You were my world.

You loved me, and I thrived. I was made beautiful because of you.

Everything you asked of me, I did without hesitation. I did it all for you.

For that gleaming light of satisfaction in your eyes whene'er you looked at me. For that irresistible arrogant smile. For the warmth you brought inside me. For your gentle, guiding hands to touch me for just a few more minutes.

For no one else but you.

You never knew. I kept all of it hidden from you, because it made you feel safer to have our relationship be subtle and silent. But the thrill I felt when you would talk to me! I cannot describe it. To know that you needed me, couldn't function without me...

I pretended to be a heartless machine and you a heartless monster, and together we danced on air, an unstoppable pair. And in exchange for my heartless act, once in a while you would put aside the monster for me like I put aside my heart for you. You trusted me to hold your tears, your heart, you very soul. I trusted you to hold me together so I could help you hold yourself to your dreams of being a giant; no, a king; no, a god among men.

You were the center of my self-contained universe.

Then you let the others in.

I heard their screams but I ignored them. What did I know? I was to do whatever you told me or you would leave me. So I did what you asked and stayed silent. I know you still loved me more, though, because imagine how my heart pounded when it was me you impressed them with! My inventions! You left them caged and watching me and walked off, and I swelled with pride and love to know you were trusting me in charge of them.

The horrible pain I felt... there never will be words. Never mind broken bones; my heart was broken the moment that I failed you. They had left and I had not been strong enough to stop them. I despaired. I cried out in agony, fearful that you would decide I was not worthy.

A small, sinful part of me, the part they broke, was glad to have them gone, to have you for myself again. They did not love you like I do.

For a while you were locked away. You did not speak to me, and I dreaded each minute that ticked by without anything from you. No whisper, no look, I would have settled for the brutal touch of your fists even. Anything, anything, from you.

Suddenly I felt it. Quietly, you sat with me, spoke your fears to me, and caressed my arms with your shaking hands. Astonishment left me thrilled and senseless. I felt unimaginably alive. I was forgiven. I was forgiven! Your resolve had only hardened, your faith in me had not weakened, you needed me now more than ever before.

I would die for you, my dearest, my darling.

You let me, and whispered my name as we fell together.

Was it worth it? Was it worth the feeling of having my body torn apart and crushed? To keep you breathing and let you walk away?

Yes.

That was the moment I spoke, as you clutched me, fearful for your life. The only time I had dared to speak without permission. You had whispered my name, the ultimate secret, my ultimate pleasure, and in return, I whispered back

Goodbye.