part VI

There were things she told him that only he knew, but he couldn't comprehend the extent of information in his own right. Perhaps he would remember once she was gone. Perhaps he would not even know the things that were so deep and so personal as what she chose to share with him. Him alone. She wouldn't realize some of the things she had bestowed upon him in confidentiality or southern moments of inebriation. She had welcomed a comfort with him that was beyond what she was willing to accept. All in due time. But she was too young to understand the future effects they might have.

The aformentioned swim was more pleasant than she had expected. There were things to accompany her on her journey that were well past explanation. Beside the icy cold tormented stream, she found that there was a mere absence of the negativity. It was true freedom. Her body relaxed and took in the inevitable. There was no pain or displeasure. There was no regret or remorse. There was no one to remind her of the iniquities or transgressions of a life that never had the chance to begin with in the first place. There was no guilt.

Tattoos adorned her skin and tatters adorned her frame. Condemnation adorned her frail mind that fought to be hers alone. The only thing she left behind was a puppy she had not the chance to get close to. No loss. Someone would surely take the place in the heart of such a simple being at so young an age. As she rode the torrent and remembered when, she succumbed to the river's morbid effect and slipped lightly away to a far better place. It was only for the best.

Remember the last goodbye? Remember the kiss he laid on your cheek and lips and heart for eternity and memory? It will be all that remains. It will be enough.