"Hey, happy birthday, Mark." I smiled softly.

"I know you bought me the lockets, but..." I held the little gold heart on a chain in my fingers. "I got you one this year!" I sighed.

"And I know roses... They're your favorite flower." I brushed my fingers over the delicate petals.

"You love the red. The color of your favorite shirt." I chuckled softly.

"I like that shirt, ya know?" I put my chin in my hand. "It brings out your eyes." I sighed.

"So, I'm going back to school. Music technology. It's great." I brushed a hand through my hair.

"Marzia and I got together the other day. We talked. We've become friends. But not those kind of friends. Don't worry. She wouldn't..." I bit my lip.

"It's very pretty outside. Perfect for a picnic." I looked up to the sky.

"I wish I came outside more often... But I..." My voice cracked, and tears threatened my eyes.

"You know." I pulled my legs to my chest. "You know..." I whispered.

"You see everything. You love me. And I will do whatever it takes to make you happy." I forced a smile. I opened the locket and looked at the picture inside.

"Our last date before the war. You look beautiful." I genuinely smiled at the memory.

"I hope you're having a nice birthday." I checked my watch. Oh, how time flew.

"I guess I have to go." Tears fell down my face like a waterfall.

"I love you, Mark." I pat the grey headstone and walked away.

A year ago.

They found him in the kitchen.

The smell of sour alcohol wafting around him.

Bottles.

Bottles.

Bottles.

He drank so much.

And he got alcohol poisoning.

His liver shut down.

And he died soon after.

The day that I was allowed to come home.

The 4 year war and the year I spent helping families to rebuild.

And the day I was coming home was the day he broke.

That night I had one last dream. Mark and Felix died, but I didn't. I knew I had to keep going. For Mark.

Life isn't simple. It's very complicated.

But we fight to survive because we made it this far.

We pretend life is simple.

Because in our crazy, complicated minds, we need something to fall back on. We need that consolation. And so, for Mark, I will pretend that life is

Simple.

~AN~

This was my first shot at angst! Was it okay? I honestly don't know...

I hope you guys liked it. Sorry it was so short.

Anyway, thank you guys so much for reading and if you liked it PUNCH that vote button in the face, LIKE A BOSS! And I will see all you bosses IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!