Death really isn't that horrible. The world classifies it as some terrible, bloodthristy reaper that cruelly cuts your little life short, but besides the pain shooting into every inch of your weak and defenseless body, it was peaceful knowing that this momentary pain would soon be taken away forever. As I sat in my lonely solitude, supporting my back against a wall, I began to feel quite tired. A warm rush of sleep began to gently wash over me, and it was more than I could handle trying to resist it. Oh, it would be so easy to close my eyes and fall asleep forevermore. But not yet. Somehow, I don't think I'm ready quite yet. Though I've been waiting to die for ever so long, a surge of life still flows through me, like a last act waiting to be accomplished, and then the promise of peace after.

Life has always been so cruel to me. My first bit of childhood was bliss, but that was when I was young. Shortly afterwards, Father began to take his anger out on me, and I soon learned how horrible the world really is. Pleasantries of life were never granted to me, and as I became older, the punishments became worse. Not just physicalpunishments, but mental also. I abused myself mentally, hating every inch of myself. I was so ugly, so thin. I looked 30 years older than my real age, and I longed the gift of looking youthful, for youth beheld beauty. I only wish I had more to offer. If I had money and looks, then I could easily find a man who would love me and take care of me. Like Marius. But no. No, Marius would never love me, no matter how hard I'll ever try. Men would only want me for lust.

I've been waiting now for quite some time. The sleepiness of Death is pounding on me, begging me to let go. Maybe I should really just close my eyes right now. But wait...I think I hear footsteps...

"'Ponine!" My heart skips a beat. Marius!

"M ...m ...Marius..." I weakly stutter. Honestly, I thought I had more energy than this.

"Eponine! What happened? Are you hurt?"

"No...I'm okay ..." I yelp sharply as a knife like pain stabs me in the place I was shot, "...I guess."

Marius comes over to me and supports me with his body. Oh, this sudden warmth of love and comfort was the best thing I've ever felt in my life. Finally, someone, protecting me when I most need it, was here with me.

"Oh, Eponine, you're shot! Dearest 'Ponine, how could someone do this to you?" I was beginning to enjoy his words quite a lot...

"Really, M'sieur Marius, I feel fine. I feel safe, 'cause now you're here with me. This all I've ever wanted. Now I can die in peace..."

"No! No, 'Ponine! You're not going to die! I'm going to pray and fight against it. You're too young. You can't die!" I think M'sieur Marius is crying now...

"Oh, M'sieur Marius, it's for the best. I feel complete, and I'll never feel pain or sorrow again. Now you can go to your Cosette and be happy." I actually said 'Cosette' without any trace of hate and envy in it. It's amazing how much Death humbles you. Control is slipping out of hand now, and I'm ready to rest. It all comes down to this last breath, this last moment of being alive. I start to tear up at the fact that I'll never ever be here again and I'm going away, but reality comes through. What was ever here to hold you? You were always in midair, and now the wind has shifted.

"M'sieur Marius, I love you." My final statement. 'You' would be the last word ever spoken from this mouth. This Earthly body I would soon shed, and my soul at last cleansed. This euphoria of joy was wrapping around me, and it was almost suffocating. I drew in my last breath. I relished the sweet comfort of breath, but was relieved when I exhaled and the last bit of mammon and this worldly stench released from me at last. Marius leaned over me and kissed me, and I smiled. The light was becoming brighter, and I was at last in the gentle arms of Love.

[Main Index] [More by Millie Prouvaire] [More about Eponine]
URL:
Provider: MV Communications