Declan let himself into the apartment. It had been a year since he had finally realized, after trying twice, that ending his life was far from the best solution to his problems. He even felt better than he thought he should since Grandpa Dunstan had passed away only four months before. His grandfather had a peaceful death, though. The priest had given him his last rites and Declan knew that the only thing on his grandfather’s mind was that he would soon see his beloved wife again. Ironically it was the very day that Grandpa Declan’s life was taken away that Aislyn’s sister, Athena, was given hers in the form of a cancer-free diagnosis.

Declan smiled remembering the love of his grandparents, how they had taught him how to love and Aislyn taught him how to open up and be loved. He set his keys on the table and walked into the next room. His smile broadened as his eyes fell on Aislyn in front of a huge canvas splashed with color; she didn’t even hear him come in. Her dark hair was quite a contrast to her pale skin and the white smock she was wearing that was speckled with brightly colored paint. “Hi,” he said softly as he walked up behind her and kissed her cheek.

He watched a smile form slowly on her face as she realized that he was there, then she turned around and hugged him. As he held her he thought to himself ‘This is my reason for living. This is why I am still alive.’ He laughed a little when he let go, “Watch out, I don’t want paint all over me!” She laughed too, then made a face and put a dot of green paint on his cheek.

“Hey! I brought you a present and everything…” he said, taking a defiant step backwards. They both knew that she was going to get it either way, but she played along.

“Aww, Declan, sweetie… I thought you liked green.”

His eyes narrowed at her in a playful manner, “Are you crazy? You don’t even know me.”

She scoffed and quickly grabbed the package from his hand. He just smiled and walked closer to watch her open it. It was a large manila envelope, and after she had opened it she pulled out an 8x10 photograph. It was of a beautiful sunset, and she recognized the scene all too well. A tear made its way down her cheek, though she wasn’t sure if it was of sadness for her plans that day that seemed so long ago now, or of happiness for the wonderful gift that Declan had given her there that same day – the chance to live and be loved.

He held her and wiped away her tear, kissing her forehead, “I love you.”