On the day of the funeral...

I stood with the other guests, a sea of foreign faces , all clad in black with matching umbrellas, the clear night sky was replaced with dark, lowering foreboding clouds that poured with rain, complementing the atmosphere, along with the sound of raindrops in the background. 

As Mrs miller's coffin was lowered into the ground, each of us took a moment to throw a flower in her memory. 

As soon as it was my turn, I took a deep breath and stepped forward , the bouquet of lilies i bought for her when visiting her in the hospital in my trembling hands. 

"Mrs Miller, " I whispered to the closed coffin. "Thank you for being kind to me from day one, for never judging me for my looks. I just wish you could live longer, to hold your hand and experience your kindness again. You truly are an angel in a world filled with superficial demons. I'll miss you. Rest in peace. " 

With that, my hands swung the bouquet into the air, watching the lilies as they joined the others, as they cascaded down , burying themselves into the earth above the resting place. 

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After the ceremony....

As soon as the crowd dispersed, a lone figure stuck out from behind a pillar, scanning to ensure the coast was clear. 

"Perfect." I thought when I was greeted by the sight of only gravestones, before stepping out, making my way to a double grave: the first saying: Aloysius Miller. Beloved husband and father, covered in vines and crawling with insects, and the second, "Amira miller, beloved angel sent from heaven", without a crack or scratch, not a pinch of dust- Mrs Miller's new grave, just beside her husband's who passed away years ago. 

As I lay on the now wet grass, tears welled up in my brown eyes. Flowing down my acned cheeks and staining the lenses of my glasses. 

"Why, Mrs Miller?" I muttered. "Why did you have to go? Why did you leave me in a world that judges me for my looks, instead of my talents, and most importantly, my heart?" 

At that moment, I felt an overwhelming urge to find the nearest body of water and submerge myself fully until the warmth within me faded into the cold. 

"Promise me you'll stay strong and work towards your dreams..." Mrs Miller's voice, filled with warmth, came into my head, along with her last words: " just remember, don't let their words or actions bring you down ." 

The memories were let sunlight shining in my world of endless rain. "I'll stay strong and prove this world wrong, Mrs Miller. I won't let you down, I promise. " I muttered before leaving. 

By the time I was near home, the clouds had already parted, revealing the clear night sky once more. As soon as it came into my view, I was greeted with the sounds of laughter. 

"Catch!" 

I turned to see Diamond and dad playing beach volleyball in the swimming pool, while mom sat on the side watching with an entertained smile. 

"You're getting really good at this sweetie!" Dad praised, as his fist placed together directed the ball back to Diamond, before they stopped and went to the side of the pool for a break. 

"Do you remember the stories I told you about my days as a jock when I was your age?" He asked Diamond. 

"Yeah? What about them?" Diamond asked, her blue eyes sparkling like the lights in the swimming pool. 

"I wasn't just good in basketball and American football, I also excelled in beach volleyball. We'd often play at the beach or the pool, setting a net and going it all out. Those were the best times, just me and my guy friends , showing off our skills and having a blast!" 

I wanted to roll my eyes at this predictable banter. He and mom have been reciting stories of their 'glory' days in high school since our highschool crowned Diamond queen bee ! But my heart still weighed heavily with thoughts of Mrs miller- not my family- the love i was supposed to received replaced with judgement of looks and how 'perfect' i am. 

"What about mom?" 

"I don't like sports. I prefer cheerleading. "Mom replied to Diamond. "I was lead cheerleader remember?" 

"Yeah." 

"You're a mix of us! Beautiful like your mother, and sporty like me!" Dad praised Diamond.

"Thanks dad! Too bad I don't like cheerleading !" Diamond replied, jokingly. "Those cheesy phrases you have to say while jumping around with pompoms are just so embarrassing!"

The three bursted into laughter,  contrasting the storm brewing deep down in my heart. I needed to channel my energy elsewhere, I quickly showered and retreated to my room. 

Pulling out my songwriting notebook, I turned to two empty pages and pulled out my pen. I should call it... My guardian angel from heaven. The words that came out of it flowed from my heart, my eyes welling with tears again, drops landing on the pages as I wrote. 

1st verse:

"Like an angel from heaven, you showered me with love, no matter who i am, 

When I'm down you pick me up, 

When I earned my A's, you filled my heart with praise and love, "

2nd verse:

"When I was targeted, you stood by my side, 

That what I'll thank you for forever with pride , 

You weren't the first to look with your heart- 

But you saw the kind soul in me from the very start."

2nd verse: 

You knew my friend, Lily, would came first, 

But off she went, while your love never dispersed,

And when you left this world, I felt mine fall apart. 

Shattering my heart...

Chorus: 

I wish that I, could hear your voice again,

I wish that I could feel your love again ....

Not in recordings, writing or mind, 

but right in front of me... Warm and kind...

Bridge: 

losing the war to cancer wasn't suited for you, 

I wish you hadn't left so soon,

You deserved to live to a ripe old age

Just like a hope to one day on life's stage...

"And now, as Midnight, I'll honour your name..." I added to the bridge. 

As soon as the words came out from the pen, my hand came to a halt,  at that moment, i felt my heart swell with determination, I felt the drive of my passion accelerating . 

"I will become a world famous singer songwriter (under my stage name, Midnight )someday! I'll make you proud Mrs Miller! I won't let your memory die!" I declared to myself, before writing the chorus below the 3rd verse. 

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