The Love

The air has a chill today. I shiver, but it doesn’t help.

She tucks my blanket around me, as she has so many times.

“I’m right here,” she says. I know she always will be.

A tear drops on my cheek. I blink—it takes so much effort.

She brushes it away. “That’s ok,” she whispers. “I got you. Don’t worry.”

The sun watches through the window. So sunny, why am I so cold?

What I wouldn’t give to be out in the sun again.

Wind moves through the trees. I remember that sound.

Somewhere in it, I hear it calling my name. I know.

I rest my head against her chest. “I will always be here.”

I am soothed by the rhythmic beat of her heart—so strong, so much love.

She leans closer. Her voice catches. “You don’t have to be brave.”

For a moment, it’s as if her breath gives me life—I finally feel so warm.

She holds on. I let go.