Don't Forget Me

I stood on the edge of the lake. His locket was in my hand and dangled over the deep waters. Tears streamed down my face. I didn’t want to jump, yet I had to.

“I’m sorry,” I was saying. I didn’t know why. My hands were shaking and my vision was blurred.

My love, my lover……

Earlier that day he called me. I’m sorry, he said. I still love you, he said. Don’t forget me, were his last words. I was working. I didn’t hear the phone. I got the voicemail later. I cried.

I never would have guessed that he hated his life so much, but he told me that I was always there for him.

I heard his dying words. I was the only one who heard them. Now I was alone.

I stood by the lake. The only token of our love swayed in the breeze. We were going to get engaged. I knew we would one day. This is all he left me. I had to be with him again.

Don’t.

I need to.

Please.

Not a chance I will stop.

For me.

I pause. I can hear his voice ringing through my ears. I wipe my eyes and hold my breath.

Why?

Forget me and find someone else.

No. I can’t.

You can’t hold on to me forever.

I can. I will.

For me, Ella. Please. Live your life for me.

I collapse on the rocks and cry.

I’ll always be here. Watching.

Don’t leave me. Why did you have to go?

I’m sorry.

Me too.

I still love you.

Me too.

I collect myself and stand up.

I will always love you.

Don’t forget me.

I never will.

I leave with the locket in my hand. I never will forget you.