Okay, so ... I have other one-shots planned, but because it's June 25, I thought this one was apt to publish today. ❤️

~~

{2016 – no particular era}

I'm looking up at the sky, right now, just remembering your legacy. It's June 25, 2016, so today hasn't exactly been a happy one; it's the seventh anniversary of your death. Since 2009, I've stood by you and loved you unconditionally, and even now, I doubt I'll ever stop.

I'm in the garden, lying down on the grass. It's evening, meaning that soon it'll be dark; but because it's Summer, the sun sets later than normal.

As I watch the beautiful colours of the sky change from blue; to purple; to red; to pink; to yellow, I can't help but let the thought of you pass my mind. If you were here right now, by my side, you would be commenting on how beautiful the view is, because such beauty inspired you deeply. Or maybe ... the sky is this way because of you; perhaps your magic is what's changing the colours so effortlessly.

At the moment, I'm hearing music – what else could I possibly do to remember you by? I'm in no mood to play upbeat, fierce songs, so simple, soft songs will do.

Gone Too Soon is playing; oh, how apt that song is for today. You were only aged fifty when you left us, which is too short a life. I would do anything in my power to bring you back ...

Like a sunset dying with the rising of the moon ...

... Gone too soon ...

And oh, coincidentally, the sun is just starting to set! It's like your music communicates with us; it moves even the most uncontrollable elements of nature! But there's one element of nature that I wish could be controlled ...

... Death.

Tears form in both my eyes, causing me to lose concentration in the music. Because of this, I pause it, so that once I've composed myself again, I can continue to hear it, and appreciate your artistry. I draw a deep breath, trying not to let the tears fall any further than the delicate lashes of my eyes; but unfortunately, they do, trickling slowly down my cheeks.

"Please come back ... " I plead, my speech aimed at you, but only myself being able to hear my desperate demand. "My world just isn't the same any more! ... "

Deciding that only your voice can calm me down, I press play, skipping to the next song to avoid crying at Gone Too Soon any longer.

And of course, what song should play?

Smile ... though your heart is aching ...

Smile ... even though it's breaking ...

Realising the connection, a small chuckle hopelessly passes my quivering lips, and the smallest smile forms. It's as if you really are trying to cheer me up.

When there are clouds in the sky ...
... You'll get by ...

My eyes finally ridding the blurriness of the tears that previously filled them, I avert my eyes upwards, at the sky once again.

It's as if the song can mind-read; there are clouds, and they're slowly gliding across the sky as night draws nearer. A tiny gasp sounds from my mouth, but because of the music, it's inaudible to me. A snicker of disbelief follows.

"When there are clouds in the sky ... I'll get by," I begin, subtle sarcasm in my tone. "Sure ... of course I'll get by ... "

My eyes move downwards, as I click on the "Home" button of my iPhone. My lock screen – when not covered by your music's album art – is, of course, you. It's a photo of you from the Bad era, and your smile is beautiful and contagious; with just one look, it causes me to grin widely, just imagining how happy you were then.

... Before all the pain took over your life.

Furrowing my brows, I toss my phone onto the grass, hearing the climax of Smile play.

Smile; what's the use of crying?
You'll find ... that life ... is still worthwhile ...

... If you ... just ... smile ...

The ending of this song is so powerful to me, that ironically, I begin to cry. My sobs become even louder than the music itself, because the emotional agony in my heart is simply too much to bear.

Why did you have to go?

Why can't you come back?

Why does your passing hurt so badly?

When will I see you again? ...

None of my questions are answered, but when I look up at the sky, there are no longer clouds.

Instead, all I see is a smile.

A beautiful, gorgeous, contagious smile.

And there's no doubt in my mind ... it's yours, Angel.

~~

The ending got to my feels a little when I wrote it, to be honest.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this short story. ❤️