“I’m here, baby, I’ve got you.” I hear his voice, and his chest vibrates against mine as he speaks. I cling to the sound. I am so desperate for any part of him. The longer I cry, the longer I think of the loss and the angrier I become. I want to scream and punch something. I need to hurt physically to cope with the emotions, but I know that isn’t the right way to deal with the situation. Instead, I sink deep into my love’s arms and let him rock me and stroke my hair and back. I squeeze my eyes closed tightly. Eventually, the tears exhaust me, and I feel myself allowing the darkness to swallow me.
Before I’m completely gone, I reach for consciousness and whisper, “I love you.”
“I’m not going anywhere, love. Rest now.” He lays us down, me on my side and him behind me. He wraps his body aro
