POV: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Here are you drinks," the man at the food truck slid two Shirley temple across the counter, "enjoy."

"Thanks man," Lin replied, a cheerful smile on his face as he slid handed a fiver of his own money to the guy, "keep the change." 

Lin walked back toward where he knew (y/n) was waiting, a slight bounce in his step, but he stopped short when he heard a loud bang ring out in the air. It was much too early for fire works. Confused, and a little concerned now, Lin continued walking, quickening his pace. The same loud noise rang out a few more times.

Then again.

And again.

Three times more.

Lin turned the corner and suddenly time slowed down so quickly it almost stopped.

He had only read that happen in books. Seen that happen in movies. But time really did slow.

He saw now what the noise had been.

And almost wished he hadn't.

A gun.

A gun.

A gun.

A FUCKING GUN.

Panic rose in his throat.

(Y/N)! He yelled, looking around wildly, his vision blurring, the drinks clutched tightly in his hands.

He saw her then.

And he saw the bullet flying towards her.

Towards her.

Closer.

Closer.

She did too.

He saw her eyes widen in terror.

He felt the drinks fall out of his hands.

He saw red liquid pouring.

Out of the cup.

And out of the people around him.

He felt his feet pounding against the grass.

He saw her falling.

Falling.

Falling.

Falling.

Forward, off the bench.

Where they sat so happily.

Minutes ago.

She was in his arm all of a sudden.

Looking up at him.

Her eyes filled with unshed  tears.

A sob climbed out of his throat.

He whispered her name.

"I'm sorry." He sobbed.

"I'm sorry." 

"I'm sorry."

"You'll be okay."

"We'll fix you."

Words part if him knew weren't true.

Tumbling out of his mouth.

"S'not your fault." She croaked.

"I love you."

"My love."

"Take your time." 

"I'll see you on the other side."

And then.

She was gone.

His everything.

Was now nothing.

Gone.

Gone.

Gone.

Gone.