsical romance. The only problem was, everyone kept looking at the three of us, limiting my joy and comfort. But that was mostly due to the hormone stricken rabbits threatening to copulate beside me.
"Will you two give it a rest!?"
Separating for a few seconds of air, my friends looked at me sheepishly. I really couldn't blame these two. Their relationship wasn't condoned by most people, not to mention the general public in our home town. Galla is one of those few places on earth where all types of relationships were considered 'normal' be it same sex, same family, or mixed race. Weird to some, but heaven for these two. It wasn't every day that they got to make out in public but as open as Galla was, people just didn't start stripping in the streets.
"Sorry T. Heat of the moment."
I glared at them as they rearranged their disheveled clothes. I was happy for Duo and Heero, really but still I hated the fact that I couldn't stop and look at anything without them getting fresh.
"Get a room."
"We will don't worry."
Oh I was worried. Heero had drunken quite a few old fashions on our first class flight over here. If only he was a sleepy drunk, but no. Heero only loosened his inhibitions when under the influence which meant good news for Duo and bad news for anybody within viewing distance.
I sighed a little, not wanting to be more expressive than I had to. Quickening my pace, I hurried along the streets until I could see the roof tops of the ancient gothic building. Merilynne's. The oldest 'inn' in the city even though the building was the size of a small castle. History says this belonged to a Maid Merilynne. She was the love interest of the Prince Faylor when this land was part of the country Neira. She was once a peasant girl who was raised by her brother. He had owned a small popular inn while he was alive and she wanted to continue the legacy after his death.
"Heh. Want to check out the dungeon?"
"For crying out loud, no more alcohol for you Heero. And you too Duo. Don't even try to sneak anything."
Those two had the strangest fetishes. I wouldn't be surprised to find kinky things in their luggage. One of the reasons I chose never to do so. Glad that I could finally leave these two to some privacy, I raced up the steps carrying my light but large bag.
Merilynne's was absolutely gorgeous. Ivy climbed the old stone walls of the outside in beautiful intricate patterns. Not like some other buildings where it seemed the plant was going to engulf the entire structure. The inside was more modernized having been renovated to suit modern tastes. New curtains that were a velvety red hung in the huge windows and miniature plants were put everywhere making it nice and cozy. The old chandeliers and candle holders were altered to fit electric lightbulbs. Nonetheless, most of the place still held it's medieval grandure and I intended to absorb every bit to it's fullest.
The other two lovebirds had finally flocked their way inside the building, eager not so much to view the architecture, but to get a thorough examination of their double room.
"Hi! Reservations for Maxwell and Yuy for the honeymoon suite please!"
"Uh.....we didn't..."
"SHH!"
They probably didn't see me roll my eyes at them. It was quite an amusing scene to watch. Heero kept trying to say that they never reserved the suite while Duo kept shushig him. The desk clerk simply smiled and did his job, probably having seen every type of tourist by now. Surprisingly, after asking if the two lovebirds were on their honeymoon, at which point Duo happily declared yes eventhough it was a lie, the clerk gave them the room as a 'wedding gift' to the new couple. The two were over joyed and rushed out of there like there was no tomorrow. I on the other hand, went about at a much more leisurely pace.
"Reservations for a T. Barton please."
The man typed my name and info into the computer and very quickly produced some keys and a security card for the door. I thanked him with a nod and a small smile, then grabbed my bags. It was fun walking up the large stair case that somewhat resembled the great house Captain Butler had built for his beloved Scarlet. My mind was already drifting, quickly forming new stories of action and adventure, love and romance in my head. Sometimes I think I'm a workaholic. Shaking the images out of my head, I looked for the room with my number and hauled my things inside.
My room was a medium sized deluxe bedroom so the pamphlet called it. A large bed with a canopy on top, a wonderful view and a nice large desk with matching large comfy chair where I could work if inspired. I huffed to myself at the thought. I've only been here for several minutes and I was thinking of work already. I really am a workaholic.
I unpacked swiftly, not having much to take out. Just some clothes, my laptop which found a place on that nice big desk, and an alarm clock. Now that settling in was done, I strolled over to the large bay window to see just how great the view was. And I was not dissappointed. High up in the air, I could see far out into the city all the way to the Museum of Modern Arts. That's a place we, better make that I, planned to visit sometime soon. A mass of crystal blue caught my attention and I leaned out the window to have a better look. It turned out to be a lake located behind the museum. It's smooth surface reflected the blue of the sky, almost like some greater being that spilt a big puddle of paint into the canvas that was Galla.
Smiling lightly, I contemplated whether or not to actually disturb my probably mating friends. Scratch that. No need to ask. They are busy. Thus, I grabbed my jacket, camera, wallet, and headed out to town.
