Looking-Glass

Tears refusing to fall, she sought solace in the small room. Silence was a premium; stolen when fires were quenched and the voices fell to a muffled roar. Praying that uninterrupted seconds would multiply to minutes, she swallowed hard.

Her best friend was gone, and so was her soul.

There was life and purpose and understanding and fulfillment with her best friend. They saw only gentle acceptance of one another, and innocent fascination in their many similarities. Every subject and conversation had light and new meaning when shared through each other's eyes.

Her best friend reflected back to her what she could not see. In turn, she understood her best friend more than she understood herself.

Stinging, her eyes blurred from memories of eager, happy, childlike moments they shared together, she was angry at how cruel time and fate could be.

And God?

Why did He have to take away the one thing—the one and only thing—she truly wanted—and needed—all of these empty, lonely and heartbreaking years?