Dancing in the Rain

I tried not to cry. I had become friends with Iris too.

"You two talked only yesterday. She seemed happy and so much better to me but during the night she said her chest hurt and she felt cold..." I took his hand, "She said she loved you, Jake. That was the last thing she told us. I'm so sorry."

A month after telling him the news Iris's art was printed and hung around the hospital. The art site she'd been on made a dedication to her. Her life changed many people for the better.

I had grieved for Iris for several days before I moved on with my life. I felt like when she died, she took a piece of my soul with her. I did my best to keep my promise to her, even though it was hard on some days. I had visited her grave from time to time, bringing flowers with me.

Eventually, I had recovered enough from my illness that I was released from the hospital much to my surprise. Even though I had to take some medications to keep myself healthy, I was pretty much living a normal life like I wanted to. It took me a while to adjust to living on my own, but it was worth it! In the meantime, I had met a young woman who was willing to share her life with me. Although she'll never replace Iris in my heart, she had eased the pain that was left behind in her passing.

Looking back, I saw I had come a long way since that fateful day in the rec room. I never thought I'd have a future, but there I was, married and expecting our first baby in six months. I had a pretty good idea on what to name the child if she turned out to be a girl. I will never forget how she changed my life. And on rainy days, I would remember the dance Iris and I shared before she died. I had hoped that when my time comes, she'll be waiting for me and together, we'll dance in the rain in heaven for eternity.

I'm sure it will be worth the wait.