I'm not alone in this. I know you're by my side, regardless of how scared you are, yourself. I won't deny my feelings and I won't try to escape the reality I've bound myself to, because I refuse to abandon you. Your smile is more important to me than my own feelings at this point, so all I ask is for a little faith and a little love to keep me strong. I'm not alone in this, but I'm fighting the war like I am. It's cold outside and I know your body is weakening, your bones growing brittle under the weight that I've set upon your heart, but just remember that you won't get better until you're worse, and send me a little love to keep us afloat, and let me do the work. I promise not to ask you for much, but I need to know we're in this together. It's okay if you hide behind me, it's okay if you can't answer me when I call, but I need you to keep your head up. Do it for me.
I'll take the hits, I'll hold us above the ocean as the tides threaten to overthrow our sinking bodies. I'll hold you while you're shaking and I'll keep the distance you can't, because all I need to know is that you're happy, and I'll be okay. I'll keep the observant eye; I'll ensure we don't confess the guilt invading our bloodstreams because I know you're drowning in enough. Don't worry, I'll keep you here until you're ready, and I promise I won't let go. If you'll allow me to, I'll be your anchor when we're thrust from the calm of the storm.
You say all this isn't worth it, but I think there's nothing more worth my effort and time than when I can feel the tension in your body relax, giving way to a restful sleep where you're free of the burdens that haunt you when you're conscious. I think it's worth watching your eyes, stained from tears and worry, close upon the realisation that you'll always be safe in my arms. I whisper in your ear every night that you'll always have me to rely on, and it's worth all the struggle and irritation to know that you believe me, if only for a second, before you leave the world of reality and drift into your own personal paradise. There's nothing more worth my trials than seeing you smile again, because that's all I've ever asked for.
Don't worry, I'll handle the rest.