She was gone. Taken from me with no recourse. What could I have done differently? So many things.

I could have told her I loved her.

I still remember Cordelia, back when I first knew her, when I was with Buffy. She'd stroll in, capture the gazes of every man in the room, flickering her sharp, dark eyes here and there; I thought then, to wreak havoc. I know now, that she was just a hurt, lost girl.

I misunderstood her for so many years. I was so captivated in the sunlight that was Buffy and I never took the chance to really understand the people around her. The potential for goodness and depth in Cordelia simply never made itself known to me.

And just when I appreciated her, just when I had fallen in love with her.

Just when I finally decided to act upon these feelings.

She was gone.