"I... know. We ate pizzas, already go to the movies. We basically toured the whole city for the last three days. I just can't get enough of you."
Silence loomed as we walked. The night was still young, but not for so long. Time was running out for both of us and there was nothing we can do about it. The only thing I could do is, not to let it go to waste.
I spun to meet her eyes and took hold of her shoulder. "N. I believe you are the creative one. Please think... of something that can never separate us." I stared deep into her eyes where joy and happiness used to be. Now it was filled with worry and uncertainty trying to avoid mine. Her sharp brown eyes; hiding. Cowering from truth.
"I-I can't."
"Yes, you can."
"That's impossible, Leon!" She sighed, "You will depart to Australia tomorrow and me... I'm here alone."
She blinked a tear. It falls. I hugged her tight. "Wait for me then."
The warmth of her body entwined with mine. I want this moment to stay as it is. She was shaking out of fear. I was confused.. I know fear... for the first time in my life.
"H-how about... taking a portrait? We haven't done that yet."
I smiled, "Isn't it the same with picture?"
She laughed, "No! Portrait only shows our head..." and shifted to a soft smile.
"Well, portrait it is." That's my girl named Natalia.
***
Like always, she was the creative one and tonight was no exception. She had picked the most beautiful building rooftop for our picture; not too low, not too tall where the beautiful sky and the stars became the background.
"I know you can do the thinking. My energy is saved."
She slapped my shoulder soft, giggling. "Thanks."
She went to set up the camera. "Oh. And Natalia, set the timer to 25."
She nodded and tweaked her camera and flashed a thumbs up sign. She rushed towards me. Both of us faced the camera.
25. 24.
"And again, N, smile your best smile like there's no tomorrow, even if it hurts."
20. 19. 18.
"More importantly, 'peace'." I whispered.
14. 13. 12. 11.
"Because..."
9. 8. 7. 6. 5.
"I love you..."
2. 1.
Snap. Snap. Snap. Snap. I took her into my arms and hugged her.
"L-leon-"
"Shh... not a word. Let just stay this way for the rest of the night."
"Okay... I-I... love you too."
*** 12 Years Later ***
I shifted through the newspapers. She was busy sifting through ancient and old items.
"Honey, can you come here? I think I found a very romantic portrait of you."
"Oh?" I stood up and went to where my wife was sitting on the floor. I moved some of the ancient boxes with my foot. I sat beside her.
"Let me take a look." I take the portrait from her hands. I found myself smiling. It was none other than the portrait taken from 12 years ago, "No, Helen. I'm afraid this is not us. This is my first love with me taking our portrait."
"Oh?" She looked at me, "You both looked happy. Radiant even. Why you didn't marry her?"
I looked at her, "Mind your jealousy, please. After finishing my study in Australia, I tried searching her. But... she already died. From accidents two years after we took the portrait. So... yeah."
Silence. I continued to stare at the picture. She was beautiful. I was charming, winking at the camera. She really did smiled her best smile. Her brown eyes shining, her straight, long brown hair tied perfectly. And the peace sign we both flashed. We was perfect. I shut my eyes.
That was the last memory of Natalia and me, even though she had become history. It was... Our Last Portrait.
ns 15.158.61.54da2
