I could hear his voice from behind the shower curtain, it was just as I

remembered; gentle, but with a hint of authority. It had been at least a year since I last

saw him. Living with only the heartbreaking memory of his death, however, only eight

months ago, since he miraculously returned from the dead, I had still never heard any

news about him. That is, of course, until he stood before me now.

The steamy room clouded my sight, but it was more the drizzling water that blocked

out what I wanted to hear most; his voice. Through the curtains, I could only faintly make

out his figure that refused to face me, broad shoulders, tousled hair, and his 6’1” height.

“It looks like you’ve been doing well,” he spoke softly.

Is that how he thinks I’ve been? I thought.

“Your friends too,” he continued, reminding me that they’ve just thrown their

yearly party not only a week ago.

I stood, drenched, against the condensed wall, painfully listening to his words.

Tears slowly trickled down my cheeks, only to blend in with the luke warm water.

“Graduation is coming up, isn’t it?” he trailed.

I balled up my fists, trying with all my might not to breakdown.

“Well, I’ll let you go. I’ve probably wasted enough of your time already with

useless words,” he sighed, sticking his hands into his pockets.

My eyes widened, quickly, I slid the curtain aside, jumping out of the tub, and

wrapping my arms around him from behind. “Why?” I sobbed, “Why didn’t you come

see me, for eight months?”

I felt his head drop.

“I never left you, Marie,” he answered with sadness. “I’ve always been with you.”