TITLE: 154 Words: "Ashes" 
AUTHOR: Octavian 
RATING: PG  VA  MSR 
ARCHIVE: Sure, just let me know. 
FEEDBACK: Will be welcomed like the Prodigal at Taverl@yahoo.com 
SUMMARY: A goodbye. 
THANKS: To the beauteous JourneyToX for fab beta.  And to all those lovely
people who still send me feedback despite my recent silence.  I'm workin'
on it! <g>


154 WORDS: "Ashes"
by Octavian


I scattered his ashes in the Mediterranean.

Standing hip-deep in the warm waters, I held the urn aloft in benediction,
gently tipping its contents into the wind.  Gray dust swirled about me in a
final farewell; spinning like miniature tornadoes before disappearing into the
waves.

There was nothing left but to return to the shore, to the house that had been
our sanctuary for over three decades.  To the place where he died.

His soft whisper had awakened me.  "Scully, it's time."

I wrapped myself around him, feeling the life leach from his body as we spoke
of the past, reassuring each other we had no regrets.  Strong fingers - lined
with age and care - went slack in mine; he was finally at peace.

Now I am alone.  Standing outside our home, our refuge from the world, I watch
the sun set behind the sea that holds him, and smile.

Soon, Mulder.  Soon.