The world around you was a blur of pain and broken glass. Your head throbbed like it was about to split open, each breath a struggle. You couldn’t feel your legs, and the cold metal of the car seemed to press down on you, suffocating you in the wreckage. Everything was a haze, the only clear thing in your mind was the image of Alex’s face, and the feeling of his arms around you.

You had just finished work, the day dragging on like every other. But now… now everything was still. The screeching of tires. The impact. Then the deafening silence.

Your hand trembled as you reached for your phone, your fingers numb and weak. Blood dripped from your forehead, stinging your eyes, but you didn’t care. You had to call him. You needed to hear his voice.

The phone rang. Once. Twice. Three times. Then, finally, he answered.

“Baby? Are you okay? What happened? Where are you?”

You could hear the fear in Alex’s voice. It was too much for him. He always worried about you, but this… this was different. This was life or death. Your lips parted, but the words wouldn’t come. The pain was overwhelming. You could hardly breathe. Each heartbeat felt like it was getting slower, weaker.

“Alex…” you choked, the sound barely a whisper. “I… I’m so sorry… I don’t think I can… I don’t think I can hold on much longer.”

A sob broke through his voice. “No, no, don’t say that. Please. You’re going to be okay. I’m coming to get you, just stay with me. Please stay with me.”

You wanted to tell him you loved him, that you’d fight, that you wouldn’t leave him, but the darkness was creeping in. Your vision was fading, your body growing colder. Every muscle screamed in agony, but you couldn’t move. Your breath was shallow, ragged, and each second felt like it might be your last.

“I love you, Alex,” you whispered through broken breaths, barely able to hold onto the phone. “Please… don’t… don’t let me go.”

His voice cracked, panic rising. “I’m on my way! Stay with me, I swear I’ll be there. Just… just stay with me. Don’t leave me!”