Second letter

Joseph and Mia were both curious about this person who didn't even seem part of their world. Slowly opening the letter they prepared for even the most absurd answers. As they read, many different expressions appeared on their faces. When they finished the letter both were silent. Joseph seemed to have remembered something and ended up dragging Mia to their dorm then proceeded to run towards the place Tyler and Taylor's bodies were buried.

Tyler's letter read as follows: Dear Joseph. We haven't known each other long so this might seem strange but even still it's my decision and right so deal with it. Tomorrow morning we will be heading to the school as planned. I've already learned of your situation and I understand that if something were to happen to me you would do your part to help. I know your goal is to find your friend. And that you've prepared for the worst. However I don't believe that this is the outcome Taylor wanted. I think that eliminating the threat without the help of the police, like you're doing now, is what he was trying to avoid.

I know you loved Taylor and right now you're driven by hate, but I don't want to lose you just yet. I'm selfish like that. We still know nothing about each other. Against my better judgement I enjoyed our interactions. We had a 'no questions' understanding. But now I want you to ask. And I want to ask you things as well.

Anyways, if I'm right then that Taylor of yours would have had a plan in place of his death. I have a few ideas and believe that it's better if I confront the enemy alone. I hope I didn't scare you too much. You hide it but I can see how kind hearted you are. If all works out you shouldn't have anything else holding you back anymore.

If that's the case I wanted to invite you to continue traveling with me. Truth is what I do is dangerous. In fact the night you found me was a result of one of my many trips. But even so I've seen so much out there and I've never regretted a thing.

Right now what I want more than anything is to explore with you. If you'd prefer to live your life here then feel free to keep that thing I gave you tucked away as a sort of momento.

Since this might be the last chance I have I'll say it directly. I liked getting along with you. And bickering with you. And how since the moment we met I haven't been alone. Darker reality aside, the feeling of being protected and taken cared of was nice.

You know better than anyone that I am not Taylor and I don't want to be. You had better remember this fact if you choose to stay with me. That's all I'll say for now. I'll only answer other questions if you choose to stay. If not then forget I ever existed.

Funny enough Tyler also didn't say goodbye.

The two thought that the letter had ended rather abruptly. Every sentence seemed to be a mix of conflicting thoughts. Meaningful yet detached at the same time. One moment this letter meant the world to him and the next nothing at all. Like a simple no hard feelings goodbye note. And yet he wasn't wrong. Joseph certainly had questions. Most were existentially questioning Tyler's existence in the world for him to die trying to help them out of their small town troubles. But with them were the things he held back during their time together. And to travel with him. Of course he wanted to see the world. But Tyler was dead.

Whatever he wrote before couldn't have accounted for his death right? Tyler had never met Taylor but he trusted his judgement and completed Taylor's plan and in doing so protected Joseph's future. Now they both were gone.

Why did Tyler write such a thing?

It was as though he was unaffected by death. His only problem being whether or not Joseph would travel with him after the fact.

Who was he really and how had he lived before arriving here?

All the potential conversations they held themselves back from starting. Leaving only regret in their place.

If things were different could they have been closer?

Could they have actually gotten to know each other better?

Taylor had written about his daily wish for help in case of disaster. Then Tyler appeared. If there was a chance, even a miniscule inhuman magical chance, that he could have a second chance with Tyler, he wanted it.

Joseph remembered Tyler's words from that night: When everything is over and done with and your heart is finally settled. You can come find me, no matter how far away I seem, and give this to me. That way things can continue.

Yet his letter said to tuck it away if Joseph chose to part ways with him. His thoughts matched Tyler's. He didn't want to part ways. But right now Tyler was farther away then he could have imagined. Even so he followed through with their deal and ran to the dorm to find that dark cylinder and brought it straight to Tyler.

Mia and Joseph looked at the two graves. They weren't with the others in the cemetery. They were special and the town agreed to have them specially placed here side-by-side. Taylor was an orphan with no background and Joseph was the closest thing to family he had. And Tyler was even more mysterious. No one knew anything about his past or where he came from. Their headstones had only their first names and a plaque of remembrance.

The townspeople would never forget what these two did and would never let something like this happen ever again. There were a few flowers around the area and it was in perfect view of the sunset. They would rest under the shade of the flower tree growing behind them. It was a place Taylor enjoyed when he was alive.

_______

It was dark and quiet. Only endless void in every direction. Tyler was in a sitting position holding his knees to his chest. Suddenly there was someone beside him. When he looked over he saw himself. Only it was slightly wrong. This was Taylor. The two sat next to each other and the darkness faded slightly revealing the grass beneath them. They were each leaning against a stone slab with their names carved into them. There was a flower tree behind them with its petals falling around them. The dim lighting revealed a thin veil surrounding and separating the two. The scene was both beautiful and somber.

The two simply looked at each other for a moment.

Taylor was the first to speak up astonished: I can't believe it worked.

Tyler gave a puzzled look: What worked?

Taylor responded: I died and someone 'like me' really showed up for Joseph. I'm shocked.

