A/N: It has been way too long since I've posted anything. I felt inspired and wrote this for anyone who has lost a loved one to an incurable disease.
Spoilers: 3x18 The Red Mile
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Disappear
It's there and it's gone.
Mindlessly he plays with the coin in hand.
Appear.
Disappear.
Appear.
Disappear.
He repeats the motions in a smooth continuous loop. For how long, he isn't sure.
Appear.
Disappear.
From the corner of his eye, he notices that he's being watched. There is an evident look of concern settled across her face. She truly has one of the most expressive faces of anyone he knows.
"I'm assuming someone told you what happened," he says in lieu of a hello.
Appear.
"Just got off the phone with the Coroner's Office," she explains.
Disappear.
"I'm sorry," he apologizes.
"Sorry?"
Appear.
"I should have told you."
Disappear.
She sighs deeply before taking a seat on the corner of his makeshift bed.
"I know this is a stupid question, but are you okay?"
Appear.
The warmth emanating from her gaze would normally make him uncomfortable if she were anybody else. With Lisbon, he feels safe.
"No," he replies earnestly.
Nodding her head, she awkwardly pats his arm. It's about as reassuring as she gets.
"He died alone."
Disappear.
"He had you," she answers.
Appear.
"Some consolation prize," he snorts.
"Don't sell yourself short."
"I appreciate the vote of confidence…"
She surprises him when she takes a hold of his hand.
"Steiner was lucky to have you by his side. I know if it were me, I would be."
She slowly releases his hand as they both stare at each other in silence. If only he can tell her, he is the lucky one.
"So," she says with a smirk, "are you going to teach me how do that trick?"
"Oh this? It's simple really."
"Yeah right," she says dubiously.
"Just watch. Disappear. Appear. Disappear. Appear. See, simple."
He admires the look of sheer concentration in her eyes.
"Here."
Taking the coin from his outstretched hand, she expertly makes the coin disappear and reappear on her first try.
"I did it!" she exclaimed.
"What did I tell you? Simple."
Disappear.
Appear.
Disappear.
Appear.
The pure joy on her face is so utterly infectious, he can't help but smile. And just like that, she single handedly makes his world brighter again. She makes the darkness…
Disappear.
Fin for now Jello Forever