I have always wondered how my life would end. The world is cruel and sometimes, all you need is someone to hold you, to remind you that you were loved. But time never stops and it doesn't slow either

As I lay on the hospital bed, the rhythmic beeping of the monitor fading into the background, the door opened. A familiar face stepped inside. My wife. Even after all these years, after the weight of time has left its mark on us both, she is still breathtaking. Still the most beautiful thing in my world.

My vision wavers, blurring at the edges, but I manage a weak smile. She walks to me, her steps careful, as if afraid that getting too close will shatter what little time we have left.

"Hello, my love," she whispers, her voice thick with sorrow.

I hate hearing her like this. I hate knowing I’m the reason for her pain.

"Hey... don’t be sad," I murmur, my voice hoarse, barely above a breath. "It’s not goodbye yet, you know."

Her fingers brush against mine, trembling. She’s always been strong but I can feel her breaking.

I gather what little strength I have left, squeezing her hand ever so gently. "Come here," I whisper. "Why don’t we take a final walk outside? Just you and me… like we used to."