"So, I suppose I should thank you, for saving my life," I said, to break the silence in the car.

"Don't thank me yet. Thank me when something good happens and you realize how you would've missed it if you were dead."

"Oh...I've just realized, we've already gotten to know some personal things about each other, but I don't even know your name."

"Avery Jacqueline Clarke." She responded, never taking her eyes off the road.

"Why your full name?" I asked out of curiosity.

"It's more interesting that way," she answered, "you feel closer to the person." I nodded, and responded.

"Oh. Well nice to meet you, Avery Jacqueline Clarke. I'm Edward Thomas Becker."

"I like that name," She said. "I'll call you Eddie. You can call me Jacqueline." I nodded once again.

The rest of the trip back to the cafe was uneventful. Silence, followed by my regret, followed by more silence, the only thing to break it being my empty thoughts. We pulled into the parking lot.

"Well, here we are," she said after a moment of deafening silence. I didn't really want to leave, but I had no right staying past my time. I opened the door, not looking forward to going back to that mess I called home.

"Wait," she said.

"What?" I asked.

"I don't want you to go home and regret this whole thing ever happened. Why don't you come hang out with me for the day?"

It was the invite I needed. My tears had slowly been building up to this release. I nodded. She got out of the car and came over to me.

"You, my friend, look like you need a hug." It made me smile a bit, through the wetness falling over my cheeks. She actually seemed to care what happened to me. That hadn't happened before.

She opened her arms, and welcomed me in her warm, comforting embrace. It was the best hug I'd ever had, not that I can speak from a lot of experience. There was something about it, it seemed more genuine than anything else I'd ever had.

"Thank you, Jacqueline." I managed to squeak out, through my now full on sobs.

"You're welcome, Eddie."

~~~
(Present)

I miss that moment. The moments following, the minutes afterward. All those hours, the days, weeks, and even months. If I could bring her back now, I would do anything. I miss that moment, I miss her.

~~~
(Author's Note)
This chapter is a bit shorter, I didn't want this one to feel rushed. I promise though, the next ones will be of decent length.
-Jay