Equivocal

A Relationship with Death

The overused wheels made squeaking noises as the stretcher made its way through the hospital's hallway. A series of "move out of the way" phrases were thrown to patients who were startled by the nurses quickly making their way to the emergency room. She tried keeping her eyes open, trying not to succumb to the sweet calls of peace and silence. She just needed to close her eyes, just for a little second. She felt incredibly tired and all these running and screaming only made her feel worse.

"Don't let go, sweetie, stay strong." Her mother clasped her hands tightly in the attempt of pulling her back. Her eyes wandered around, counting the rectangular light bulbs that passed her head. It was making her dizzy. She closed her eyes, a smile tugging her lips. The last thing she heard were the cries of her mother telling her to don't close her eyes yet. 

"Welcome back."  A low, deep voice echoed in my head. Pain was evident in her entire body, making it hard to move. She slowly opened her eyes, looking around to see where she is. She sat up and was surprised by the fact that she was sitting in a mattress. 

"How long was I out?" She turned to look at him, a black silhouette hiding behind the shadows. "Don't worry, you just arrived. Take your time." He said, turning to look at her. A smile tugged his lips as he walked closer to her. 

"You didn't have to do this, you know." He whispered, caressing her cheeks then kissing her forehead. She hummed by how warm it felt and how it real it was. She didn't remember eating butterflies before she arrived but she was sure her stomach was filled with them.

"I know. I wanted to." She whispered in his hear, cupping his face and making it turn to face her. She planted a kiss, then hoisted herself up by grabbing his neck.

"How'd you die this time?" He asked with a chuckle as he offered her soothing tea to take away the pain in her body. "I convinced my mom someone pushed me off the cliff." She replied with a sheepish smile. 

They exchanged playful banters. They spent the shortest time they were given to tell each other stories about their lives. How people lived in earth, and how death greets his visitors. 

Of all the visitors Death had in his home, she made the most memorable visit. Unfortunately, she kept visiting despite the fact that she's not supposed to be visiting yet. Every visit she paid, in exchange she won his heart. But it was a painful relationship. It wasn't your typical long distance relationship. They had no form of communication. Their only way to meet each other is for the other one to die.

"Your starting to wake up." He said, a sad tone evident in her voice. She smiled at him reassuringly. "Don't sound so sad. You know I always find a way to come back to you, right?" She replied whilst caressing his cheek. He felt her touch burn on his skin, hoping the feeling stayed there longer.

"I love you." He said, kissing her before she goes away completely. "Don't hurt yourself too much." He added.

She kissed back, hoping she could stay there longer, just a few more minutes before she had to find another way to kill herself just to meet him again. "I love you too... so much." She replied, before finally disappearing into dust. 

Death was left alone again. He spent years alone in where he was, but this was the first time his place felt so cold and empty. He hated the feeling. He needed her back.

The heart monitor's beeping echoed the hospital room. Her eyes slowly opened, the ceiling light blinding her sight, making her squint. She heard her mother shuffled from her seat. "Sweetie, oh God you're awake." Her mother cried, sobbing while clutching her hands. She turned to look at the ceiling. Tears were running down her cheeks. The pain was evident again. Not only in her body, but more in her heart. It was excruciating and she wanted to go back. 

Loving him was killing her... literally.