Stealing Promises by Brina Courtney

suicide from her mind and decided that she was going to live. Because there were people out there who missed Levi just as much as she did, and it wasn't fair to them if she left this world, too. She had already lost Levi, she wouldn't lose herself as well.
    “It's okay, Claire. I’m not upset with you. I just didn’t think.  I didn’t know that anyone else would be feeling the way I am.”
    She looked at Kate with confidence. “I want to go to the funeral. I want to be with these people.”
     

9
    Victoria readied herself for what she was sure was going to be the second worst day in her entire life. The worst being last Friday when she lost Levi. It had only been a little more than a week since he had gone, but it felt like months to Victoria.
    Kate and Fallon were working on her hair and makeup, as Victoria had no interest in making herself look nice for the event. Victoria simply stared at the picture of Levi that her parents had framed for her, which was sitting on her bedside table, as the ladies worked to improve her features.
    She wore a plain black dress that her mother had purchased for her and simple pearl earrings. Kate had curled her hair. When Fallon had decided that she was done with her makeup Victoria stood up and looked in the mirror. She didn't feel like she looked like herself anymore, but it would have to do. She wanted to appear at least somewhat together for the funeral. It would be the first time she'd seen Tyne or Levi's father since the hospital.
    She twirled one of the curls around her finger and asked, “Are you sure I look all right?”
    Kate nodded and Fallon agreed. “You look beautiful Victoria. Levi would have appreciated it.” Fallon sighed and walked from the room as Kate stood by and watched Victoria survey herself in the mirror further.
    She gently touched the curls that fell on Victoria’s back and said, “You're doing really well, Victoria. You can do this, just one step at a time.”
    Victoria looked at Kate with a small smile and said, “Baby steps, right?”
    Kate smiled back at her. “Right.”
    The funeral was held on the beach, one of Levi’s favorite places to visit. They had spent so many wonderful evenings there, walking and talking about their future. A future that would never take place.
    When Victoria and her family arrived at the actual funeral site she realized there were several hundred people in attendance. Seats had been left for her family near the front and she walked slowly and solemnly to her place.
    Kate sat next to her, holding her hand as they watched Tyne and Levi's dad arrive. He was in his old military uniform and Tyne looked lovely in a short sleeveless black dress.
    They sat directly in front of Victoria's family and then turned back to acknowledge the Blanes. Victoria's eyes remained focused on the sand, and she made designs with her shoes to distract her mind from what was happening around her.
    A pastor spoke about the loss that they had all endured. How sometimes the world didn't think it was fair how young people left us. He continued, saying that Levi had the chance to live, and he had led a beautiful life. Victoria remained stone faced through much of the ceremony … until the pastor turned his attention to her.
    “Levi spent his life serving others. And even in death he served others. His life was cut short because he was protecting the woman he loved. He took the ultimate sacrifice, and for that we truly thank him.”
    Victoria lifted her eyes and noticed that everyone, except Levi's family whose eyes remained on the casket, was staring at her.
    Victoria couldn't take being the center of the attention and looked to her family for support. Kate squeezed her hands in hers. But Victoria had already gone over the edge and began sobbing uncontrollably.
    “ He wasn't supposed to leave me. He promised.” Kate nodded and a few members of the surrounding audience whispered encouraging sentiments to Victoria.
    “ I loved him. I will always