It’s Time
It’s time by Doris O’Connor
He was slipping away slowly, held close to her heart, his hold on her loosening. How could she let him go? He was her love, her life, her best friend, the man she’d loved for the last fifty-four years.
His breathing raspy, it skimmed across her neck, and she drew him in closer, straining to hear the whispered words.
“I love you Evie, always. Thank you, my beautiful girl.”
Tears slipped from her eyes, mingling with his, and she felt him smile against her skin. Her heart fluttered in remembered excitement of happier times. His lips brushed her ear once, twice and she sighed and pulled him closer still.
“I’ll miss you, my love. Rest now, sleep. I’ll see you soon.”
With one last shuddery exhale he breathed his last, safe in her arms, where he wanted to be. His once so strong body, now frail and riddled with pain, relaxed, and she allowed the tears to fall through her smile.
Already her limbs felt heavier, her breathing slowed and her eyes fluttered closed. He would tell her off on the other side. But she couldn’t let him go alone.
“Forgive me, my love.”