I asked the nurse how she's doing today and I expected the response to be like any other, "She hanging in there", but not today. Today was Emma's last day.

My sister has been fighting for a long time and I prayed every morning and night that she would beat it, but cancer shows no mercy. She is the strongest person I know and I can't imagine life without her. I guess I better start trying.

I sat by the edge of her bed and held her hand. I couldn't believe this was my last moment with her. She couldn't talk much but I could still see the sister I've had with me my whole life staring back at me. I never wanted time to stop so badly.

She tried to talk but I could tell it was too much, so I did instead. I couldn't help it and I promised I wouldn't but I begged for her to stay. I could tell it was breaking her heart but I didn't know what else to do.

"Please don't go, Emma. The thought of the sun coming up tomorrow and it being the start of a life without you is unbearable. We can fight this, at least a little longer."

She gave me a broken smile because we both knew that wasn't going to happen. She squeezed my hand tight and said, "I will come to you in your dreams, I promise." With a tear running down her cheek, "Don't forget about me."

That's when she closed her eyes and the nurse told me it was time to go.

The rest of that day was a blur. I tried to stay strong for my parents but I needed help too.

I didn't want to eat or smile or laugh. It just felt wrong without her there. Why should I enjoy anything if my sister is gone? I didn't know how I was going to sle… sleep. Of course!

I went to the medicine cabinet and popped a Melatonin into my mouth. I ran upstairs to my bed and waited to drift off for Emma to fulfill her promise.

My dream started out differently than I expected. I was a child again, around 6 or 7. I was walking through the forest we have by our house and that's when I saw Emma up ahead of me.

"This way!" she yelled.

I ran towards her but she was running a lot faster than me. I tried to keep up but before I knew it I was all alone.

I sat on the forest floor and begin to cry. The way I use to cry when I was little. It was hard to breathe.

I heard the crunching of leaves, so I looked up and saw Emma hovering over me. I took her hand and she helped me up.

"Why were you running so fast? Couldn't you see I couldn't keep up?"

Emma looked sad and said, "I'm sorry. I never wanted to leave you alone, I just have places I need to go."

"But why do you have to go?"

"Because little sister, it's just my time. I know you don't feel like you can do this without me, but I'll always be right there with you."

Emma leaned towards me and gave me a hug. I missed the way she felt. When she wasn't sick. She felt so full and healthy.

She whispered, "I finally feel good again." As she backed away and spun in a circle, her hair swung around and she smiled harder than I had seen in years. Since before she was diagnosed. "Can you believe it?" she cheered.

She took my hands and with a worried look, she said, "I'm sorry I have to leave you. I hope someday you can understand."

"I wish we could stay like this forever," I whispered, pressing my face against her chest.

"Don't forget about me and I'll always be here" as Emma kissed my head.

I gasped awake and felt the pit in my stomach from the reality of what happened the day before. I laid there and began to cry with sadness and relief. "I'll never forget you."

And every night for as long as I can remember I met Emma in my dreams and we were always kids again. Back when she was healthy and we had no worries in the world.

I like to think that's how she is in heaven and that gives me peace that maybe what they say is true and she is in a better place.