Short Stories

Goodbye

"He's waiting for you, Nia. Quickly, before he leaves." The angelic voice spoke up, turning my head around to see who that voice belonged to.

Only to be greeted by no one in site, which peaked my curiosity. Somehow I wasn't frighten or weary, as if feeling comfort by the hidden voice.

"Where are you?" I asked, as I started to make my way through the trees.

"It is not I, you should worry about. But him, for he is leaving shortly." The voice replied near my ear, as I whipped my head to the side. Trying to catch the site of whoever owned that voice.

But once again, I was greeted by no one. Though I picked up my pace, not knowing where or how I would be able to find this man. But I felt as if I knew deep down, that he was close. And that I was heading the right way.

Once I walked for what felt like hours, I stopped to see a cliff. It was beautiful, the clouds lingering near the cliff while the sunset light narrowed onto the man.

He was quiet, calm, yet somehow I felt like that wasn't who he truly was. As if holding back he's true emotions while admiring the scene.

"Nia." He spoke, with he's back faced me. I should of felt scared, or suspicious at least. For how this man knew I was in he's presence without having to turn around.

"It's been a long time." He turned he's around, giving me a sad smile. As he's eyes held regret and pain. 

It brought a cold chill to my spine, as he's eyes held so much agony. I wanted nothing more, but for this man I knew nothing of, to be happy. 

I wanted him to smile, a genuine smile. To laugh in happiness, I wanted that for him. As if I've witnessed it, and am now grieving for those emotions to be brought back to him. 

Odd, somehow, indeed. But it was as if I've met this man before. And everything in me was screaming at me to help him.

"Where are you going?" I asked after a while of silence.

He's sad smile only turned into a frown, as he turned back to the view before him.

"I wanted nothing more but for our lives to be a lined together, so we could meet again." He then let he's head down, as a few hair strands fell over he's eyes.

"But that won't be happening, for I have to go soon." He then lifted up he's head and turned to me with a wide smile, as a tear fell from he's eye, sliding down he's cheek slowly.

"But I'll still be able to protect you, so don't worry too much, okay?" I then felt my heart shatter in my chest from he's words.

I didn't even know this man, but I felt as if I was suppose to.

He's words left my blood cold as I couldn't seem to move from my stance. Just watching this beautiful man near the cliff, speak to me as if I was someone he once cherished.

"You're leaving me?" I croaked out.

Which made the young man's head snap to my direction. He's eyes went wide with shock, but then dilated back to normal as he dropped he's head low in pain

"I've already left you, and you've done just fine. You're stronger then you believe, Nia." I felt as if a shock went through me after he said my name. 

As if the puzzle was so close to being completed for me recognising this man. All he had to do was just keep talking, just a little bit longer. Then I would definitely know who he was.

"Nia!" I heard another voice call out to me, one that belonged to my mother.

Mom?!

I turn my head to the direction of where my mother's voice was coming from, only to turn back and see the young man giving me a small smile.

"It's time for you to go back, Nia." He spoke to me, but I only shook my head.

"Will you be here when I come back?' I asked impatiently, as I felt myself being drifted away towards my mother, and away from this man.

"Goodbye, Nia." Was he's final words before everything became a blur, not long after I was greeted by complete darkness.

************

I then jolted upright as I looked around me, I was in a hospital bed. 

I turn my head to the side, to see a middle aged woman sitting on the side of my bed, crying. Her frail hand clutching onto mine with so much strength.

"Mom?" Her head snapped upwards from the sound of my voice, as her eyes went wide.

"Nia!" She yelled as she stood up and gave me a wide, loving hug.

"Thank the Lord you're alive, I thought I lost you!" She cried into my shoulder, but I felt confused by her words.

I almost died?

"What happened?" I asked, and I guess my mother could sense my confusion. Because she let go of me and sat down, back in her chair. Giving me a sad look, the same one the-

Huh?

It feels like I knew something, but somehow it just vanished. I guess it wasn't that important then.

I ended up shrugging at my thought, not paying to much attention to it.

"You were in an accident, sweetheart. And you fell off of a cliff." My mother explained, as she rubbed her thumb on the back of my hand, letting out small sobs here and there.

"But you're safe now." She gave me a soft smile, trying to stay positive I assume.

"How am I safe, though?" I felt like this was a question that was being pushed to the front of mind, by an instinct I had no clue about.

"A young man passed away recently, and it just so happens you were a match, so they began surgery." My mother then let out a sob, that led to a sad smile.

"Praise the Lord for this blessing. Because the nurses informed me that he was a fighter, but as soon as you came through the hospital it was as if he let go of everything." 

I only felt something break in my chest, as I took in my mother's words. She had a belief for blessings, that everything was done for a reason. Even if the meaning wasn't acknowledged by us until later in life.

It's was just the way she saw things.

"I wish I could thank him, or at least let him know how grateful I am." My mother spoke to herself, as she went into thought. With her small sobs and tears.

"I think, he already knows. Somehow." I spoke up, after a while of silence and deep thinking. My mother only looked up towards me and gave me a small smile.

"I should go call the nurses, tell them you're awake." My mother explained as she stood up and kissed my forehead. "I'll be back soon, sweetheart." 

I watched her walk away, out of the room. I then turned my head towards the window, as I watched the sunset light peak through the blinds, creeping it's way to my eyes.

I then closed my eyes, and inhaled a deep breath. Just focusing on my surroundings as I felt the warmth of the blanket, the light of the sunset, the smell of the sanitise from the hospital.

"James." I breathed out, as I felt my eyes snap open.