In anticipation of the upcoming party, Conrad had been spending extra time with me, and Lexi's group of friends. He blamed it on the necessity of, in his exact words, "Culturizing the newcomers of the important preparation regarding the big event that was a Conrad Meyer's party". Lexi and I had both had to swallow scoffs of disbelief following the delivery of his ridiculous excuse. But again, we were considerate enough to refrain from teasing the other two teens of their evident blossoming romance. Even though we didn't receive the same consideration. Perceptive as she was, listening to the casual conservation about the previous night's supper and grandpa's surprise appearance, Ange easily caught the glimpse of embarrassment on both our features. Coercing the story out of us, our table mates erupted in laughter. Even Lexi and I joined in; it was rather difficult not to share in their amusement.

       New friendships and relationships had created a noticeable increase of positivity and joy in the two groups that were slowly becoming one. I couldn't help but feel guilty by the idea that I would soon ruin that. As bad as I felt, I found solace in the fact that I was the one to bring them together. The many laughs they shared together would forever remain engraved in my thoughts. In the past, I had never paid attention to the different ways people laughed; the unique smiles, shaking of shoulders and twinkling of eyes, but as I grew to enjoy the simpler things in life, I knew these memories I held of my newest friends, I would hold dearly long after my final departure.

        Hockey game airing that night, Noah, and Beau invited me to another one of their many Broughton family dinners.

       "Sometimes I feel like you're dating my entire family," Lexi joked.

      "Hope you're not jealous," I teased, opening the passenger car door. "I quite enjoy it, considering it's the only time I don't need to be the one to plan our next date."

       "I would ask you out if they didn't beat me to it every time."

       Laughing, I pulled out of the school's parking lot, driving to the empty Broughton home that wouldn't remain silence much longer. We had approximatively a half-hour before the arrival of her siblings.

      "It's good timing for a big family supper," I said. "It can be another little celebration of your future falling into place."

       "No celebration," she pled, small smile a result of my enthusiasm. "It's not that big of a deal."

       "Your future is a very big deal," I begged to differ.

       "Alright," she gave in with a chuckle. She knew too well how stubborn I could be. "I can agree to be proud, but no celebrating. We don't even need to mention it."

      Muttering under my breath, I shook my head at the insanity of her words: "Can agree to be proud?" She spoke as though the act of showing pride in herself and her actions was a task. I was still replaying her latest words when we finally reached Lexi's home. Walking towards her room, I studied her expression carefully, and was struck with a delayed realisation.

      "You haven't told them yet!"

       Initial surprise of the outburst fading, her guilty expression said it all. She hadn't breathed a word of her acceptance into a program that would trigger her dream career.

       "Lexi-Grace!" I accused. "What are you waiting for?"

       She shrugged. "They have their minds set on my going to medical school. I don't want to disappoint them."

       "Do they even know of your interest in writing?"

       "Not really."

       "Then you haven't given them reason to think against medical school. I've only known them a few months, but I think they would prefer that you follow your passion."

     "They'll think it's a bad idea." She shook her head. "It's a risky move, and I don't want them to change my mind."

      "I think Ed and Mei deserve more credit," I vouched, taking a seat on Lexi's bed as she continued to put her things away. "They trust you so much, if you believe in this, as you have every reason too, they'll support you. They have faith in you. Have enough faith in them, to believe that they will respect your decision."

      There was undeniable fear behind brown eyes. But I realised with pleasure that the fear was a result of her sudden reluctant decision to do as I suggested. She was afraid of telling her parents, but she had her mind set on going through with it. I smiled at her quick change of heart, again impressed by the reminder that she required much less incentive to believe in herself.

       I watched her go about her room for a few moments, noting that every time she passed the mirror, she avoided it like the plague. While most people would take the opportunity to study themselves (I was guilty of making sure my locks were well placed, especially in Lexi's presence), I noticed weeks ago, that Lexi's gaze flickered awkwardly whenever she was faced with her reflection. Eyes darting between Lexi and the mirror, I was struck with an idea; a last attempt, in sort, to get through to her.

       Interrupting her walk to the closet, gently I seized her by the shoulders and forced her in front of the mirror. With a noise of complaint, she made move to turn my way, but placing my hands on both sides of her head, I directed her gaze towards herself. Deep frown shot at my reflection, still she avoided meeting her own brown eyes.

      "Why won't you look at yourself?"

      "What's the meaning of this?" Her frown deepened.

      Offering no explanation, I waited with an urging look in my eyes. Brows still furrowed, she did as I wished just to humor me. She met her eyes for a very brief second, before averting her gaze, nose twitching as though to suppress a grimace.

      "Just as I suspected. You can't do it... Why can't you do it?"

       Finally realizing where the conversation was headed, Lexi groaned. "No more ego boosting pep-talks!"

      Despite her groan and complaint, her tone remained light, seemingly incapable of truly being annoyed with me.

      "Last one," I promised with a chuckle.

       Ensuring she didn't wiggle free; I wrapped my arms around her small form.

      "Just bear with me, alright?"

      Following a small huff of defeat, she nodded.

      "I need you to look into your eyes and try to see what I see—"

      Lexi's snort of contained laughter interrupted me. "God, you really are something special, Jaxson Scott."

      "Don't mock me," I returned. "Your words may say otherwise, but your smile proves that you enjoy my words of endearment."

       "My smile is a result of me thinking you're an idiot."

       "An adorable idiot?"

       "I'll give you that much," she conceded.

       She laughed at the pride on my features. Hoping to catch her with a smile, I urged her to look up again.

      "Look. Tell me what you see."

