Because He Loved Too Much | #Wattys2017

[ epilogue ]

As he stared at the huge painted canvas made by Vanessa, a thought struck to him, piercing his heart.

"I love art," he could hear her say in his head. "...it's so colorful and vivid."

"Now I know what you meant by that..." he mumbled, his fingertips grazing the painting.

"You knew you didn't have much time left here... art was your escape; it was your way of seeing color in your life..."

Despite the strength it takes him to muster out words, he still kept on.

"You knew I was breaking... and you gave bits and pieces of your heart to fix mine." A tear slid down his cheek.

"...and I will hold onto those shattered pieces and build myself back up over and over again if I have to..."

"Because you gave so much for me... the least I could do is be strong for you."

He stared at the canvas. He stared at her. The painting represented multicolor paint running down her body. A smile was on her face.

He could see the happiness radiating off the painting.

She was so talented, he thought, smiling with sadness.

"Vanessa... for being the ray of sunshine flashing through my tunnel of darkness... thank you."