Excerpts Of Stories I'll Never Write

09

"Honey, you have to be okay. I'm not ready to let you go. You can't leave, not yet." I sat there and watched one of the strongest women I've ever known slowly wither away.

The cancer had taken a lot of her strength, leaving her very weak - physically, of course. She still tried to be strong in her mind. Always putting a smile on her face for everyone else, even though it hurt her so bad.

"Oh darling, I'll be okay. God has a plan for me. When I die, it is because it's my time. He will be calling me home. I'm just waiting."

She had tears in her eyes as she spoke to me. Everything was silent for a moment until she grabbed my hand. "Baby, I'm hurting - a lot. When I die, this will all go away. The hurt.. the pain - it will all go away. I'm ready. I'm ready to go home." I had tears streaming down my face, just picturing my life without her in it. I don't want it. "But love.. I'm not ready. I know I'm being selfish as ever, but I'm not ready. Please.. don't leave me."

She grabbed my hand and squeezed it with all her might - I barely felt it.. and that terrified me more than anything. "C'mon, we're gonna sing my favorite sing", I looked at her with a quivering lip not liking where this was going. "Please.. for me." I nodded and resituated myself.

"No more crying, I won't be alone."

I started the song, remembering how much she loves this song. It really is one of her favorites.

"My mother is there waiting for her child to come home."

She joined me on singing the second verse. Sounding weak but beautiful as ever.

"I'm so sorry that I have to leave you here, but if you knew where I was going you wouldn't shed a tear."

Her grip on my hand grew weaker as her voice fell to a whisper.

"I'm trading mortal for immortality."

This is it.

"God gave me some wings, I wish you could see."

Her eyes fell closed as she continued to mouth along with me.

"Don't cry for me. Don't shed a tear."

Her heart monitor went dead.

"But whatever you do, try to make it here.."

She's gone.. and now a piece of me is too.