The rain poured gently onto the earth, like a warm kiss awakening everything. She watched the raindrops dance across the land, tracing patterns on the ground as the clouds rolled by. Each drop seemed like a story, a tale she wanted to share with him. Holding her red umbrella, she walked home, clicking each scene into her memory like photographs to tell him later.

It was in high school when she first saw him. A transfer student, he had caught her eye, and by the end of that year, they were in love. Ten years had passed since then, and not a day had gone by without them seeing each other. But now, they were separated by miles. He had moved to another city for his higher studies, and all she could do was wait, like the land waiting for the distant rain to return.

Looking up at the sky, she whispered to the raindrops, "At last, you've come to meet your beloved. Won't it be my turn next?" She walked home, enjoying the cool breeze and soft drizzle, thinking about the promise he made: He would come to see her next Sunday, just two days away.

The day before his return seemed endless, each hour stretching like an eternity. Still, she crossed it with a smile, staying inside her house all day, her heart racing with anticipation. When night fell, she grew restless, giddy with excitement, imagining their reunion. She felt like she was floating on air, waiting for the next day, just like how the first snow waits for the last leaf to fall before it can cover the earth.

She woke up before the sun, dressing like a fairy-tale princess. He always told her she was his princess, and she knew he would love to see her this way. She rushed out of her house, hurrying to the gate of their old school-their special meeting place.

Arriving at the gate, she stood still, gazing at the familiar surroundings. The school had witnessed their love in all its shades. She waited for him, her eyes scanning the distance, and after what felt like forever, he finally appeared. He approached her with a bright smile and a bouquet of flowers, her favorite. Reaching her, he handed her the flowers without a word, his smile unwavering. He took her hand, lacing his fingers with hers, and she blushed as the warmth of his touch spread through her.

"Let's go enjoy our time together," he whispered, making her heart soar. She nodded, smiling like a child in a dream, and together they wandered through the places that held memories of their love.

By evening, they arrived at the seaside, a place they both cherished. As always, they hoped the old ice cream vendor from their school days would still be there. And he was. Her heart leaped as she saw his van, and she ran toward it, shouting, "Uncle, two blueberry ice creams, please!"

The old vendor, hearing her order, handed her the ice creams without recognizing her. As she held the treats, she called for him to pay, "Rain, Rain!" she shouted, her heart swelling with happiness.

The vendor looked at her, then at Rain, realization dawning. "You're that schoolgirl, aren't you?" he asked with a smile.

"Ahh, at last, you remembered!" she replied, her own smile wide.

"And he's not that schoolboy anymore," the vendor remarked, nodding toward Rain.

She laughed, "No, but we're still together, after all these years."

The old man beamed, "Then today, the ice cream is on me. Consider it a gift for your wedding." She blushed furiously, and Rain chuckled, thanking the vendor.

After paying, they took their ice creams and walked hand in hand to the shore. The sky mirrored her emotions, turning a deep crimson like her blushing face. She ran toward the water, splashing around while Rain sat on the sand, watching her with quiet affection. In his white shirt, he looked more handsome than ever, and she wished she could freeze this moment forever.

"Finished playing?" he asked as she returned, dripping from the water.

She nodded, smiling. He turned his gaze to the sunset, whispering, "How beautiful."

"Me?" she asked, teasingly.

He chuckled and shook his head. "I was talking about the sunset."

Her face fell slightly, and he laughed again, amused by her reaction. "But you are more beautiful," he added, and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She couldn't help but blush again, her smile widening.

As the sun dipped lower, her eyes drifted to the old pocket watch in his hand. It was antique, something she hadn't seen before. "Where did you get that?" she asked, pointing to it.

He glanced down at the watch, his expression softening. "This? Mr. Time gave it to me."

"Mr. Time?" she repeated, confused. Mr. Time was a mythical figure, a character like the Grim Reaper.

"Yeah," he said, his voice lower. "I died in an accident in my lab yesterday."

Her heart skipped a beat, but she laughed, thinking he was joking. "Who wrote that story? It sounds like something out of a novel."

He smiled sadly, his eyes distant. "I'm serious. When I died, Mr. Time came to collect me. He asked me for my last wish, and I told him I wanted one more day with you. I promised I'd be here today, and I couldn't break that promise."

The words hit her like a freight train, the weight of them sinking in slowly. "What are you saying?" she asked, her voice trembling.

He continued as if he hadn't heard her. "Mr. Time gave me this watch. He said I could spend the day with you, but once the time ran out, I had to go back."

Her mind raced, trying to make sense of his words. She laughed nervously. "You're joking, right?"

But as she spoke, she saw him start to fade, his form dissolving into the wind around her. His last smile was heartbreaking, a final goodbye before he disappeared entirely.

Her scream tore through the evening air, waking her from the nightmare. She sat up in bed, her heart pounding, her body trembling. "It was just a dream," she whispered, clutching her chest.

But then her phone buzzed, a notification lighting up the screen. It was a message from Mike, Rain's best friend. Her heart sank as she opened it.

"When you see this message, please come to the hospital immediately. I have devastating news - Rain has passed away. He was involved in a fatal accident in the lab while working on his final project for his exams. He's really gone... Please hurry to the hospital."

Her world shattered. The tears came like a storm, uncontrollable, as the reality of his death hit her. But through the pain, she found herself smiling, remembering the dream. It was a gift from Mr. Time-a final day with him, a last memory to hold onto.

"Love can create magic, and it never truly ends, even when the loved one is gone," she whispered through her tears. "It will remain in the memories and in the minds of those left behind, and will continue to inspire, comfort, and guide us."

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

(Thanks for reading and always remember to vote and comment)

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