The city was bursting with energy. It's local population is a minority compaired to the many tourists so everyone was friendly and eagar to help the lost. I scanned the town, taking note of the energetic vendors, the street performers, and little bistros where I could have coffee and cake later on. The place was wonderful as an escape and I was sure I could get all the rejuvenation I needed. But first thing's first. Site seeing.
Arming my camera with a roll of 24, I headed for the closest thing. The fountain in the middle of the town square. I snapped the ornate statues, little angels fluttering around a central figure in the middle. At first I thought it would be Venus or something along those lines, but surprisingly it was a statue of a young boy. Short hair and light clothes blowing in the wind, he held out both hand with flowers that flew from his fingers. The boy had the softest expression, eyes closed like he was feeling the breeze. After staring at it for a moment, I snapped pictures of that too, making sure to get all the angles.
Next up was the street of glass where venders sold strange pots and figurines. Some stores had windows to the fire room for people to watch them blow the blobs of silicon into delicate vases. After that, I decided to check out that wonderous lake by the museum that I spotted from my room. It would surely be relaxing there, not that I wasn't relaxed at the moment. However, the stresses of travel did have it's tol on me and I could use a little one on one with nature.
It was a very long walk over to the Museum of Modern Arts. Mental note to self. Make sure to go to the museum first the next day to preserve energy. Once I got there, it was completely worth the effort. There was nobody else in sight and I had the magnificant scenery all to myself. Immediately I snapped some pictures, trying to capture the moment, the feeling that I got the moment I stepped to the lake's edge. Absolutely breathtaking.
Not satisfied with just standing there, I decided to take a stroll along it's shore, keeping my eyes on the still waters. My feet moved on their own accord, tracing the shoreline, taking me 360 degrees around the place. I don't know how long I walked but it was amazing. It was like I totally lost myself in the stillness. However, at times like this, no matter what the story, something has to break the perfection and something very stupid broke mine. A branch.
"Woah!"
I stumbled and fell with a smack on to the grassy floor. It didn't hurt that much but I felt like a total dumbass. Good thing there wasn't anyone around. Getting to my hands and knees, I shook my head to clear it and tested my limbs for injury. Everything looked like it was in place. Rotating my wrist, I looked around me. The scenery changes with height and the lake looked a little different on my knees compared to my feet. Some whiteness in the sea of green caught my attention suddenly and I crept forward, spreading the blades to reveal a large stone plaque . There was an inscription on it in old gothic lettering. Interest peaking, I brushed off the weeds and dirt from it's surface and ran my fingers along the engravings.
"Thee who hath the same wishes as I.....the door shall open for hem (?) no them. If thou hast.....the courage (?) to lose all pe..no ye pos.....sesses, then speak that which must be......and thy wish...shalt be granted."
This was surely interesting. I felt like one of the characters in my adventure novels. I read the inscription again, silently this time, trying to make heads or tails of what it meant. I sat there for god knows how long trying to think of what it may be, but my mind drew a blank and I sat dazed like an idiot. When my stomach growled, I knew it was time to give up for the day, so grabbed my camera and snapped pictures of the stone. I could always come back tomorrow.
I closed the curtains and surrounded myself in darkness and silence. It was the only way I could sleep. Thank goodness the walls and doors were thick, blocking out the noise of the hallway. My consciousness drifted and I departed for dream land, my body gaining wait and feeling dissipating.
I could have sworn I was asleep, and probably was, but some sound kept pulling at my mind. It was the sound of water. Trickling, moving like someone was dipping their feet into it. I couldn't see anything; my eyes were heavier than lead but somehow my mind conjured up the vision of creamy white skin on thin toned legs. My mind must have been on imaginative over drive for it then created clothing, slowly being deposited on an invisible floor behind the legs. Then, the legs moved towards me, carrying the body with it. The legs soon dissappeared in the water and became thighs. I mentally turned away so not to look at the person's private parts and somehow, the image vanished for a second. It came back, this time being a toned flat stomach framed by equally creamy white arms. Then, the person stopped and turned as if feeling that someone, namely me, was watching them. A little while later, the person, eventhough all I could see was their torso, continued moving through the water which ripped in sparkling white diamond rings around the submerging body.
The figure suddenly jumped and all I could see was a big splash then little feet dissappear into the darkness. My view of the water moved back, as if I was a camera panning away from the scene. A soft melody filled my mind, lightly singing a song I couldn't recognize. A golden light suddenly appeared in the rippling darkness and my vision slowly panned in again. It was the head of the person, the golden light relecting off his shiny blond hair. I tried to see the face but to no avail. I got images of the boy's lips, moving as he sang. I saw visions of his hair, glistening with water. I saw a delicate shoulders and a long slender neck. But never could I see the person in entirety. Still, the boy looked familiar and my mind started drifting to faces I've seen before. I was on the verge or recognizing when the figure suddenly tensed and turned.
"Who's there!?"
