I had come to visit a dear friend of mine, a man I had never met. He was a friend to many; a love of many lives, certainly mine. I kneeled at the place where he had fallen. Murder; shot four times in the back. Why did people have to be so sick? I felt the sting of tears as I touched the spot. I could still see the stains. I asked myself once again, as I had all during the past year, why can't people just open their eyes and give peace a chance? Those were his words. Amazing. He was trying to achieve peace and he was murdered. How horrible.

"Drop something, Miss?" a man asked, interrupting my thoughts.

"No," I replied. I hadn't heard him walk up. It was as if he appeared out of nowhere.

"Looking for something?" He had a sharp accent. It sounded English, but I wasn’t sure.

"No." Couldn't he just leave me alone?

"Missing something?"

"Only the man who died here."

"Oh, yeah. It was so sad," he said.

"Yeah," I agreed. He was silent. "It's pretty here," I commented.

"Yes, nice architecture on the building."

"Yes, it is lovely." I looked up at him. He was wearing a black turtleneck, a black jacket, black jeans, and black boots. I stood and watched him study the Dakota building. His face was partially covered by a wide-brimmed hat. He had a refined nose; it kind of hooked at the end. A very distinct jawline; nice profile. He had familiar features; I just couldn't place where I had seen anyone like him.

"Was he a friend of yours?" he asked not looking at me.

"I never met him but I loved him."

"How's that?"

"He was a great man. Brilliant, he was."

"What did he do that made him so great?"

"He believed in peace. Not like all the phony hippies say they do, he really did."

"And you?" He looked at me then.

"Me? Peace? I'm all about peace and love. I know hippies always say that. All the beautiful people do. But I know it's true. Love is all you need. I believe that. Peace for yourself, peace with others, and love always." I found him looking at me curiously.

"Mr. Lennon would be proud. I am." I looked down. He lifted my chin to meet his stare. "I can tell you mean it." He held my gaze longer than I was comfortable with. I averted my eyes.

"Thanks," I replied. There was something about this man. I felt so peaceful with him. I sighed. "Too bad he’s gone. He could’ve done so much."

"Yes, he could’ve…oh well, time’s up. Keep yer chin up, luv," he said, tipping my chin and smiling at me. "Maybe I’ll see you around."

"Maybe." I started to walk away.

"Hey," he called. I turned back. "All you need is love," he said, winking at me.

"Always," I replied, turning around. Something was definitely strange about him. I turned back. I almost fell in surprise to find him gone. He was nowhere around. Something was tugging at my mind’s sleeve like an annoying child begging for attention but I tried to ignore it. It couldn’t be true, could it? My face held an expression of puzzlement that soon turned into a knowing smile as I walked to the park, feeling the most at peace I had ever felt.

Melissa Vaughn has been a Beatle fan and has been writing since she was in tenth grade. She loves writing; she and her best friend write together on occasion. She has never published anything but hopes to when she finally finishes a story or two. She writes Beatles fanfic and other present boy band fanfics as well.