*Title credit goes to Prince, but I didn't use much more than just the name. Tissues needed for sure...*

It was just a passing, nothing more. Words still left unspoken about a situation that should have been finished years before, but neither could bring themselves to bring it up. A wave, handshake and a quick hug, soft smiles given before it was back to reality and life again. A shrug of shoulders, a silent sigh lost among the breaths of wind that tangled between them, giving assumed life to the fabrics draping, swaying slowly. Weeping souls choking back what emotions poured to connect again the spirits of those lost in a war that should have never started.

A whisper of something cried out against deaf ears and a stone heart, the voice of a tortured being begging for its release or form of acceptance. Even knowledge was bitter sweet upon the tongue, tasteless lies and sour memories of times that should have been better. Only the sky would know the understanding that was needed, clarity in a clouded moment.

A footstep, the soft patter of rain against the pavement that stretched beyond. The chill of early spring sinking in passed the layers provided, touching lightly the solidity of a spirit. A tear goes unnoticed, hidden by the falling of heaven above. The form barely held, hands outstretched to the lost half, pleading in silent question. Eyes of steamed crystal grow blurry once more, no answer offered.

A moment of searching, a wish sent as a prayer, a pleading heart reaching to touch the once savior of feelings and emotions unnumbered. A motion frozen in stride, losing sight of the forgiveness so eagerly sought. The rain falls in a tirade, shading the world in darks and grays, a single toned vision with one streak of brilliant emerald.

Fingers clasped as the heart falls, knees upon the ground as the walls come crashing down. It is not worth comprehending what can never be realized. A face sheltered by hands from sight, ignorance giving bliss to no one. Sobs of release, sorrow echoed back with doubled intensity. All emotion wretched away with a single glance, a single movement away.

Following, one last effort given on a hope once held dear. White noise slurs into shadows, darkness creeping to claim, fingers stretching the granite and chilled steal into the depths. A staggered breath, hidden feelings better left hidden behind a face of slate. Time stills again, only the rain continuing on its downward course.

"Why are you still here?"

A question unexpected, a startled rush. An answer unknown, expression unread and confused.

"You have to move on. There is nothing more for you here."

Soul searching, straining for some explanation that is not offered. A strangled whisper parted in vain upon ears that could not hear, could never understand the feelings felt but never returned.

"Look, there..."

Head turns to see, to read, to realize, to break. Steamed crystal meet emerald, life separating.

'A son given to return to God. To touch the light, we wish you heaven.

Darren Hayes

Son, Brother, and Eternal Friend

1972-2010'

"We walk this road together one day a year, every year, and I wonder which time it will be that you finally realize. I see you, watch you, and I wish that I could still hear your words. Maybe some things are better left unsaid. Darren, watch over me until I come back again. I know I failed my promise because I lost you six years ago, and it is still my fault. I left you..."

A hand placed over a still beating heart, warmth spreading through two souls.

"Go home, mate. It is somewhere better than here, that is for sure."

Realization dawns as the light breaks through the cover of clouds. A soft smile once more in a spiritual embrace, locking souls tightly. A quiet whisper of breath as crystal turns to steam, fading with the sun into the rain filled air, swirling around the form for a moment before dissipating completely.

"Welcome home, Darren...Welcome home."