A Second Chance
I stared at him, the enormity of his statement stunning me into silence. He turned beet red and looked down at his shoes. He didn't have to lie; he had said it with his heart, and now he was either crying or close to it.
My heart melted, and I felt my gaze soften.
"Sakaki."
He looked up. I smiled weakly.
"Thank you, Sakaki."
I saw him collapse inwardly with relief.
"Sakaki . . . I love you too."
I was washed in a wave of sudden quiet calm. My vision blurred, whether from tears or eternal sleep or both, I didn't know. Sakaki noticed; his eyes reflected his grief.
Slipping
slowly into this sleep
I realize I've gone too deep
Yet
beside me here is my dear love
Together we enter afterlife on
Cupid's dove
Something flashed in the dim light. I stared.
"Sakaki, what are you . . . !"
A warm finger placed itself on my lips, shushing me.
"I'm joining you."
For a minute or two, we stared into each other's eyes. Then, slowly, I nodded.
"I understand," I whispered.
"See you in the afterlife," he said softly, and leaned down to caress my lips with his.