Although I am slipping away, I can still feel him gripping me, his fingers tight around my hand.

Despite the strength of his hold, he is shaking (You're gasping, begging me not to leave you).

There are tears in his eyes (I hope you won't cry) and I can see the anguish in his face.

It hurts me to cause him so much pain (I'm sorry).

I'm fading now and there's nothing either of us can do, but he seems determined to anchor me here (where is the warmth from your embrace? I'm so cold. So cold).

I hold him back as tight as I can; trying to bring some kind of comfort (I was never a very good father), trying to stay, for his sake (I'm still here. I'll always be here).

He lowers his head now (please don't cry) and I feel the shudders of his sobs (please stop).

It takes all my energy to raise my hand, and I cup his chin and he looks up.

I see his eyes again (marshgem green, your mother's eyes).

He is a blunt reflection of me (what I used to be); sadness, grief...fear (don't be scared, Twig).

I still remember the first time I saw him, the first time I held him.

Less than a minute old, so small, so helpless.

He's grown up so much (I'm so proud of you).

Echoing words of affection and comfort spill from my lips (so rarely said, I'm sorry) and his face creases up (I just want to see you smile).

I stare at his face, trying to imprint it into my memory (it used to be my face too).

Then I look into his eyes – her eyes – and I want them to be the last thing I see (that way my last thought can be of both of you).

I can feel myself slipping (so cold) so I grasp his hand.

I whisper once more how I love him and he nods, biting his lip (never forget it).

I know I don't have long to go, so I raise my arm and tousle his hair – one last gesture of affection.

I realise for the first time how much he looks like his mother (she would be so happy to know), the tears are spilling now (I wipe them away).

My thoughts are leaving me (I'm leaving him) and my sight is blurring.

I see the two smudges of green – his eyes (her eyes) and I know that somehow she is watching me, sending me her love.

It is comforting to know that I am not alone (I love you too).

As I slip away, I am at peace with both of them beside me.

Those green eyes give me hope and I know that (someday) I will be with them again (forever).