Gilbert stared at the gray tombstone behind the freshly mounted soil and yellow flowers in front of them. It was a small stone, anonymous and particularly plain, a direct paradox to the embodiment of Arnie. His eyes burned from staring at the indented name of his brother within the plane of speckled gray, but he remained still, only a few stray hairs causing him to blink despite his concentration.

Arnold J. Grape. Arnold. J. Grape. Arnold J. Grape.

A few scattered gathering of people uncomfortably watched from the sparse crowd, eyeing Gilbert with a look of pity. He gripped the inside of his pale palms, the sweat in his hands causing his fingers to slide across the textured plane.

He acknowledged their pity, but did not accept it. He wouldn't sink so low. The dark silhouette of Amy and Ellen and Becky standing like erected towers underneath a looming tree was a stark contrast to the painfully clear, beautiful day. Chad was, needless to say, not present.

Gilbert bent down and gripped the side of the tombstone firmly. He would bury Arnie here and now. He would bury Arnie now and for as long as he lived, because Gilbert knew that if he took one step with the guilt of Arnie's death tugging at his heart like an anchor, the weight would be enough to kill him.

Listen Arnie, Gilbert whispered and halted immediately. The words caught in his throat, causing a lump to form uncomfortably in his mouth. His tongue felt thick. His vision became blurry. What to say.

A minute passed and the wind ruffled Gilbert's hair, the sound of laughter echoed in the caverns of his mind.

It's not goodbye, Arnie, Gilbert began slowly. It's goodnight.

He swallowed reflexively and pushed his sleeve against his eyes, dragging the tears across his face.

Goodnight, Arnie.

Gilbert unbent from his position and stepped forward on the matted, dewy grass. One foot in front of the other. Onward. Frontward. Smiling at the clearer faces of his family and loved ones in the distance, he felt a thick tangle of emotion unraveling inside of him. The wind blew delicately against his cheek.

Gilbert inhaled softly and replied,

You shimmer and you glow.

Fin.

…

Hope you liked it. I finally finished. Review please. (: