Hold me.

A Story by Jess Holden

Short story.

I want to break into pieces in his arms. At least then I know he'd put me back together with a hug. When I saw him walk away with that broken look on his face, I just wanted to run and hug him, and just break. Cry into his chest, and feel him hold me together. To hear his heart beat, his breath, his voice...

I knew that today wasn't going to be good, just by the sounds of our voices, the true sadness peered it's ugly head out of us. Our eyes were swimming with the unspeakable, as our hearts ached for a break from this hell. As we sat on the cold floor of the hallway, it was clear to see the tears in her eyes. She hid well behind her smile, but she was growing weak. I glanced over to see her crying, no one else seeming to notice or care. I took her hand in mine and told her it would all be alright; I started to talk, my mind going blank, as I felt tears roll down my face. Her eyes met mine for mere seconds before she ran from the room. I was too late to save her.

Later, the message that changed my life forever. The beautiful goodbye that was ever so elegant and perfect, no one could have said it better.

And in the momets left sitting on the cold winter ground, I watched as he walked away, this time, no happy smile. No happy goodbye, he saw the pain, but never understood why.