From here...to Eternity (2013)

She had spent a lot of time at Tara's inherited cabin thinking, and thinking more. She felt like she was getting restless and needed a walk. Some fresh air would do her some good. She threw her hair into a high pony tail and dressed casually with a light jacket. The fall weather had crept up and the nights were beginning to be cooler. Not that it affected her whatsoever, but it was her favorite season. She found herself in the park in Shreveport. Wrapping her arms around herself, she walked the small cement path. At night, lights twinkled on the water of the small pond. She could hear every bird and insect singing their nightly song. There were couples out, lots of them. One couple caught her eye and she watched intently from a distance.

He wore a kangol hat and stood a few inches taller than her. Both had jackets on, he had his arm wrapped around her. The old woman had her head resting against his shoulder and her eyes peacefully closed. They stood on top of the small bridge that crossed the pond, alone in their own little world. Their hands wrinkled and thin, their hair gray to the roots and thinning, both seemed frail but relied on one another for strength. The love radiating from each of them made her smile. Jessica felt a sense of envy knowing that could never be her. A small red tear escaped from her eye and she blinked fast. Her hearing had caught some of their conversation.

"Earl, what's your favorite time of year."

"This time..."

"Why?"

"It gives me an excuse to hold and cuddle you. When you're cold you come to me for warmth." He said softly and she opened her eyes and smiled with a small chuckle.

"Oh Earl, I'm always cold."

"Exactly Lizzie, and I never forget to turn the air condition on in the winter." She playfully hit his arm and they both laughed as he kissed her forehead.

She watched them for the longest, and her heart longed for a love like that. One that would span an eternity. After all, that's all she had was eternity. Continuing to watch them, he rubbed her arm.

"Come on Lizzie, let's get you home before you catch your death."

"Oh Earl, such a way with words."

He chuckled, "Careful love, watch your step." He delicately held her hand as he helped her to cross the bridge. Jessica turned and began to walk the other way, still thinking about what she had witnessed.

When she was back at the cabin, she looked into the mirror and brought her fingers up to touch her skin. Nothing would ever change. She was forever young, forever flawless. It wasn't a bad thing, but when you really thought about it, you were cursed. She made her hands wrinkle her skin, wondering what she would look like as an old woman. That would never happen though, she was forever seventeen. Sighing heavily, she switched off the light and curled up on her bed, holding her pillow to her chest and staring into space as she tried to think about what the future held for her. A future where she was always...this. Forever young and forever in the darkness.