Forever

‘I’ll love you forever you know..’

I looked at you but said nothing. You see, when you say you’ll love me forever I know it’s not something you’re just saying, it’s the truth. But something that should warm me has instead become something that consumes me with guilt. As I lay here barely able to summon a smile, I am reminded that I can never offer you the same. You envy me for so many reasons, and yet on this I employ you to see how short I fall. I am weaker, I am veins and flesh. Every sluggish beat of my heart a punch to the chest reminding me of my mortality. Reminding me that I won’t be here to protect you, or convince people not to be afraid of you. To say I will love you from the other side seems a worthless thing to say, a measly offering when I’m about to leave you. That is the only forever I can give you.

‘Say it back silly!’ Demanded Ben jokingly.