Leaning against the cold window, she exhaled, her breath misting up the glass. Red-rimmed eyes stared unblinking, unseeing, as time stood still. Thoughts raced through her mind, each one screaming for her attention before tumbling away, their soundless voices clamouring to be heard.

She ignored them.

What use were thoughts? She had looked down at him, so perfect, so peaceful, lying with his eyes closed. What use were wishes? With every moment that passed she had expected to see his chest rise, his face break into that grin she knew so well, the grin she had fallen in love with all those years ago. What use all the prayer in the world? Nothing. What good a God that could create Heaven and Earth, the moon and stars, all of existence – but not save one person, one perfect person, from their final journey alone?

Time drifts back.

Shaking with silent tears, she lived again the first time they met, the first time they had talked long into the night, delighting in their similarities, laughing at their differences. As dawn crept over the horizon, he had taken her hand, placed it to his breast and promised to love her for the rest of her life; his face struggling to remain solemn, he collapsed in a fit of giggles, and she had pounced on him, pummelling him in mock severity. How could he break his promise? Their first kiss, soft and tender, still felt, lingering on her lips through the halls of time. How could he leave me? Her shame of not being able to bear children; his comforting words, his quiet strength.

Him.

I never told him I love him. Guilt wells up, briefly drowning her anguish, a searing pain on her soul. I love him! Such a small word, such limitless depths of feeling. It is not fair! Never to see him again, to feel his warm embrace. I thought I would have one more chance. If she could have her time again, she would change so much, live every day as it happened, relish every moment of life. She would tell him she loved him every minute of the day, tell him she was his until the end of time. The end of time.

Arms curled tight around her middle, she sobbed deep into the night, crying her hurt to a callous, uncaring universe. Midnight struck. Her quivering stopped, her mind slipping into the sleep of the exhausted. As her consciousness was stolen away, she thought she saw a glowing figure sitting next to her, a familiar grin beaming down. She struggled in vain to stay awake, until all she could see was the shimmering form beside her. As sleep claimed her, the words heard in her mind echoed those on her lips…

I love you

I found this a moving piece...I'm not sure what context you will be using it in (what occasion), so it is hard to say if it is appropriate for it. I liked it as I read it and was interested to see where it was going, so I can't really think of anything to improve it.

Unfortunately, it is pretty quiet on the site right now, so I don't know how many people are around to comment and help.

Welcome and thanks for joining the WD family!