The Sycamore Leaf

The sycamore stands tall, its long branches casting shadows over the rippling grass we rest upon.

How long has it been since we came here together? Since we climbed this very hill to pick flowers? 

An eternity it seems, but then again no time at all. 

The corners of my mouth turn up in a soft smile as leaves slowly drift down into my hair. 

“Remember that time when we were kids and I wanted to add a sycamore leaf to my collection?” he doesn't respond. 

He’s like this a lot nowadays, leaving me to all the talking. 

It was completely different from when we were children though, he had the biggest mouth out of any kid our age.

“You thought it would be a good idea to climb this tree and get one yourself.” I smile. 

“Even though I told you not to, you wouldn’t listen, which of course ended in a bloody knee and getting your front tooth knocked out.” 

My eyes close as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch as soft as the breeze. 

“It took us forever to get to town because you refused to let me carry you, determined to prove you could do it on your own.” I chuckle to myself. “You were always like that, punching back at life when it punched you, putting all of us to shame.” 

I sigh, forcing a smile. “When we got to your house both of our mothers scolded us. I started to cry even though you were the one who should have been crying all along, but you just smiled with that toothless grin of yours. ‘Don’t worry,’ you said, ‘It was worth it cause I got you this,’ you pulled out the sycamore leaf from your pocket.” my lip trembles slightly. “That was the moment I knew I loved you” 

I wait for a response, but none comes. 

My arm stretches out, trying to grasp him, to feel the fabric of his clothing between my fingers, but all it meets is cool stone.

A tear slips down my face. “I wish I would have told you sooner.” I whisper to the name engraved on stone instead of him.