The beat pulsed in her chest, she couldn't tell if it was from the music or the sky blue eyes staring down into hers.

"Hi!" She yelled over the crowd that screamed along with the vocalist's words.

"Sweet home Alabama, Lord I'm com'in home to you..."

The stranger carefully lifted the brim of hat and ever so gently touched his lips to hers.

"Whoa!" She stepped back. "I don't even know you!"

He didn't speak, just caressed his calloused hand on her cheek.

Sarah's heart beat harder, the sounds that had engulfed her disappeared. Suddenly the world was quiet, the figures jumping around her now moved in slow motion. It was just him, nothing else.

"Joey?" She whispered. Her eyes quivered back and forth at his.

He smiled, that smile she had seen and loved a million times over.

"But you died? I...I saw you, lying on the bed, your eyes, your body, you were dead. I saw you." She placed her hand on his chest. "It was your heart, they said it was your heart. I watched them bury you." Her legs gave out and he placed a strong arm around her waist.

"I've come to say good-bye," he whispered. "I'm sorry I left you so suddenly. I'm so very sorry I left you,m. Finish living, Sarah, enjoy your life. I'll be there for you when it's done."

And then he was gone. The crowd began to move, the loudness returned. But the beating of her heart had steadied. She stood in the midst of the chaos; and she smiled.