I can't prevent the skip in my steps.

The unforgiving months of backbreaking research, the caffeinated hours of sleeplessness, the millions of minutes of straining my eyes through the lenses of the microscope have finally paid off.

I can't prevent the skip in my steps.

After the tedious months of your hacking cough and painful breathlessness, you'll finally be free. I have made sure of that. I have found you a cure.

Yes, I have regrets that I didn't get to spend as much time with you as I'd like. I have missed you. A lot.

But it was worth it. I have found you a cure.

You'll be fine. You and I will be together. Forever… as long as "forever" lasts.

I'm breathless in my eagerness to reach our home and hold you in my arms, to give you the news. I want to see that happy grin on your face, the sweet quirky smile enhanced by your mischievously kinky teeth. I want to see you heal. I want to see the happiness in your beautiful hazel eyes.

I reach our home and unlock the door.

It's dark. You must be sleeping.

I smile. I'll wake you up to the wonderful news.

I flick the light switch on and….

I drop everything I was holding and I rush to your side.

You are lying on the bed, your lips colored in an ominous shade of red.

Cosima! I scream out as I pick you up in my arms,

You try to respond but you only gurgle up more red liquid. You're slowly drowning in your own blood.

I hastily clear your mouth with the first piece of cloth I can reach but it's not enough…

Cosima, stay with me…I plead. I cannot lose you now. Not now. Not when we are so close to our happily ever after.

You smile. I love to see you smile but why does a sickening dread bubble up inside me instead?

Cosima, please… please don't die on me. I've found it… please ma cherie, give me a chance.

You smile and wheeze in an attempt to clear your throat. You did it, Iknew you would, your words are paused by labored breaths. You're a genius.

I rummage through my pockets to bring out my phone. I need to dial 911. Your hand suddenly grips my wrist with surprising strength.

Don't, you whisper,I don't wanna lose any more time with you. Your chest heaves once more. I know what it is but I can't believe it. I hear your voice again, Hold me?

I hold you tight in my arms, I can see my tears falling on your cheeks. I kiss you, willing my breath to inflate your lungs once more.

I wish I could kiss you wide awake.

You're my fairy tale. I wish I were your Prince Charming.

I love you…I whisper in your ears.

Even as the light fades away from you gorgeous eyes, your lips split into a grin for the final time. I hear your beautiful voice for the last time, surprisingly clear…

Yeah, ditto. Obvs.

I feel you slip away from me but the grin on your lips doesn't. I sit there with you in my arms, gazing at your angelic face as you rest in peace.

I see your smile still etched on your lips and your final words echo in my ears.

Of all the words you could have said to me….

You were always the cheeky one, ma cherie, I smile through my tears as I gently run my palms across your eyelids.

I don't remember much after but my eyes fall on the case that contains the vial… the vial that was supposed to save you.

Who would have known that it was not you, but I, who needed to be saved?

I suddenly remember what my thoughts were on my way back home that evening…

You'll be fine. You and I will be together. Forever… as long as "forever" lasts.

You are fine now.

If only "forever" lasted longer…