I
Damaged and bruised
Like a toy that's been used
I am nothing to him
I am nothing to you
- "Damaged and Bruised" by Anna Johnson
You can see the wounds and bruises and scars blanketing his body, though he is covered by a hospital blanket. He lies beneath it, emaciated, weak, fragile. You touch his skeleton-like hand, afraid it will shatter into pieces.
His eyes open. You choke even as he attempts to smile. His eyes have always been so full, full of sunlight and good will even at the darkest times. Now they are empty, dead.
You have only seen them like that once before: when he was strapped to the bomb. You squeeze his hand, hoping it won't break like your heart.