Forever

Short story for the "Ripped Apart" contest.

                The dreary fall weather fit Shannon’s mood perfectly. The sticky rain only made the air more humid then it already was. She wished that her hot tears would wash all of her pain away. She squeezed Jake’s hand, knowing that he wouldn’t feel it. The heart monitor had gone flat only moments before and she still couldn’t believe that he was gone. It wasn’t fair. They’d only had six months together, but they were the best six months of her life. Why had he been taken from her so early? She kept replaying the last moments of his life…

                “Shannon…I…Love…You,” Jake wheezed. Tears slipped from Shannon’s clouded blue eyes. She felt like her heart had been ripped apart, twisted, mangled, and stomped on.

                “I love you too, Jake,” she whispered, wiping his wet hair from his sweaty forehead. He winced when her cold hand touched him, but then he seemed to enjoy the coolness. The heart monitor began beeping furiously.

                “No, no, no, no, no. NO! This isn’t happening! NO! Don’t leave me. I love you. Don’t leave me…” Shannon sobbed, laying her head on Jake’s chest. Doctors rushed into the room, bringing with them the paddles.

                “Clear! *beep* Again! Clear! *beep* Clear! *beep*” The monitor flat lined.

                “Call it? Time of death, eleven fifteen. I’m so sorry.” I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry. Sorry so so so sorry. He was gone.

                “I love you, Jake. Forever.”