When death takes away your favourite possession, what do you do?

The wispy little twig of a boy clutched his locket with one hand and adjusted the rounded spectacles on his nose with the other. A thick tuft of brown hair rested on his head, aloof, swaying with the controlling grasp of the humid air. The smell of drying blood and mouldy flesh hung low and dying smoke twisted in a spiraling helix from the muzzle of a rifle, declaring the end of a war. Jonathon folded his legs and looked at his hands with overwhelming fascination. What were those sticky red patches on his hands? Why were they oozing out of Jean’s shirt? Why did he close his eyes? What was about ‘never coming back’? Was that true? Where did he go? His stomach gave a frustrated growl. He was hungry! Jean had to wake up- he was hungry!

He tried to shake him but he wouldn’t budge an inch. He held Jean’s eyes open, once again staring into his own eyes. But they were irresponsive.

‘Jean! I’m hungry! Please wake up. I can’t find my way back home.’

He waited for ten seconds, expecting Jean to spring up and carry him home. He still didn’t move. What’s wrong? Jonathon tried to recall what he said before falling asleep.

‘Jon, I’m sleeping, okay? But this time I’m not gonna wake up. Take care of yourself for me. Be a good boy,’ Jeans voice choked, but he managed to continue, ‘I’m gonna see Mum and Dad soon! I love you, kiddo.’

What did he mean ‘not gonna wake up?’ Jean was going to met Mom and Dad. God knows it’s been years since they went on their trip! He wanted to meet Mom too! Jean told him that Mom and Dad were away for some important work and they would be back after many years, and that they sent him their love from the sky. Was that true? He squinted into the skies overhead and groaned at the hideous colour. It was a dirty blue-black and filthy grey clouds hovered with the grace of a cat, ready to attack any moment. Surely Mum’s love wasn’t coming just now! He would try again at night. Jean once said that Mum smiled down at them when the stars twinkle. He smiled a pleased smile, happy that he’d see Mum today! But, wait! Jean would be there too today. He said he would be with Mum. But he didn’t want Jean hangin’ in the sky. He wanted to sit on Jean’s lap and talk to Mum and Dad. He wanted Jean to sing him to sleep. He wanted Jean. He rested his head on Jean’s stiff shoulder and placed his frail arm over the dead weight of his chest.