      Still smiling, again she did as I asked.

       "Half Caucasian, half Japanese, adolescent female," she began. "Brown hair and eyes—"

       "Not literally," I complained.

        "Metaphorically, then? Should I be seeing a dog? I suppose if that's what you meant... I see a Labrador."

       "You're just saying that because you think it's what I want to hear," I accused. "That doesn't count."

       "Well, then I'm afraid I don't know what to say... But if you know the answer, do enlighten me."

       I didn't hesitate. "You've come a long way, and I am very proud, but you're only seeing half of what you should see."

       "So, I have the head of Labrador and the behind of a poodle?" she suggested, brow cocked in amusement.

       "That's how you see yourself, yes. I certainly view you with much higher respect. I see you with a Labrador head and behind, and I love—" I cut myself off. With a sharp intake of breath, I looked into the mirror in mortification. Lexi covered her mouth with her hand, very poorly suppressing a laugh.

       "I'm really starting to hate this analogy," I grumbled. "If you could do anything for me, please let it be forgetting about this."

       Lexi gave up her attempt of supressing giggles, fully giving into her laughter. As usual, I couldn't help but share in her joy. Familiar twinkle and warmth in her eyes, I got excited.

       "That!" I exclaimed. "That look right there."

       Eyes widening in slight surprise, her expression remained joyful as she redirected her gaze.

      "Don't tell me you can look into those eyes without feeling as though all of your worries have suddenly become insignificant."

      She still clearly disagreed with me, but this time she didn't roll her eyes. I took the action as a sign that she was taking me seriously.

       "I've never seen eyes hold such warmth and kindness. It's the first thing I noticed about you." I rested my chin on her shoulder. "Your gaze has such a soothing aura, and you share this feeling of ease with so many, but it's time for you to share it with yourself. So many times, you've vanished my worries with a single look, and of course I want myself and others to be able to do the same for you, but I want to remind you that you can do it for yourself.

       You have the tendency to believe that people think the worse of you. Though that's far from the truth, you still feel that way, so you need to count on yourself to redirect those thoughts. I will always believe in you, but if you ever come to doubt that I want you to look in the mirror and believe in yourself. When you feel like the world is against you; when you're scared or doubting yourself, look into your own soft eyes and reassure yourself that everything will work out for the best... I know your parents will support you, but even if they didn't, your desires need to be enough to keep you on your chosen path. You are enough Lexi, and I need you to remember that every time you look into a mirror."

      I could tell that she still held some belief that my actions were bizarre, but she held her own gaze. She was trying to follow my advice, and slowly her expression turned serious; pushing away the ridiculousness of it all to truly try to believe in my notion.

      I caught the moment her mind set changed; the moment she finally saw what I did. Shoulders relaxing as though relieved of their tension, she wore a peaceful expression. Watching her slow realisation, I was struck with the same peace. The only other time I felt peace of such great intensity was in the white room in which my journey began. It was almost enough to take my breath away.

      This was the final step to the realization of my task. I hadn't miraculously solved all of Lexi's problems. All of the hurt she had imposed on herself would take a long time to heal. A few simple words couldn't simply change the way she saw herself. But all that I had achieved would push her in the right direction. I had directed her into the enlightening journey of learning to love herself. I showed her her potential and ingrained my belief in her mind. It was her turn now. She had to take the lead from here. Just as I had known I was dead; I knew now that I was correct now. No words or sign of confirmation, but the return of the reassuring, knowing presence.

       I half expected to be immediately taken away. Knowing that I could be forced to leave any time now, I should have been angry. But just as the last time, I was incapable of feeling such emotion, feeling nothing but satisfaction and hope.

      Just as soon as it had arrived, the unexplainable presence disappeared. It seemed I had a bit more time left. Overwhelming state slowly dissipating, I released a long, shuddered breath.

      "Are you okay?" Lexi asked softly, turning in my arms to face me.

      Smiling into her soft, brown eyes, I kissed her temple and held her tighter than usual. We stood there, barely moving an inch, until the loud arrival of the seven other Broughton's.

      As usual, our time before supper was spent divided between the five siblings. Usually, we spent less time with Lacey and Ella, who generally kept to themselves, but I wanted to make sure to split my time evenly, knowing that the night was likely the last I would see of Lexi's family.

      Supper was amazing as always. Struggling to find a silence in the chatter, Lexi agreed to let me introduce the news. Others still getting to know me, they continued to question me on certain matters. It made it a lot easier to work in the topic of interest. I let Lexi do the explaining, let her tell her parents of the aspirations that she held for her future. I was thrilled that Ed and Mei lived up to my expectations. Though surprised, they supported her career goals without a second thought. Trusting that Lexi would choose what would be best for herself, they promised to support her as long as her choices brought her joy. Lexi's eyes shinned bright that night, and I could not have been more pleased.

       Her siblings as supportive as her parents, I was beyond grateful that they would be by her side when I could no longer be. Despite the upcoming storm, despite the pain and sadness to come, I saw a bright, joy-filled future for Lexi-Grace. Like a poisoned apple or fall of a last rose petal, I could envision her happy ending, even following the upsetting news of my death.

       That night, I stayed up well into the morning, writing letters to my parents, my sister, Jonah, and Lexi. With special mentions of other friends and family members that I cared for, I planned to leave them with Lexi. A gut feeling that the following day was my last, I wrote down my favourite memories and messages that I hoped would make my departure easier. Even writing my last goodbyes, I was shocked by my sense of peace. For such a short life, I was satisfied by my achievements and formed relationships. I wasn't upset...

      Or so I thought.