• It was Nathan’s nineteenth birthday, and he hadn’t seen anyone in his family for over nine months, last Christmas. He couldn’t wait to see his mother, father and baby sister who is ten years old now. He didn’t have many options of outfits to choose from so he wore what he had worn the last time he saw them. His new place wasn’t all that big, so there wasn’t much need to tidy up. He brushed his hair back and sat down, waiting for his visitors outside.

    It was still early, about seven in the morning, when the people he was waiting for arrived. His father stepped out of the driver seat as his little sister jumped out the back of the car and ran over to Nathan.

    “Nate! Hi! I haven’t seen you in forever!” his sister was so excited to see him after so long. “Look!” She pointed to her open mouth. “I lost my tooth. That means the tooth fairy will come and leave me money!” His parents walked over to him slowly, holding hands.

    “Sure does, princess. How have you been? I haven’t seen you in forever, too.” He said to his little sister.

    “Everything’s boring without you. When can you come home?” His sister asked him. His parents stood a bit farther back, watching her.

    “I told you, I can’t come back. I live here now.”

    “Forever?” she asked with a sad face.

    “Yes, I can't leave. I'm sorry.” He said, kneeling down. "But you can always visit me, I'll always be here." Now Nathan’s parents had walked over to his sister and her mother put her hand on her shoulder.

    “Who are you talking to, sweetie?” Her mother asked her.

    “Nate.” She answered, and turned to where Nathan had stood but he was gone. Her mother’s eyes welled up with tears and she hugged her. Then, her mother turned to the headstone that read her son’s name.

    “Happy birthday, honey.” The mother said as tears dripped down her face. After about a half an hour, they left. As they pulled away from the cemetery, Nathan’s little sister waved out the window to her brother. He waved back to her.

    “See you soon. I love you guys.” He said as he waved to his family, then vanished.