Beautiful Goodbye

Claire sat in her room, her fingers softly touching the edges of her metal bed. For the past six weeks, she had been living in this room, waiting until her time was finally up. Waiting for her thread to break. A small smile crept upon her face as she looked out of her window, giving her a clear view of the sun shining down on the ground beneath her. Memories from her past flashed before her, good and bad. Closing her eyes, she relaxed into her bed and watched her own life unfold in front of her.

A loud cry had filled the hospital room. A child had taken her first breath, experiencing what the next ninety years was going to feel like. It wasn't long before she had been able to take her first step down the route that would take her till the end of time.

Months turned into seconds, as she started growing up. She was changing, physically and mentally. However, it seemed like the world was turning against her. Her parents didn't seem to understand what she wanted to do in her life, nor did they understand how she felt about her dreams. It wasn't long before she graduated with the class of 1980, nor was it long before she finally made her dreams to reality.

The young girl pulled out a small brown book with a solid cover and placed it on the bed. The older woman's fingertips traced the surface of the book, taking in the scent of lavenders. Carefully she turned the page, revealing a photo of a man and women, with their arms linked together. "Chris," She whispered, tracing the man's face with her fingertip.

Laughs filled the local library as two innocent people started talking to each other about their dreams and futures. Their hands touched and an instant spark was felt within the two of them. Months rushed by as Claire and Chris made their way to their new home as man and wife. It seemed like she had found her happy ever after. Everything was running smoothly, until Chris was forced to come back to the navy. During his absence, Claire found out that she was pregnant, and couldn't wait to tell Chris when he got back. When she received the letter her heart was crushed. He sacrificed himself for his team. He wasn't coming home.

Tears filled her eyes and slowly started to stream down her face. With the photo in her hand she could remember him so clearly. She could remember what it felt like to hold his hand. From the first time, palms sweaty, both of them nervous. To the final time as she kissed him goodbye, squeezing his hand, hoping for his well return. She remembered how her heart used to race whenever she saw him. How handsome he looked on their wedding day. Claire could feel herself start to shake, her tears flowing more freely. She quickly shut the book, not wanting to think about him anymore. It had been too long. Too long since she'd lost him. But she'd be with him again ... soon.

Claire slowly placed the book on the table next to her, before taking one last deep breath as her eyes started to close. She could see her daugher pull the young girl out of the room, telling her that everything would be ok. The world became blurry and darkness overcame her. She knew her time was up.