Moving on

A Story by Mujtuba hussain

“Why there?” he asked. His face turned toward her, tears causing the hazel of his eyes to burn green.

“Because I don’t want to be here anymore.”

“Why?”

“Because here - you’re gone, and my heart feels the weight of it pulling me deep into darkness.

Here is where I can’t forget your face as you lay on the ground lifeless and I’m helpless to stop the nightmare.

Here is where pain feels like an explosion ripping through my brain and leaving wilted pieces behind.

I can’t breathe here.”

“Why there?” He implored.

Her look was soft as she replied.

“Because there - is a tiny light.

A pinprick in the distance;

woven in darkness with the finest silk;

made up of a deep and comforting rumble that echoes in my ears.

I can force myself to take in air and let it out again.

I allow myself feel something other than the pain.

It’s the smallest peace in the biggest void.

But it’s peace.”

“Where am I?” He asked nervously.

“Oh, my love,” she sighed,

“You’re in every cell of my body.

In every smile, in every dream.

You’re the salt in my tears and the tremble in my voice.

You’re the air and the sun and the rain.

Whether I’m here or there, you’re with me. Always.”

He smiled and kissed her softly. “Okay.”