"How long are you going to stay with me?" he asks, her hand clasped between both of his.
She smiles. Gently. Softly.
Not weakly.
"Forever."
He presses a kiss to her palm, feels her faint heat against his skin.
Don't go
, his fingertips tell her through touch.I'm sorry
, her eyes answer."Eighty-six isn't old, Rose," he insists, says yet again.
Her eyes crinkle fondly. "You would know."
"Then trust your Doctor."
"I do."
He sits at her bedside and watches her life run out.
"How long are you going to stay with me?"
Lips still warm give no reply.
