Tayvis One-Shots

by your side

Travis's POV

The sun was just beginning to rise, spilling pale, hesitant light into the room. I sat on the edge of the bed, head in my hands, trying to summon the strength to face another day. Sleep had been scarce for weeks, every time I closed my eyes, I dreamed of her. Taylor, before the sickness. Taylor, laughing, vibrant, glowing.

The house was silent except for the faint hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. It felt wrong, too quiet, too empty, without her here. I stared at my phone on the bedside table, as if willing it to ring would bring me closer to her.

When it did, the sound made my heart lurch. I snatched it up without thinking, seeing the name of the nurse from Taylor's care team flash on the screen.

"Hello?" My voice was rough with sleep and dread.

"Mr. Kelce," the nurse said softly, her tone professional but gentle. I could hear the weight behind her words even before she said them. "I'm so sorry to wake you, but... Taylor's condition has worsened. She's slipping away. You should come now."

The phone nearly slipped from my hand as I sat frozen, her words sinking in. Slipping away. The phrase repeated in my mind like a cruel echo, each repetition punching a hole in my chest.

"I'll be right there," I managed, my voice breaking.

I hung up and sat there for a moment, staring at the floor, my hands trembling. She'd been fighting for so long, and I'd let myself believe, foolishly, that there was more time. But now, there was no more pretending.

I threw on the first clothes I could find, barely noticing if they matched. My hands shook as I tied my sneakers, the knot coming undone twice before I managed to get it right. My mind was a blur, a swirl of panic and pain, but one thought rose above the chaos: I needed to be with her.

The drive to the hospital was a haze. I barely registered the other cars on the road, the muted hum of the radio playing softly in the background. All I could think about was Taylor, her smile, her laugh, the way she used to sing off-key in the kitchen just to make me laugh, even though I knew she could sing so well. And now... 

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She was slipping away.

The room smelled sterile, antiseptic and clean, but nothing could mask the scent of death lingering in the air. Taylor had been battling pancreatic cancer for over a year now, and tonight, I knew, was the end.

I sat in the chair by her bed, gripping her frail hand in both of mine. Her skin was papery and cold, her once-strong grip reduced to a weak curl of her fingers around mine. The machines around her beeped steadily, a cruel reminder of how little time we had left.

Taylor shifted slightly in the bed, her breath coming in uneven, shallow gasps. Her eyes fluttered open, those blue orbs duller now, but still the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

"Travis," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"I'm here, angel," I said quickly, leaning closer so she wouldn't have to strain. Tears blurred my vision, but I didn't care. She had to know I was here, right until the very end.

Her lips twitched into the faintest smile. "You've been here... every day."

"Of course I have," I said, my voice cracking. "I told you I'm not going anywhere."

She blinked slowly, her gaze locking onto mine. "You're so stubborn," she murmured, her tone laced with weak affection. "But I love you for it."

"I love you more," I said, my voice barely holding together.

Her smile faded, and her brows furrowed slightly, like she was trying to summon the strength to say something important.

"Travis..." She paused, her breath hitching painfully. I felt my heart splinter at the sound. "I don't... have much time left."

"Don't say that," I choked out, the tears falling freely now. "You're still here, Taylor. You're still with me."

She shook her head, the motion barely perceptible. "No... we both know it's coming. I can feel it."

I closed my eyes, biting back a sob, but it was no use. My shoulders shook as I leaned my forehead against her hand. "I don't know how to live without you," I admitted, my voice breaking.

Her free hand weakly reached out to touch my face, her fingers brushing against my cheek. "You're stronger than you think," she whispered. "You always have been."

I kissed her hand, salty tears staining my lips. "But I don't want to be strong, Taylor. I just want you. I need you."

Her own tears spilled down her pale cheeks, but her expression remained soft, almost serene. "I'll always be with you," she said, her voice trembling. "In here." She rested her hand over my heart, and I felt my chest crack wide open.

I nodded, unable to speak, my throat too tight with grief.

The minutes stretched on, each second a painful reminder that time was slipping away. Her breaths grew more labored, each one rattling in her chest, like it took everything she had just to keep going.

"I'm scared," she admitted suddenly, her voice so small it shattered me.

I pressed a kiss to her forehead, my tears wetting her skin. "I've got you," I whispered, my voice raw. "You don't have to be scared, angel. I'm right here."

Her eyes searched mine, filled with a love so deep it hurt. "Promise me... you'll keep living."

"I promise," I said, though it felt like a lie. How could I live without her?

She gave me one last, trembling smile. "I love you, Travis. So much."

"I love you more," I said again, my voice breaking on the words.

Her chest rose and fell, slower and slower, until finally, it stilled.

The machines around us let out a long, droning beep, signaling what I already knew.

"No," I whispered, my voice shaking. "No, no, no."

I cradled her hand to my chest, my body trembling as sobs wracked through me. She was gone. My Taylor, my angel, was gone.

The nurse entered quietly, her expression sympathetic as she turned off the machines. I didn't move. I couldn't.

The world felt empty, colorless. The vibrant, beautiful woman who had been my everything was gone, taken by a cruel disease that gave no second chances.

I sat there for hours, holding her hand, whispering to her as if she could still hear me.

"I'll keep my promise," I said softly, my voice shaking. "I'll keep living, Taylor. But I'll never stop loving you."

And I knew I wouldn't. Even in death, she was my forever.

a.n - Hi guys! Lately, I haven't been in the best place mentally, and it's been influencing the stories I'm writing (as you can probably tell). Writing has always been a way for me to process my emotions, and right now, that's where my head's at.

I might not be updating as often as I try to centre myself a little more, but I promise it will not just be depressing one-shots. Thank you for sticking with me through all the ups and downs. 

love, ella <3