Shoot the Messenger

"I...care ab-about you too." Sam repeated softly, returning the kiss and thinking that even though it wasn't quite I love you, it was close enough. But he couldn't meander on that train of thought long because Remi said something about forgiving and then was gone in a flurry of feathers. Oh, no. Nononono no n on o n on o n on o-- this was exactly what Sam had been trying to avoid. He tried to get up in a hurry but his joints were still cold and unstable. By the time he'd gotten to his feet Remi was already at the temple doors. With a hand outstretched he ran as fast as he could, yelling: "Remi! Remi p-please! D-don't!" But then he was gone and all Sam could do was sink to his knees and stare at the door, waiting for a noise on the other side that could indicate a return. Samuel This time I might just disappear