Louis
Rubble.
Dust.
I kick aside a board, and nearly choke on the resulting cloud of ash.
But I'm here on a mission.
I won't let a bit of ash stop me.
It looks so different here, now.
Last time, two houses stood here.
They seemed so safe, then.
We were happy.
So much has changed.
I glance down, around, looking everywhere.
I know how impossible this is.
But I don't care.
I have to do it.
Even if it takes hours.
I shove a few more things around, before I see is.
But it's there.
It's right there.
-
Callin
“I miss you, Delaney” I whisper.
The grey tombstone doesn't answer; it can't.
But I feel like Delaney's here, anyway.
She's never left.
Even though she's dead, she'll never be gone.
Because I'll never forget her.
“I love you, Delaney.”
I hear footsteps behind me, and I stand, turn around.
Louis' standing there, looking down, hands behind his back.
“I brought you something” he says.
I frown.
“What?” I ask softly, wondering what would be so important he had to bring it here, to Delaney's grave.
He moves his hands out from behind his back, shows me what he was holding there.
Delaney's giraffe.
Charred and dirty, but I'd recognise it anywhere.
“I . . . how?” I whisper.
Louis rubs the back of his neck, looking down.
“I found it” he says. “I know how much it meant to you . . .”
I throw my arms around his neck and plant a kiss on his lips.
“Thank you” I murmur.
“I love you” he whispers.
“And I love you” I reply.
And I know Delaney approves.
“I love you, Louis Tomlinson.”