Tyler sighed in disbelief: Strange right. I wish I could explain it to you but I truly just arrived at random. I suppose we're linked.

Taylor also sighed: Or maybe it was predestined to turn out like this. Either way it is too late to do anything differently.

Tyler shook his head: It's not over yet. If Joseph decides to travel with me we can continue.

Taylor: He will. Although it's troubling to imagine.

Tyler: It is dangerous.

Taylor questioned: Can't he die if he follows you?

Tyler retorted: Can't he die anywhere?

Taylor smirked: That's true. Honestly I would prefer he go with you. He deserves so much more from the world.

Tyler: So did you.

Taylor: Maybe.

Tyler: The world isn't all that great but as long as you continue to look you have the opportunity to find things more beautiful and wonderful then anything you could ever imagine.

Taylor: I hope so. If Joseph gets to see such wonders it will have been worth it.

Tyler: Don't you want to see them too?

Taylor shook his head: Whether I want to or not no longer matters. I'm dead.

Tyler: I want you to come with me.

Tyler extended his hand through the veil and towards Taylor as he continued: I don't understand why but we're definitely connected. For whatever reason we can talk right now and I think that there's meaning in that. This is a chance and if you agree then I'll take you with me as well.

Taylor raised his hand but was hesitant.

He questioned: How would that even work?

Tyler shrugged: I don't know but at the very least you can see Joseph. You'll always be watching over him. And through my eyes you two would be able to see the world together. Isn't that worth something?

Taylor stopped hesitating and grabbed Tyler's hand: It's worth everything. I'm dead anyway, at least I'll get a good show.

Their fingers interlocked and Tyler pulled him through the veil and over to his side.

Taylor smiled and joked: I wonder if we were the same person in the last life?

Tyler laughed in response: With everything so far I wouldn't be surprised.

Both Tyler and Taylor, the scenery around them, and the veil faded quietly into the darkness.

______

The sun was already setting as Joseph and Mia were looking at the graves. Mia was unsure of what was happening. She had also read the letter and from Joseph's reaction she couldn't help but wonder deep down if maybe something could actually happen. Not some past deal or momento but something truly miraculous.

As standing there wasn't doing anything Mia had an idea.

Mia: Wait here for a minute okay?

Mia ran down the hill. Joseph was confused but did as he was told. He also wasn't sure what direction to take this in. When Mia came back she was holding a shovel.

Mia: I don't know what exactly is supposed to happen. But if you somehow use that thing to wake him up again it's probably better that he isn't six feet in the ground when you do it.

Joseph agreed with her and the two of them took turns digging into the ground. The graves were far enough out and away from town that they wouldn't be caught for their suspicious activity.

When they reached the bottom the sky was already mostly dark. They both took a breath and looked at each other. They nodded at each other and lifted the lid of the casket. Inside was a patched up Tyler lying expressionless in his eternal sleep. Joseph just looked at him. He was still at a loss and didn't know exactly what to do. He wasn't even sure if something was supposed to happen.

Seeing his hesitation Mia comforted: It's fine to be worried. This whole thing is pretty confusing but if this works then at best you'll have another chance. It's worth it to try.

She took out the item and handed it to Joseph. Joseph took a breath and calmed down. The two looked Tyler over and decided to just put it in his hands. Nothing happened. The two continued to wait expectantly, refusing to give up too soon. After a few more moments Mia gasped and pointed towards Tyler's ear.

There was a light. Joseph quickly moved Tyler's hair and sure enough his earring had the same pattern as the object in his hands. Both objects glowed faintly and then slowly grew more bright. The same patterns on the objects started to appear all over Tyler's skin.

The scars covering his limbs started to heal and fade slightly.

Mia who was barely able to contain her shock said quickly: Pulse check his pulse! And check for breathing!

Joseph, who was dazed, snapped back and carefully took Tyler's hand, closed his eyes and checked his wrist for a pulse. After a minute there was a thump. His eyes sprang open and he continued to check both his wrist and neck. There really was a pulse.

Joseph put his ear to Tyler's chest and then turned to Mia. Mia immediately knew what that meant and couldn't contain her excitement. The two laughed and squealed then shushed each other only to start giggling again. Their actions made them seem delirious but given the current situation a little crazed enthusiasm seemed fitting.

A moment later Tyler was breathing again. He started to cough and Joseph hurried to support his back as he sat up.

After the coughing fit died down Tyler spoke with a slightly hoarse voice: Next time maybe don't leave me in the ground for a week.

Joseph paused then chuckled with tears in his eyes: Maybe if you'd left better more decisive instructions I wouldn't have waited so long.

Tyler pushed Joseph's arm away: Shut up. You don't know how it feels to die.

Joseph smiled as he scooped him back into his arms and coaxed quietly: You're right, I'm sorry. It's my fault, please don't be angry. I won't let this happen again okay?

Seeing as the other had no intention of letting him go Tyler stopped struggling: Whatever it's over now so forget it. If you've chosen to stay with me you'll have plenty of chances to make up for it.

Seeing that they were okay Mia let out a sigh of relief. She helped pull Tyler out of the grave then Joseph and her took turns filling the hole again.