And Still
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She doesn't hear the chime from the grandfather clock as it heralds the time. Not when her husband’s fingers are still warm to the touch. Still able to give her the foolish hope that someday he'll awaken and see her.
Except, she knows well that her husband doesn't have time. Not for doctors, not for life, and certainly not for his wife.
Sweat-soaked sheets rustle as he writhes about, as if they’re anticipating the moment to finally, finally, be allowed to cover his face in what would be reminiscent of smothering him. They're no longer as pure and white as they were before, but she can't bring herself to change them - afraid that he'll disappear as he usually did, once she stepped out of the room.
Litanies spring from his mouth, switching between violent curses and soft murmurs in random moments. A lover calls out names in a low, hushed tone, to a room he can’t even see.
Every name whispered is not hers, just as every fantastical sigh drawn from his lips is not from any satisfaction that she ever gave him - if she ever had.
And still.
She pushes the sheets back.
She doesn't hear the chime from the grandfather clock as it heralds the time. Not when her husband’s fingers are still warm to the touch. Still able to give her the foolish hope that someday he'll awaken and see her.
Except, she knows well that her husband doesn't have time. Not for doctors, not for life, and certainly not for his wife.
Sweat-soaked sheets rustle as he writhes about, as if they’re anticipating the moment to finally, finally, be allowed to cover his face in what would be reminiscent of smothering him. They're no longer as pure and white as they were before, but she can't bring herself to change them - afraid that he'll disappear as he usually did, once she stepped out of the room.
Litanies spring from his mouth, switching between violent curses and soft murmurs in random moments. A lover calls out names in a low, hushed tone, to a room he can’t even see.
Every name whispered is not hers, just as every fantastical sigh drawn from his lips is not from any satisfaction that she ever gave him - if she ever had.
And still.
She pushes the sheets back.