It was funny, the way the truth comes out when you least expect it. When those feelings you'd been harbouring for longer than you dared to admit came to a head. Oftentimes when things take a turn for the gruesome, fear settles in and you get to thinking.
What if I never get the chance to tell her? What if I lose her right now and there are no more wrenches to the head or fresh apple pies waiting to welcome me home after weeks - months - of traveling to achieve the goal I promised I would reach? What if I never get to see that goofy grin or those dazzling eyes that held a bluer blue than any ocean?
You look down at her - watch her fighting to hold on - and you know what you need to do. You know and yet it's still stuck in your throat. The words want to escape, but your doubts are pushing them back.
Suddenly, her eyes open and they shakily find yours. Your heart drops into your stomach as you see the immeasurable pain she's in. The doubt leaves and you lift your flesh hand to meet her cheek, feeling the deathly fever that had taken hostage in her body. A coughing fit rises and you're on the edge of the chair now. You look down into those eyes you've grown to cherish more than anything and you breathe out.
"I love you. I love you, Win. I won't let anything happen to you."
You stare down at her with such intensity, noting the widening of her orbs and the distinct upturn of her lips. Her hand reaches to rest over yours as she replies as loudly as she can muster wit her aching throat.
"Ed, you big idiot. I'm not going anywhere."
You manage a chuckle and try to release some of the weight from your chest. You nod once, brushing her hair out of her eyes with a small smile and getting up to fetch a new tub of water for the rag that rested on her forehead. The sound of her clearing her throat causes you to pause, your back still to her.
"And you know.."
You glance over your shoulder, questioningly and you see her smiling again.
"I love you, too."