A Writer's Aesthetic || Short Stories

¶ Last Breath

A|N a love letter. Or a goodbye letter. Actually it's both. Rxsesxciety

-

Kalena.

No, that's not the right way to start this.

My dear?

No, no that's cliche.

Though, this is in pen and I cannot change what's already written. Wouldn't it have been nice? To change what is permanent?

You cry differently.

I can't understand why. While that may just seem like the ramblings of a dying man it's not. Used to when you cried it was always with grief. When you'd smile even through your tears and tell me I was alright. Even through my bad days, I could never forget that smile.

Now when you cry, you hold pain every time you look at me. Like you're sorry for me, pained for me. Even Charlotte has taken this look when she sees me. I hate it. I hate it even when I know you would never give me pity. Is there something you aren't telling me? Something I should know before I go?

Would you tell me everything?

I remember our first dance during our bad days. The way you looked dressed in white, like a Maiden men would go to war for. Like the girl he would have a picture of for good luck tucked away in his pocket knowing it would bring him home. And I am home when I'm with you, Kalena. When we're tangled together in sleep and I can hear your slowed breathing. I am home.

I'll have to be leaving that soon, and I truly don't want to. I want endless days with you and that smile of yours. I want endless days of your laughter and mine. I want endless days of your joy. Your happiness.

But that isn't there anymore. Not now. Everyone treats me as if I'm already dead. Maybe that's why I'm writing this so early? Because I'm already there, just right there. I don't want to be at death's doorstep.  I want to be at yours.

I was a selfish man at the start. I should have never asked you to marry me when I would only make you a widow. But I don't regret it. I am the proudest man alive just by being able to call you my wife even if I couldn't provide a child for you. I wouldn't dare leave you behind like that.

Kalena, you are my life. You will always be. Which is why I can no longer be a selfish man.

When I go, you need to move on. You need to love again. Have a family. Do everything we would have done with a man who loves you as much as I do.

Don't weep for me when I'm gone.

Don't cry when I'm dying.

Please, if there is anything I want in the world, it would be to see you smile before I close my eyes. I'm in so much pain. So much. But that smile is stronger than any painkiller they could give me.

My dear.

My love.

My Wife.

Kalena, please, know that I love you. Know that I will forever be grateful for the days you gave me when I was running out of one's to give you. So please, when I'm in that bed I want you to do one thing. One last thing.

Smile for me.

-Aiden