The music was soft as everything came into view. The building, the beauty, the light.

In the back of my mind, I knew what the song was, but I couldn't quite recall the name. It was a soft, somber melody that settled the land with ease, yet it allowed the spirits to dance.

My stride all but slowed as I entered the chapel, beams of light filling my eyes as my focus remained on the ceiling. Vines had found their way through the hollow points of the support, and they hugged the golden beams tightly, a breeze danced through the vines that grew from the ceiling beams, shattered pieces of stained glass laying around, but caused no harm to those who walked by.

It felt almost enchanting.

Gentle dust particles fluttered past my view as I hurried down the small walkway that firmly divided the pews. Soft, red cushioned, pews.

Though, it was the being before me that had drawn me in. He was standing there, a smile on his lips, an inviting hand reaching for mine.

His mouth opened, and the words that followed soon reach my ears, "Might I have this dance, my dear?"

"You may." I took his hand, my body shifting forward, pressing firmly into his. We spun to the walkway I had entered from, and I couldn't help but take note of how charming his smile was. 

His teeth shone like pearls, and his lips looked so soft. 

As I was led into another spin, I wrapped an arm over his shoulder, watching how the sunshine seemed to shine brighter against us. 

No one around seemed to notice; seemed to care that we danced so close. Such a somber melody seemed to come from the walls themselves. I was tugged closer, and I let my eyes rest, as I ran through the paces. Spinning, dipping, sidestepping.

Each second seemed to grow longer, but I could care less. I would spend eternities here, dancing; holding the man who danced with me closer until we truly felt like one, until we felt as if there was no more than us in this empty chapel. 

As my eyes opened again, the scenery almost seemed to shift, or perhaps we were here the whole time. A large ballroom, still and quiet, with nothing but the same somber melody echoing through, reverberating from the walls. 

Couples danced, but no one spoke. The sun shined, but the light seemed dull. Many smiled, holding close as if they had just been united, or they did awkward side-steps as if they hadn't danced a night in their life. 

So many people were in their youth here, some seeming no older than fourteen. 

The somber melody grew louder.

"It's so peaceful..." I spoke, though my words simply faded into nothing, and seemed to vanish and become part of the melody itself. Confused, I glanced up, meeting his blue eyes. 

God, how those blue eyes made me feel safe. 

Something so innocent, it seemed, yet something so open. A gateway of sorts. One to the soul.

I let a smile rest on my lips as I was led into another dip, this one seeming to lead out with the last measure of the piece. 

Finally, things had gone quiet, and I let my eyes drift shut further. 

Once I had opened them again, I stood in the chapel once more. Yet, I couldn't help but look over my shoulder as loud words were spoken by some unseen force.

"We gather here today to mourn the loss of a man many knew as non-stop. Taken from us too soon, I know he sits in the afterlife looking down on the beautiful family he's left behind. He is survived by his five sons and two daughters, as well as a widowed mistress. Hamilton might have been known for his arrogance, and his charming wits, but he was so much more. A loving father, a gentle husband, and a founder of this country. I know the good lord above is taking him in and loving him so kindly. And I know he'd want the family to move along and accomplish what he had wished to do... Everyone, please stand, and join us in prayer as we say goodbye to this man much loved...'

I stare, reaching out slightly as the voice faded away. 

I was... Gone...

Dead?

It all hit me like a train, and I soon fell to the floor, staring at the roof of the chapel. This was no dream, it was a resting place; one for all eternity. This is the afterlife I had been granted.

In the corner of my eye, I caught movement, and the somber melody soon grew louder, and louder, and louder. It drowned away my sorrows as I soon made my way to my feet. 

Staring at the stained glass, I could almost see the figures of those I once held close. Each one seemed to speak, yet each one was drowned out by the melody. I tried to move closer, but my legs seemed to be frozen in place. I tried to scream out, but nothing left my mouth. 

All was silent, yet all was loud. 

Panic was now flooding through my body, but all seemed to run still as the melody soon enough faded to stop. 

In front of me, I could see her, her face soft and tear-stained. My Betsy, my beloved wife. She was smiling and that's all I could ask for. Acceptance. 

Even though the melody returned, her voice seemed to overpower it all.

"Good night, my dearest, Alexander. Sleep well... I know when I dream, I shall dream of you. May god bless you, and may the afterlife treat you with Serenity and complete bliss. Til death does us part and til the end of times... Yours... Betsy..." 

I smiled, reaching out, hand running softly over her jawline before her figment faded. 

And still, the melody played. 

I bowed my head but soon was turned. I met his blue eyes again, and he smiled. 

"Another dance, my dear?"

"Another dance will do plenty, Mr. Laurens."