Note: Wrote this quite a while ago, thus explaining the lack of good description and rather childish story.. It seems that it touches the heart more if read out. *grins* No idea why, but it works. This is " 'Till Death".

Upon his white lip I lay my trembling fingers with heartfelt tenderness as I memorized every line and curve of his face. I called out his name.

He uttered incomprehensible words, but perhaps my heart was beating too hard to hear anything. With an effort that caused a faint crease in his forehead, he lifted his hand ever so slowly as he placed it at my nape in a vain attempt to draw me close to him.

I obliged his silent wish, leaning forward and brushing forbidden tears from my eyes.

"Hush."

My mind whirled from a sudden surge of clarity as I heard his deep, baritone voice escape his mouth in warm and comforting, but strained words.

Heart aching with longing and regret as he pressed his lips to my cheek, it was all I could do not to throw myself over him, to tell him how sorry I was to not have loved him more.

I called his name again, this time, in a soft whisper that spoke of the anguish I was experiencing.

His name was spoken like a divine word as I tried desperately to blink back the unstopping tears from my eyes, but with no success, and it rolled down my numb cheeks.

"I like the way you say my name." A weak smile formed on his handsome features as he teased me, and his tone deepened as he said with sincerity, "Happy birthday, honey.".

I knew not to laugh or cry, finally deciding on both, sending him a teary quirk of my lips.

A sudden sharp breath he expelled, his face twisted in silent agony.

I help back nothing more. I didn't care. All I wanted was to let him know...

"I love you." I said in all seriousness.

When he displayed no reaction, I repeated myself, this time more fiercely, in a tone not unlike a teacher ordering a student about. "I love you."

He grabbed my hand and held it tightly with both of his, his breath coming in short pants.

"No, listen to me. I love you. Don't. No. I love you, you can't do this!"

My shoulders began to shake as I buried my face in our linked hands.

I called out his name in a cry of fear as he stroked my head once, slowly, before it rested heavily - a dead weight - on my back.

I did not cry, I merely removed his hand from me, kissing him on his lips one last time before calling the doctor to take him away.

My job was done. I told him I loved him. He will remember that.

As I stepped out into the unfeeling road of happy families celebrating Christmas, a cold gush of wind hit me - but I felt nothing. I knew it was all over.

How callous life is.

I glanced up at the dark December night. A star winked at me drearily....Happy birthday to me.