Old Man Anon Atop the Hill

>"Come on Anon, it's only a little far-"
>Monika turned around to find Anon struggling at the foot of the hill
>"-ther."
"Haha, don't worry, I can more than keep up with your pace. Just give me a minute."
>Anon shuffled with his walker, step by step, with the occasional grunt
>"Anon, seriously, it's okay, let me help you,"
"No, no, no, it's fine, what doesn't kill me..."
>Ugh, she hated his new motto.
>He doesn't have to prove anything with her, he never did.
>But she still indulged him, and she watched in agony as Anon made his crawl up the hill
"Ahh, haah, there we go! Not that hard, was it?
>"No, record pace! Good job Anon...proud of you."
"Haha, thanks."
>Monika wrapped her arm around the man whose hunch made them the same height, and led him up to the bench at the top of the hill
>Sitting there let you view the entire town at a glance
>Malls and buildings and homes were mere dots at this view; it made them feel so big, yet so small, knowing they're a part of that small cluster of humanity
>"You know, no matter how many times we're up here, it never gets old."
>He scoffs, reminding her all the times she complained about living in the monotonous podunk town
>She maintains the position that the lifestyle here did not diminish this view, and he concedes
>Anon usually conceded, the girl's wit and charm never seemed to cease
>Honestly, and with a breadth of fear, it grew every day
>A thoughtful silence, and Anon confesses
"I'm...I'm really sorry we weren't able to travel. You deserved to see the world...not cooped up here. If only I-"
>"Anon, that doesn't matter. All I care about now is spending the time we have left together. There's so much I want to know about you...so many things we can still do, no matter your condition."
"You're right. Haha, as always."
>Yes, this hill was their favorite spot in the town, and they shared many nights on that bench, staring at the stars and talking till dawn
>They had many moments on this bench
>"Do you remember that day, Anon?"
"How could I not, I've never felt more nervous in my life!"
>"Ahaha! But you knew the answer already, what were you scared of?"
"You know, I really couldn't tell you."
>They both shared a laugh as they instinctively caressed the rings on their fingers
>Anon turned to cup Monika's perfect face with his wrinkled hand
"You're as beautiful as the day I first met you."
>Monika reached his hand with hers, giving that cold hand of his her warmth
>"You're even more beautiful now, then ever before."
>Anon chuckled, and turned away.
>While time changed the complexities of their relationship, that budding, virgin romance never left. It's what made them feel so young.
>But nothing can stop time from robbing one of their youthful strength.
"Say, Monika,"
>"Hm?"
"I'm feeling a bit tired, you wouldn't be mad if I took a little nap?"
>"Of course not, here, lay down..."
>And with Anon's head resting on her lap, she sung just for him - the words may have changed, but the song remained the same
>From her hand placed on his chest, he could feel his heartbeat drip
>The rise and fall of his chest, a peaceful, zen-like motion
>She brought her lips down to his, and whispered,
>"Happy 50th, my love."