His writing is more like single sentences being placed here or there on the paper.
I want to be stronger. I want to be braver. Please help me not be afraid of crowds any more. Please don’t let Katelynn slip away from me. Let me get better. I want to be a better person for Katelynn, but also me. Don’t let Katelynn’s parents find her, ever. I wish my friends all the best even if there are not many of them. Please keep us safe. Please make me strong.
He then shows her how to loop the curved metal in the lanterns, carefully, slipping them into place with the paper. There’s a few rips and tears, as expected, but soon both lanterns are there, completed.
It was a minute to midnight now. Jack takes out a lighter and lights the two candles within the lanterns and has Katelynn hold onto them as he wheels her out closer to the edge. Far enough to be safe, but close enough to hear the music and the crowds of the park beginning to count down.
Jack takes his lantern from her and crouches down, so he’s level with her in her chair.
“Ready?” he asked.
She nods enthusiastically, smiling at him moment before looking over at the festivities, knowing her work was most likely doing coverage of it but not even feeling envious. She was where she belonged instead, right by Jack’s side during the New Year.
A New Year, a new Katelynn, a wonderful boyfriend. It was the best way to begin a new year.
They waited. Soon the crowd far below could be just heard counting down.
Ten… Nine… Eight… Seven…
Jack reaches and gently takes Katelynn’s free hand into his.
Six… Five… Four… Three…
He readied the lantern in his grip.
Two.. One…!
The fireworks begin to burst out against the darkness of the night sky, bringing out all kinds of colors, and Jack releases his hold on his lantern.
Jack Maple 