text: [Themes: horror, horror]
  
  I went to the graveyard. What did I bring?
  
  > Flowers
  The daisies hung downward in my hand, their small heads bobbing. I had heard somewhere that holding flowers upside down made them last longer. I didn't know if it was true, but they were going to die anyway, might as well try to preserve them.
  
  Daisies were her favorite. I walked past the mausoleum, it's bronze doors dulled with age. The first time I had visited this graveyard at eight years old I had stared at those doors for the longest time. They hadn't been kept up with, however, and the scenes that once shown were now hidden in a smudgy, monotone brown.
  
  The little path led slightly downhill. All the small candles around were unlit. The Spring sun was bright enough to make up for it, however. No candle could give more homage to the dead.
  
  Near the bottom of the hill was a fresh-turned grave. That's where she was. Right where I expected to find her.
  
  > She was standing
  Yes, she was standing. Standing at the foot of the grave, tears in her eyes. Her shirt was the traditional black, but she was wearing a pair of blue jeans underneath that. Perhaps she didn't love him all that much? Of course she didn't. Therir love hadn't been real.
  
  I fixed a sympathetic smile on my face as I called her name. "Julia?"
  
  She turned to face me. Her eyes were that heart-broken red and she was shaking, even in the warm Spring air. So lovely. So vulnerable. Just waiting for someone to comfort her. I folded her into a hug. "Oh Julia, I'm so sorry."
  
  She sobbed into my shoulder. Just as I imagined she would. Those delicate shoulders of hers shaking, that blonde hair, warm from the sun, tucked softly against my cheek, while my hand smoothly glided against her back. "I'm sorry, Daryl," she snuffled. "This is-" she choked on a sob. They kept finding their way from her chest, interrupting each word she tried to say. "I'm. Being. Stupid."
  
  "Hey. Hey." I spoke softly, running my fingers through her hair. "None of that. You didn't deserve this. Oh, Julia. If there was anyone who should never have to go through something like this, it's you. All you've ever done is care for the world. And this certainly isn't what Arthur deserved either." He deserved much, much worse.
  
  Her sobs subsided to sniffles. "Thank you, Daryl. You've been so kind with all this. You're honestly the first person that's been there for me since Arthur died. Everyone else doesn't know what to do. People are nice. they bring me casseroles and stuff. You're the only person who will really talk to me though."
  
  "Of course. If you need anything, I'll always be here for you. Always."
  
  She pulled away to look into my eyes and I felt my whole world glow. The admiration in her expression was everything I had wanted it to be. "That means a lot, Daryl." She squeezed my hand.
  
  I could feel a grin wanting to spread across my face, but I kept my expression somber and supportive. She hadn't said it outright, but the words were pressed into everything she did. How she leaned forward, how her lips were slightly parted, the way her hips moved as she turned to pick up her purse from the bench from beside her. I Love You. she said. I love you, I love you, I love you.
  
  "I brought these for you," I said, extending the flowers. "They just looked so happy, and I figured you could use something bright in your life."
  
  She smiled as she took them. "Daisies. These are actually my favorite," she said.
  
  I know. You posted about it last June.
  
  "Really? Mine too. They just make the world seem better."
  
  She nods. "I should get these in some water... I wouldn't mind some company though. The house just seems so empty these days... You don't have to. I get it, it's weird to go to the house of the dead guy. But if you're free, I can put on some tea."
  
  "Hey. Don't worry about it. You know... Um..." I was careful to cast my eyes down. "My brother was murdered. The guy was never caught. I, um. I get what you're going through." I stepped slightly closer and squeezed her hand.
  
  Her eyebrows drew together in concern. "I'm. I'm so sorry. I had no idea, Daryl-"
  
  "-It's alright. It was years ago. I've had time to heal. I just want to be there for you, because, well. I remember what it was like. How about we talk about it over some tea though. We can meet at your place then? My car's just up the hill."
  
  "Sure." She looked relieved, more at peace. Of course her heart was still aching, but now I was here. Now she would know what love actually looked like.
  
  "I'll see you in a few then." I gave a small wave as I turned to leave.
  
  "Wait, don't you need my address?" When I turned back, she had a playful smile.
  
  I tapped my head "Oh yeah! Stupid me. I would've walked up this hill just to get lost."
  
  "I would've caught up, I'm parked up that way anyway."
  
  "Well then let's head out together."
  
  "Um. Yeah. Do you mind if I... If I just take a moment by myself. You know. With Arthur."
  
  My smile felt a little stiff. It's not her fault, I had to remind myself. She just doesn't know what's good for her.
  
  "Of course," I said. I patted her gently on the shoulder, caringly, "I understand. I'll see you soon. Bye, Julia."
  
  I spared the grave a glance. As I turned away I let a satisfied smile find its place. And goodbye, Arthur. You and Julia are finally both where you belong. You in the grave and her in my arms.
  
  As I pass the mausoleum, I send a silent prayer to my patron. The one who guided me here and ensured I could guide Julia to true love.
  
  That's right. I went to the graveyard with flowers and won over the girl I love.