When Love Dies

Locke lingered back from the grave and Sayid stepped back a few paces to stand beside him as the others silently paid their respects. It was a hastily dug grave and many stumbled over the lose dirt in the dark. They only used a few torches, enough to light the path, but not give them away to the others.

“You cannot continue to blame yourself,” Sayid said softly.

“Shannon and Boone wouldn’t have been taken if--”

“You found them.”

“Too late.”

Sayid’s eyes glistened in the light as Jack held a torch out for the others to follow as they filed back to the new camp. He put a hand on Locke’s arm before he disappeared into the darkness again. “What you did for Shannon. I cannot thank you enough.”

Locke continued to stare at the dark pile of dirt. “It wasn’t enough for Boone.”

Sayid turned and stood in front of him, blocking his view. “You did not look in her eyes, John, but I did. She would not have recovered like Claire, she was already dead. Shannon died in the jungle and she would have killed Boone if you had not stopped her. You ended her suffering. I am only sorry you must suffer now too.”

Locke watched Boone walk away, flanked by Kate and Sawyer.

Their reunion had been short lived and Locke hung onto that brief moment every night while he hunted for those hunting them. Even if Boone never spoke to him again it would be the most precious memory he ever had.

“He will forgive you when he can forgive himself.” Sayid started after the others and stopped. “Come with us, John. We need you. He needs you. John?”

Charlie appeared on the trail, lighting the way for Sayid. Sayid took the torch and held it higher to see the bushes and trees around, but Locke was gone.

“What are you doing?” Charlie hissed. He pulled Sayid’s arm down and took the torch again. “Come on,” he said and led the way home.

Fin

(continue along the dark stream...)