I See.... (Revised Repost)

Revised with suggestoions and reposted. For my 100 Things.

I can see him, you know. He’s not really there, holding that damn blue rose, but I still see him. I can see him smiling as I step down. I shake my head and look away, I know he’s not there, but I can still feel his eyes on me. I always could. I look back across as my feet touch the ground. He is still there, still smiling, still holding that blue rose. I smile back, unable to stop myself. I make my way inside slowly, knowing exactly what is going to happen. I feel my heart skip a beat. Maybe this time is different? I don’t see his lips move, but I hear him say my name. I’m not watching his face - just that oddly coloured flower. He holds it out to me, smiling. I reach for it… I never know why, but I always do. As my fingertips touch that cursed blue rose, they disappear, man and rose, as always. He is always there, you know. He is always at that airport when I land. I can see him, even though he’s not really there, not really holding that precious gift. I can see him, stood just like he was the first time we met, fingering that beautiful blue rose and holding it out for me. I can still see him… even though he’s been dead for six years now. He’s still smiling…        …still holding that damned rose…               …still waiting for me…

Author's Note

It would be great if you'd let me know which version is best... I've tried to cut down the repitition back to what it originally was before I changed it (thank you, Hedra Helix, for suggesting it was too much..), and "boy" to "man" as suggested by Lady Sothis.

Reviews

[Lady Sothis]

*Applause* I must confess I really do love this version the best. This one retains the still lovely dark but enchanting feeling while the variations of switching up the rose keep the story much more flowing (I'll also confess to appreciating the better gliding over "man and rose"). And you know the rest of my thoughts from my previous review.

Wonderful job!

[Mr. Misanthrope]

I completely agree with Lady Sothis, even though I liked the original version too. She took the words right out of my mouth.