Nelson is out somewhere. So me and Gregory rush to Roberts house.

There are a lot of people already and I spot him in a corner. I rush towards him. His eyes are so red and his face looks pale. I can't bear to see him like that.

I sit beside him and don't say anything. I take his hands in mine and squeeze them. I know whatever I say now will not be of any help to him.

He doesn't say much but only squeezes my hand tighter. Gregory meanwhile, asks some of the people what happened  and I can make out from their talking that she had a peaceful death. She wasn't doing too well yesterday and that she didn't wake up this morning.

I can feel tears well in my eyes. And I feel Robert's eyes on me and he pulls me closer to him.

"I'm..sorry Robert..I'm so sorry. I..know how ..." He stops me by cupping my cheeks and he kisses my forehead. His lips linger there for a while.

"She..told me last night just before going to sleep ..to chase my dream..." His voice is so low and I know that he wants to cry.

Oh Robert. Just cry and let it all out.

"She lived a wonderful life. She loved you and she would want you to be happy." I tell him softly.

He just nods in response and the elder people discuss about burying her today itself. Since, Robert's parents would take a long time to come and that they can't leave him alone with her for another day.

That's actually a good idea. Because it will only hurt him more seeing her inside a coffin.

***

The burial went well. Robert sat there next to her grave for hours and now it's 8 pm. He didn't eat anything but I made him drink some water at least.
Now we are sitting in his room.

He says nothing and I just sit there nuzzled to him. He has his arms around me, holding me close to him. I can feel his breaths on my neck. I wonder for how long this is going to last.

"I'm sorry to disturb. Lisa, we have a plane to catch." Gregory tells me and my hearts stops beating for a brief moment.

God you're so cruel! I can't say goodbye to him now. Not like this....no! He just lost his grandmother. I don't want to say goodbye yet.

I fucking hate reality. I can't leave him like this. We didn't talk about us yet. What will happen to us after this summer?

I sit there frozen and Robert stays the same. After what seems like a million years to me, he releases his hold from
me and sits coldly far from me.

I can't bear to look at his eyes and say goodbye. So I do what I always do, I run. I run from reality. Because I'm a coward.

I can see my brother standing there. I run to him and crash him in a big hug. I stand there sobbing like a pathetic loser in the middle of the road.

"Lisa...are you alright? It's going to be fine Lisa. I'm here for you." I can hear my brother whisper into my eyes.

But I don't want to hear anything. I didn't even say a bye. I didn't tell him
to take care. I didn't even look at him. I can still feel his hold around my waist. Why does this have to happen to me?

***

Here we stand, saying our goodbyes to aunt Mel and Uncle Tom. Gregory has been by my side all day. He still hasn't left my side. My face is probably puffy and ugly and red due to all the crying. My mom and dad would have noticed too but they don't say anything. They know better than to talk to me when I'm vulnerable.

***

Robert's POV:

I sat there helplessly letting her go. It was so hard for me to bring myself to look at her. I could sense her body warmth radiating off her and it's killing me that she has to leave. But she has to. There's nothing that I can do. After all, I knew that this day would come. But never did I think that the day would be when my grandmother left me too.

I scream loudly and knock all the paintings and brushes. I feel stupid and cold. I lost my grandmother and now her.

I love you Lisa. Please come back. I love you fucking so much that I would die to get you back.

But the words only echo. She's not going to come back fool. You're a fucking loser.  You let her go, the only good thing that happened in your entire life.

Grandma? Why did you do this to me? Why do you have to leave? Come back grandma! I'll read a book for you, I'll cook for you. I'll do anything that you want me to. Just come back ...please.

I collapse on the bathroom tiles. What a wreck am I?

I angrily splash water on my face and I still can't get her image out of my mind.

Chase your dream

Of course! She's my dream and she happened for real. Grandma, you would want me to go after her!

And I grab my bike and rush out of the house.

I'm going to chase my dream. I'm not going to let you go so easily Lisa. You're mine! You're only mine!