The sun sinks behind the purple mountains as the black sky takes its place.

Lily looks at me, her eyes glowing in the last sliver of sunlight. Sometimes I can’t make myself believe that a girl as beautiful and amazing as her is dying.

“So,” Lily says calmly, “You grew up here. It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

My eyes leave the sun and meet hers, “For what?” I ask.

Lily sighs, resting her elbows on her knees and then her chin on the palm of her hand.

“What do you think Adrian?” She asks, her voice as soft as the breeze blowing her golden hair.

I think. I’ve been here for her. At least I hope I have. I’ve made her laugh, even when death is following her around.

“Well, for being here I guess. For listening to you.”

Lily turns her head to see me, “Adrian.”

I nod, “Yeah?”

A small smile spreads across Lily’s lips.

“Adrian, I’m thanking you because even in times where death is taughting me, you make me smile. I feel alive around you.

My cheeks burn as I stare into her perfect green eyes, “Well . . . I care about you.” I mumble, “A lot.”

Lily brings her head up from her palm and rests it agasint my shoulder. “You know what my wish is?” She smiles.

I shake my head.

Lily chuckles, “Adrian, it’s you.”

I can’t help smiling, “I don’t know what to say.”

Lily lifts her head off my shoulder and gently pulls my face to hers. Our lips touch, and everything around me stops. The chipping of the crickets, the calming sound of the lake below our feet. The smell of the fall leaves floating in the blue water.

Lily pulls back, her hand still on my cheek, “I don’t want to die,” she whispers. Tears gather in her eyes.

I don’t know what to say. So I let my heart take over, “Lily, I’ve only just met you. But I love you.”

Lily removes her soft hand, “I’m dying.” She says. “We can’t be together. We can’t be happy.”

I slide my hand across the wooden deck to her hand. Lacing my fingers between hers.

“I can choose to believe that. But how will we know what could have been if we don’t try.”

Lily looks down wiping her tears away with the back of her hand.

I pull her close to me, hugging her tightly.

The stars shine above us as Lily whispers in my ear, “Never forget that you and me were always meant to have this.”

Don’t worry, Lily. I think. I knew that the day I saw you.