My Hope and My Despair

Re-submission from 2004.
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I'll be there, waiting for you, I heard her say. I felt her fingers brush soothingly through my hair, and her breath against my cheek. Her fingertips were soft and warm, like a summer breeze, or soft waves caressing the sand.

What if I can't find you? I replied softly. My voice was small, quiet, as always. I never found a reason to raise my voice higher than a murmur, except...now...

I'm always with you, darling, she giggled a bit, as if I'm was being completely silly to think otherwise. She turned around; she straightened her back against mine, and I could feel her hair tickle the back of my arms. Then I felt her small, thin fingers curl into mine. Her hands were so warm, and as she held mine, I felt the rays of the sun course through my skin. It felt good. I didn't want her to let go.

I'm scared. I didn't want to cry, not again. I didn't want to lose her. I wouldn't know what to do without her there to guide me.

I love you, darling, She said softly. I could feel her smile, her radiant, beautiful smile, even without looking at her.

I wanted to tell her the same, but I lacked the strength to say it. Before I could try again, everything suddenly felt cold. Then I realized why, and I felt the tears stream down my face.

She had let go.

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Drawn in Corel Painter IX