It's raining today.
She would have loved this.
Cozy blankets, cup of coffee in hand and just quality time at home.
Perfect.

It isn't like what it used to be.

"I love you."
"I know."

I was walking her to work.

"Come on, say it back."
"I don't need to. You know that I do."

We were having a banter about "I love you."

"It'd be nice to hear you say it. Even just once."
"Actions speak louder than words. Who needs 'I love you' when you can show it?"

I was reluctant and too much of a coward. She was crossing the street.

"Fiineee." She spoke while looking back to me, her hair reflecting the ashes from the earth's womb, her eyes steady as the ocean and her smile.

Her smile more alive than I ever will be.

A truck hit her in a split second.
She made no sound; she didn't even have the time to look at the reaper.
She died without knowing she would.
She died not hearing those three words.
And
She died looking at me. At me.
Eyes lost in my being.

I couldn't reach her. Everyone gathered around her, screaming, crying for help, doing something that could change the feared and dreaded outcome but I.
I just stood there.
Like a child.
Helpless and useless.
I just kept looking at her eyes.
It almost felt like a dream. A bad one. One that haunts me till I wake.
Except,
This one, I can never wake from.
This nightmare is the reality I would have to live in from now on.
A world without her.
I lost the person who made me whole.

If only I said it.
She'd never cross at that moment.
She'd be clinging onto me, embarrassing me, teasing me and this would never happen.
I wouldn't lose hold of her.
But I didn't.

I was filled with pride that always came with a price.
And now.
I can only live in the sweet loving memory of her eyes.
Her eyes that only looked at me.
Even in her final moments.
Just me.

While I,
was too selfish,
too afraid
to even spare her a glance.

"I love you."

If I could unwind the past I would say,
I Love you!!!
I Love you!!!! I really do!!
Only,
I can't.

It's raining today.
And I would've loved it if you were here.

[❣- Empty Space by James Arthur ]

_

One story down and plenty more to go!
I truly hope you liked it as much as I do.
Please message me if you wish your own short story or if you have any requests!!
I would gladly take them!

Stay Happy!!