I’LL SEE YOU AGAIN by Apollo Blue
S
ebastian stepped through the turnstiles toward the subway platform. His pale hands attempted to smooth out his wrinkled suit while holding a bouquet of white lilacs and forget-me-nots in his right hand. He looked left and right and sighed, dragging his hands down his face. People filled the subway platform in every direction. As the subway pulled up, he whispered a quiet prayer, “Please don’t let the car be packed; I need space. Please, please, please.” The subway car door slid open, and Sebastian stepped aboard. He looked around and found no one else in the car. He took a seat opposite to the door. The door shut without anyone else boarding. As soon as the subway sped forward, the lights flickered, and a person slowly appeared in front of him. First, he saw green, shaggy hair, then brown eyes and a button nose. The body appeared next, skinny and wearing a blue-and-green floral shirt. Tears immediately came to his eyes. “Clover, is that you, baby?” “Yeah Seb, it’s me.”
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“I never thought I’d see you again. I’m on my way to your funeral reception now.” Sebastian stood up and carefully walked over to Clover. He reached out and tried to touch their cheek with the back of his hand, but his fingers went right through. “Sorry my love, this doesn’t work that way.” Tears rolled down Sebastian's cheeks as he sat next to the image of Clover. “It’s still hard to believe you’re here,” Sebastian whispered. “Seb, are you getting any sleep?” “It’s so hard to sleep without you next to me, Clo. I stay up tossing and turning, imagining you scared and alone, and those monsters who took you from me in a moment of hatred. You were only 22!” Sebastain gasped, wiping at his eyes. “I’m safe now, love. I’m OK.” A small smile appeared on Sebastian’s face, “I’m glad, baby; I just wish you were safe in bed with me, and I wasn’t on my way to your funeral reception.” Tears were falling onto his ripped jeans.