Keep It With You

“But.. I don’t wanna go.” June practically whispered under her breath to Angel. She searched for avoidance to feel weak, as she’d say; though emotions were piling on quickly like competitors. June wanted to show she could be more than a feeling, if for only just once.

Angel was always the strong one. Even in the midst of fear, she could fool you twice and a half if she convinced herself to. Her strength was always something June admired. How could she be so brave amongst the chaos; volunteering to take step after step towards the unknown? June just knew Angel could sell the idea of eating a jar of honey over her to a bear any day.

“I know, I don’t want to either.” said Angel. “But, we have to. It’s all we have left. A chance.” Have? June thought. What did they have exactly? Family stripped away. Friends never seen again. Life had never felt so surreal.

A cool summer breeze passed through the train station,kissing their skin, as if to comfort them both. Rays of the sun bounced happily onto the weathered concrete, floating around to see everyone, and back into the sky. A line of light reflected onto Angel’s necklace, almost too perfectly. “Look! Your heart” June exclaimed to Angel. “It’s basically glowing!” June stared in amazement. She was the type to believe in a sign just as much as she believed in herself. “Well, I guess I have you to thank for that.” Angel replied bashfully. June laughed. “Maybe so, but I won’t be taking all the credit.”

Angel didn’t like jewelry much, except for this one piece. It was as if the sky scheduled a reminder just for her, with a spotlight that was undeniable. Specks of the sun continued to dance with the accessory, exploring the love that went into its crafting. From the dainty gold chain, to the petite heart pendant to match; lines found their way from the diamond center to the outer edges, meeting the latched locket on its left side. Angel grabbed the heart with sudden anxiety, and looked around her.

Families, couples and friends spoke quicker than they moved; as if to catch the moments of tomorrow. Gentle memories of what would have been, began to swirl through Angel’s mind. This time three years ago, they would have been picking their favorite ice cream scoops from Moo for You; pretending to be shocked and disgusted by the others’ choice in toppings. They would’ve complimented each other ten times by now, and made stupid jokes only they would find funny. They would’ve tried to hold back the laugh attacks to be presentable in public, decide not to care, and end up being the loudest ones there. They would’ve justified the need to go shopping, even though they knew that was a lie. They would hype eachother up in the fitting rooms, and tell eachother to get everything except for that one top.

They’d forget to be scared of the world never being the same. They wouldn’t see anything coming. They’d forget that the world as they knew it would collapse right before them, with no intent on saying goodbye.

Angel grabbed June’s hands, looking into her deep brown eyes touched by the sun, with tears ready to fall. “Just know, wherever we go, I’ll always be with you.” Angel urged doubtlessly. “Know that. Please.” She found herself getting choked up. A crack in her voice followed her words, and dissipated as soon as it arrived. Angel shook her head quickly with a shrug and slight laugh that could be heard as a cry just the same. She couldn’t believe this was happening.

There wasn’t much time left. The clock at the station calculated seven minutes until June’s train arrived. What a nightmare, unfolding rapidly and actually.

“Do you think we’ll ever see each other again?” June asked with fear in her heart. Angel tilted her head, puzzled by the thought. “Of course we will. Even in the next life. I’ll be sure of it.” she smiled. “We’ll find each other, for sure and always.” June swept Angel's black hair behind her ear, touched her flushed cheek, and nodded in agreement. She believed her, she did.

Minutes left like seconds. It was as if father time received a raise just to move quicker. The duo watched passengers board each train to uncertainty. The fate that awaited them was almost the same as theirs.

With five minutes on the clock, Angel reached behind her neck; unclasping the locket so dear to her. She held it up towards the sun as if it were a dollar bill, and gently lowered it into her palm. The chain followed its heart into her hand, like water of a river moving calmly. Angel concealed the treasure with a fist, and extended it to June. “Here” she said. “I want you to have it.” June looked confused. “But.. I- I gave it to you. It’s for you to keep.” Angel looked down and laughed. She let out a sigh, looked back up, and said to June, “Keep it with you, just like me, okay?” June caught her breath and let out a shaky, yet knowing “Always.”

Written by Kaelah Sabree