“Yes and no. That’s the problem. I’ve never felt so good in my whole life. I feel more alive than when I actually was. But Ashley’s not here to share that with me. And I know that wherever she is, she’s so worried about me. I want to tell her that I’m fine, that life goes on. But does it, Clay? Does it go on, knowing that the person you love with every fiber of your being is suffering without you?”

“So many questions that can’t be answered.”

Spencer lets out a sigh. “No answers, then.”

Clay looked thoughtfully at his little sister. “Life does go on. Here, for us, and for them as well.”

“I can’t imagine it going on, Clay. Not without Ashley. After everything we’ve been through. All the ups and downs. No matter how hard or easy they were, the only reason I’ve made it this far is because Ashley was always there right beside me, willing to let me do what I needed to on my own, but always ready to take my hand when I needed help.”

“You love her?”

Spencer’s eyes widened and the tears came again. “More than life itself.”

Clay stood up and held out his hand for Spencer. She took it, reluctantly, but took it nonetheless. “Follow me.”

They walked to the edge of the backyard, a walk that seemed to go on forever. Clay didn’t speak. He simply looked back at Spencer every few steps, just to make sure she was still behind him. He stopped at a big field, flowers blooming every color imaginable.

“What is this place?”

“This is where your life continues.” He picked a flower from the bunch and twirled it between his fingers. “Why do you think we moved to Los Angeles?”

Spencer, though confused, answered honestly. “Mom’s job relocated her.”

Clay looked straight ahead, not avoiding what he knew must happen, but wanting Spencer to fully understand the situation. “Some people in the world are meant for each other, Spencer. They would cross rivers and climb mountains to be with each other. Others would even deny heaven. It was no mere chance that we wound up in L.A. It was fate. You were meant to meet Ashley, to be with her. So much that not even death can separate the two of you.”