Holding Absence Phantoms
"In the face of death, forgiveness is a small, small price. I remember the last time I laid my eyes upon him. I can still see him now. Handsome, even with his back turned. If I knew that day would be my last with him, I'd have done anything to reach him before the door shut. It was a different time back then, but I have not felt love like that since. You were so special to me, but I learned so much about myself the first time around. You never said it, but I knew you understood that. It's so very cruel how life can give and take, with no measure of compassion. But at least I know now that I'm being watched over more than most. You sit on my bed together, perched like phantoms now."