His eyes…they look sad; he knows what is to come. Now, only now that my life has reached its terminus does he finally reveal his true colors. So, so many colors… I feel a dull ache begin to throb in my chest. I don't want to leave; I want to stay here with him. I want to continue on in this life, make right what was wrong, better myself in every way I can. So much is left to be done…but it was never mine to finish…
It was his.
The rawness of a beautifully agonizing emotion slithers down his pale face. I feel his pain. His sorrow burns like fire, not only for his yearning, but for his shame. He hates himself for what he has done, for how he treated me; calls himself sickly, volatile and sinful…not unlike the one who preceded him.
His wretched condition saddens me. I have forgiven him, though I can see through his burdened expression that he has not forgiven himself. His guilt is far too great. I pull him close, soothing him with gentle whispers. I feel the warmth of his arms as they wrap around me. The beat of his heart is thick against his bones. I look once more to his swampy, yet cherry eyes, forcing a smile,
"You saved me… For that, I thank you."
I lean in, pressing my lips against his. Such a strange gesture…though it always seems to feel right. For moments like these, I desire an eternity. Such peace and tranquility should not have to be momentary. I eventually pull away, gingerly holding his head in my hands. I feel the words coming but do little to stop them,
"I love you."
He holds me tight for the last time as my existence gradually begins to cease,
"…I love you."
Suddenly, I sense a shift. I begin to feel a powerful presence in our midst. It feels so…massive, frightening even. So enormous, so magnificent, so beautiful…so safe. Could this be the God of which he told me? I then take notice to a third entity...another human? He seems to have appeared from nowhere. An angelic glow emanates from his robed body as he stands to our left. I look on in amazement; he is so…perfect. This is no human… This is divinity.
I seem to be the only one aware of the being's presence. A pleasant look is splayed across his pristine features as he places a hand on my companion's shoulder. He does not appear to notice. I can't help but smile as I slowly pull away,
"Your God…he smiles upon you today."
I can sense the field as it weakens. I take one last look into the eyes of the only true friend I ever had, feeling along his collar for the breather switch. I soon find it, watching as the suit's mask extends over his face.
"Goodbye." I whisper, stepping back.
For as long as death has chased me, I have defied it…now there is nowhere to hide. I spread my arms as I feel it consume me. My body begins to thin out, I can feel my frame dissolving…but I am not afraid; for as my spirit fades into the next realm, I feel myself accompanied by another: a presence of peace…a presence of love. All my pain, my sorrow, my regret…it is washed away.
Such amazing grace.
At long last, I am found.