“Not even each other. These are our hearts desires. We have to be honest with ourselves.” Jack said gently, “And you can write more than one. One year… I wrote well over twenty things since I write super small.” he smiles weakly as he begins to write carefully, tongue sticking out of the corner of his mouth as he does.
She’s extremely curious over what he’s writing, but knows it’s impolite to look. She looks down at her own, staring at it for a moment. “Write more than one.” Wasn’t that selfish though?
Putting her marker to paper, she begins to write:
My hope for New Years, to whoever reads this,
Please keep my friends safe and healthy. Please let them enjoy their lives to the fullest. I want them to be happy with all my heart. And even though it’s selfish, please let Jack and I stay together forever and be able to face things together. I will always love him and wish to give him strength to face things and always succeed in what he does. Please grant me my wishes, dear lantern.
Done with her wishes, she recaps her marker and waits for Jack, blushing slightly.
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.
Jack Maple 