*************************
My eyes flashed open. Disoriented I looked around me. I was in my room, in my bed, comfortably lying under the covers. I blinked a couple of times.
That had surely been a weird dream.
~Next day~
I didn't eat dinner but was able to meet up with Heero and Duo the next day at breakfast. We ate in the great dining hall of Merilynnes, great not because it was so spectacular, but because it was literally the great dining hall of the castle.
"So how was yesterday for you?"
It took quite a bit of self control for me to refrain from mocking my friends' first night. I swallowed the scrambled eggs in my mouth and took a drink of OJ before replying.
"It was good. Inspiring sites. Very relaxing."
"Any recommendations?"
"Not for making out."
Okay so maybe I don't have as much self control as I deem myself to have. But it was just too easy to poke at them. They both narrowed their eyes at me, obviously not impressed and continued eating. We parted after breakfast, the two of them going off to god knows where. But quite frankly I'd rather not be where ever they were going. Instead I went into town again, checking out the gifts shops, places with strange trinkets and clothes, then sat down to rest at Aunt Mede's again. The same waitress served me infact. Some middle aged woman who was just a complete sweet heart. She gave me a table on the patio where I could watch the travelers on the street. It also gave me a great view of the statue I took pictures of the day before.
As I sat and sipped my coffee, my eyes stayed glued to the stone figure. Sophia, the waitress must have been watching me for she came over to refill my cup with a light laugh.
"He's wonderful isn't he?"
"Hm? The statue? Yes it's quite beautiful. So natural looking."
The woman smiled and put down more cream and honey. I didn't like using sugar.
"Do you know the story behind it? It's quite popular around here."
I looked back at her expectantly and she laughed again and set the pot down on the empty table beside her.
"Legend has it, that the boy was Merilynne's brother. Beautiful those siblings were. I don't remember the boy's name exactly, but he was loved by everyone in the old country Neira. Nice boy he was. Then one day, he disappeared never to be seen again. The place was devastated by the loss but his sister was surprisingly happy. She said that he'd gone to a better place, to find the person he loved most. The people made this monument to remember the sweety."
I turned back to the statue. I could imagine how nice this boy must have been. Not so much by appearance but because of some strange feeling that was almost an understanding. I thanked her for the story and left a generous tip. Perhaps this city had many more legends such as this and I wanted to hear all of them. My search proved fruitless though. It seems that was the only legend they had and everything else was boring stuff you could find in a history text book. Disappointed and tired from the day's journey I returned to the inn for some much needed rest.
I stretched my arms and back, plus everything else I could think of, trying to get the feelings back in my body. My neck ached from lthe position I froze in during the hours before and I twisted and cracked it loosening the joints. And as the sound of clacking died from the room, a new sound invaded my ears. Soft singing. Not just any singing, the same as in my dream.
I strained my ears, trying to figure out where it was coming from. Normally my impecable hearing would lead me to the source right away but this was strange. The voice didn't seem to come from anywhere. It came from everywhere. It didn't dissipate when I moved around, or even when I covered my ears.
"I'm going insane."
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and cleared my mind. The singing stopped. I breathed a sigh of relief and decided to take it easy from now on. Heck if I didn't, I might end up hearing Elvis next. Thinking that it would be better if I got some fresh air, I grabbed my keys and went out for a walk.
**************************
The cool night breeze did a lot to ease my senses. Closing my eyes, I let the wind gently brush my face. It felt so good; almost like somebody was caressing my skin. I continued walking mindlessly, focusing solely on the sensations caused by nature. But soon, my mind started registering unexplainable phenomenon. Or more precisely, my imagination started taking over again. The wind that was caressing my face before seems to have moved up, lightly stroking the hair out of my eyes. I furrowed my brows and stopped moving. It wasn't my imagination. Someone was definately stroking my hair with slender fingers. My eyes flashed open. There was no one in sight and the feelings stopped. Taking a few deep breaths to calm my shaken nerves, I closed my eyes again, slowly.
I stood there frozen in place. All sound stopped around me, as if time was frozen itself. I don't know how long I was standing there, but eventually, the feeling of soft hands gently stroking my hair resumed. I thought I must be imagining things, but the sensations were too real. On top of that, there was no longer any wind. At least not where I was standing. My clothes stayed perfectly still, my hair the only thing moving on my body. I pushed down the panic rising in my veins and forced myself to concentrate. Yes, there was definately the rustling of leaves in a distance. Perhaps there was wind but not enought to move my clothes. But that doesn't explain the strange whispers that I thought I was hearing now. It was someone calling out to me. Calling my name. Summoning me. But there was no voice. No words. Just that I knew someone was calling out to me in the rustling.
