seven stages

Guilt

dear frank
you're dead.

i wasn't there, and i promised you all those nights ago in the hospital after the third time you collapsed, and you thought you were on your way to the grave, you asked me, wheezing and exhausted,

"baby, when i go, will you be here? please promise me that you'll stay by my side while i leave."

"i'll be with you until your breathing stops, forever. "

"please know, i will always love you. always. you'll always be my girl."

cue the tears, paired with happy smiles.

"darling, you are my forever. i love you. i'll be here when you go."

"i love you too."

but
i
wasn't
there.

i will never forgive myself, never. i broke my promise, i wasn't there for you, and it's breaking my heart.

maybe i could have done something, made it easier for you...

i'll never know, because frank, you're gone.