Big raindrops are clashing against the window of their room as Elsie lies awake, listening to the deep breathing of her sleeping husband. Her hand is still in his, their fingers entwined. She moves her head to have a look at him, his features so peaceful, finally. This hadn't been an easy day. Of course there were no words spoken, not yet anyway, maybe never. But she knows that this will be her fight and hers alone. The first struggle she will have to endure on her own after so many years of combined strength, combined thoughts and actions.

Next to her Charles suddenly stirs in his sleep, his expression becoming troubled and Elsie puts her hand on his cheek, caresses it softly. I'm here. It's alright. Everything is alright. She is here. She will be here. Where else could she be? His features relax and she brings up the courage for a little smile. How often had she looked in this face? She knows every curve, every look, the movement of his lips when he smiles, when he tries to hold back his anger or frustration. Don't be scared. I'm here. Whatever happens. Where should I go?

Have a bit more confidence, she thinks then, remembering what he had told her all those years ago. Have a bit more confidence in you Elsie. He is your indulgence. But you are what makes him stronger. And that is all there is to it. Be strong for him. As he has been strong for you so many times. Please don't leave me. Not like this. She wants to will herself not to be scared of what could come. She knows how difficult it is for him. To accept such a thing, happening to him who is always dignified and sorted. To accept that he won't be with her in this. I'm here, I will fight for you. But how can she? How can she fight when he will leave her? Leave her alone without wanting to. Leave her alone without being able to do anything against it.

"Elsie?" She just reached out her hand as Charles walked to her, didn't avert her eyes from the sleeping boy. As he took her hand in his, she looked up and smiled at him.

"I'm coming in a minute. But just look at him Charles."

Her eyes were shining brightly, full of pride and love. She looked beautiful in the moonlight, sitting on the floor next to the bed of their son. "He's so perfect. I'd never thought we would be capable of such a thing."

He raised his eyebrows. "You had doubts? I would have expected a little more confidence my dear" he said while he sat down behind her, putting his arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him and closed her eyes.

"Are you happy Charles? Do we make you happy?" He tightened his embrace and made her look in his face.

"Whatever's brought that up, love?" he asked. She moved her hands on top of his. "It's just that I'm so very happy Charles. I wouldn't change a thing. Well, the curtains in the kitchen are still horrible…"

Charles had to smile as he thought of the fabric that was lying securely wrapped up behind the books in their parlor. How often had she stood in the kitchen, complaining about how the curtains caught all the sunlight? But being the considerate husband that he was, this would be over soon, with her birthday being only a few days away.

"Well Elsie, if the only thing that is bothering you are the curtains, I think we better leave our son now and go to bed. Come on." He helped her up and they went to their room. After having put the covers over them, Charles took Elsie in his arms and stroked her hair. "Oh and Elsie?"

"Mmmh" she murmured while moving closer to him, knowing that his embrace was enough of an answer. "I'm very happy. Leaving aside the curtains in the kitchen, that is."

Now, over thirty years later, she feels how Charles takes hold of her hand on his cheek.

"Go to sleep, Elsie." Please don't worry about it. Not yet. Not as long as I can do it for you. Let me make it easier now. Just sleep. I'm still here. I will be as long as I can. I love you. I love you.

Elsie has no idea what she is facing. Charles has no idea what they are facing. All they know is that something is terribly wrong. At first, they had been able to simply overlook it. He is stressed, he has to work less, she had told herself. He forgets to lock the door at night because his thoughts are already on what has to be done the next day. He doesn't remember the last chapter of the book you read together because he has been deep in thoughts last evening.

He can't attach his tie anymore. He has forgotten how. Don't, please, don't leave me. Not like this. She had seen the fear in his eyes when he had asked her to attach his tie this morning. What happens to me Elsie?

"I might have had a little too much wine last night." he had said, followed by an awkward smile which she had returned. Oh God. Not this. Not like this.

His expression had shown defeat when he had straightened his tie. What is all this? I cannot seem to… What is all this?

At night, he had reached out for her hand, like so many times before when something was troubling him. A simple gesture, entwined fingers that tell him that she is still here. The one thing that doesn't change. Her beside him at night. Her in the morning when he opens his eyes and in the evening when he closes them. Her.

"Yes, let's go to sleep." I love you. It's going to be alright. Don't leave me. Not like this. Not for a long time. I love you. I'm here.

I don't know how happy I am with this chapter but hope that you liked it nevertheless. Thanks a lot for the follows & the review, I'd love to hear what you think of this chapter too as I'm not so sure about it. :)