The ghostly fingers again, moved from my hair to gently stroke my cheek. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I reached out blindly, not daring to open my eyes. Swinging my arms in a wide arc, I searched for some form of life infront of me. And then, I felt it. My hands touched something soft and silky. My fingers moved, feeling the softness, tracing the surface of whatever it was I was touching. It took a while, but eventually I realised what it was my hands were tracing upon. A shoulder, the small of a back, a forearm. It was a person, very delicate and very soft. I wanted for all the world to open my eyes, but something warned me not to. The figure, now enclosed in my arms seemed to be floating somehow. It moved closer to me, eventhough I didn't know how I knew. There was no heat radiating from the body nor coldness of any sort. It was just....there. And yet it wasn't there.
"This is too complicated."
The realization of what the hell I was doing finally registered in my brain and I surprised even myself. If anyone was watching me at the moment, they must be thinking how much of a kook I am. And yet, I didn't really care. A part of me wanted to continue this meeting with the apparition. At least that is what I believe it was. And I did as my heart told me. My hands drifted on their own accord to embrace the figure closely, intimately. As if it was the ghost of my lover. Strange since never in my life have I had one. But I let that pass. The apparition responded just as well, wrapping ghostly arms about my neck. It turned slightly, moving it's lips to my ear. Again there was a message without words or voice. A simple command that my body yearned to obey.
Go to the lake.
************************
Funny, that sounded very familiar.
The moon wavered and jiggled in the moving water and in my haze, I actually found that amusing. I moved around more just to make the moon dance faster and was soon hopping around like a crazed lunatic. No pun intended. And then I heard it.
The sound of trickling water.
I froze in position, my arms up infront of me ready for attack. The water continued trickling like wind blowing through chimes. I held my breath, straining my ears to hear some sign of life. All there was was the light howling of the wind in the air. After a prolonged period of time, my body started to relax a little, my arms falling back to rest by my side. I let out the breath I was holding and closed my eyes, chiding myself for being an idiot. When I opened them, my heart stopped.
Above the reflection of the moon, was a translucent figure. Dressed in flowing white robes of a different period a boy stood in the air, about a foot above the water. He stood sideways to me, eyes gazing into some far off distance. I stood with my mouth agape, my mind at a total lost. Reality drifted away when the apparition closed it's eyes, and began singing.
It was that same song again. The one I kept hearing in my head, in my dreams. A beautiful and sad melody, full of loneliness and sorrow. The wind started blowing once more, gently tossing his shiny blonde hair that glistened in the moonlight. Slowly he swung his arms out in a wide arc, holding them out before him as if lifting an offering to the gods. I blinked when I saw a small bundle of flowers, woven between those slender fingers. The petels were blowing away, flying past the figure like colourful confetti. The scene was absolutely breathtaking. Unimaginable even to me. I stood in awe and continued listening, watching with stunned silence, and then, realization hit me like a ton of bricks.
"The statue....."
I shifted a little in the water causing a ripple to disfigure the moon. The apparition stopped singing as the first wave distored the image. I bit my lip as he turned and looked at me. Crystal blue eyes, as clear as the first time I laid eyes on this lake, gazed at me questioningly. I gazed back with pain seeping into my eyes. I didn't know why but the sight of the boy hurt more than it frightened me. It was like somebody attached strings to either side of my heart was pulling it apart with increasing speed. My hand reached out unconsciously to the figure before me as if it would offer some salvation from the sorrow threatening to rip me apart. Looking at my outstretched hand, the boy floated towards me. He stopped just out of reaching distance and looked deep into my eyes.
"Why are you here?"
I don't know. I wish I knew. I wish I knew why it felt like I've been waiting all my life to come here. To experience this moment. To see this person.
"Why are you here?"
Perhaps that was the answer. There has always been something missing from my life. I knew there was. I just didn't know what. I tried and did many things trying to fill that void. I did sports, played games, found friends, dated, wrote books. Nothing seemed to fill the empty hole that I tried so hard to cover with my life. And now, I feel like this was what I've been wanting to do. What I've been waiting to do. The reason why nothing else ever mattered.
I wanted to see ....this person.
The city had called to me. The castle, the bistro, the fountain, the lake. All so that it would lead to this moment. Looking back into those crystal blue eyes, I found my voice and reached out again.
"I came to see you."
Tentatively, I lowered my hands and slowly opened my eyes. I was in the air, floating above the water over the moon like the apparition had done so before. I blinked the water from my eyes and scanned the surroundings. The museum was gone but I was definately at the same lake. A little gasp alerted me to someone standing knee deep in the water before me. My mind registered blonde hair, blue eyes, and white clothing. But before it could make a connection with anything, the world began dimming and fading into haziness. I know I heard a voice, the same sweet voice asking me,
"Why are you here?"
I felt my body falling. I could hear water splashing then bubble as I sank into the icy coolness. My body felt numb and heavy as lead as I sank. Deeper and deeper. But in my mind, all I knew was that I had answered him before falling to my ultimate demise.
"I came to see you."
