DISCLAIMER: The X-Files universe and all characters within that universe belong to Chris Carter and 1013 Productions, and no infringement on my part was intended. The original text is ©June, 1998.

Author's Note: This story is set post-Fight the Future. To read my summary/review of the movie, click on the link at the bottom of the page.

We almost kissed.

Butterfly soft, I felt his lips brush mine. For a moment, my soul sang, my body screamed. We were filled with light. I can't deny it.

We almost kissed.

He said he loved me. Not those words; he could never say them. He knew what happened to people he said 'I love you' to. But he said he loved me. And I . . . I said I loved him. With the tears that ran because I couldn't leave him.

I can still feel his breath on my skin.

I tried to leave. It was for the best. There's less pain if it's done quickly. I had to leave. For him, for me, for the life they wouldn't let us live. But he wouldn't let me.

Rage against the dying of the light. He did. In a thousand ways he told me he would, for now and forever.

Rage against the dying . . . I tried to leave. I made the effort. He stopped me.

He said he loved me. I can try to forget. We're alive, together again. I have to forget; remembering means more pain later.

Forget our love, forget what we both wanted that one instant. Wanted so much that our eyes spoke a promise: no matter what, this will, must, happen. And now that promise haunts me.

Forget the pain.

Rage against . . .

There was nothing.

Rage, rage against the dying . . .

Dear God.

. . . the dying of the light.

We almost kissed.