A Promise to Remember
"How are you still such a mess at your age? Take care of yourself."
Tears streamed down my face, and I gripped her hand desperately. But she slipped away, aging before my eyes into the woman she was now.
Her smile turned weary, tinged with sadness. "Ted, I'm leaving. From now on, you'll have to care for yourself."
I sobbed, begging her to stay, but she freed her hand and walked away.
Agony crushed my chest, as if she'd ripped my heart out and taken it with her.
I realized then that I had never let go. I never would.