( ๑‾◡‾́)

my grandchildren have been ushered out of the room alongside my daughter, too saddened to bear the sight of my body laying weak in the hospital bed.

my sister and wife are at my bedside, listening to my labored breathing as the ventilator hums.

“take your time, it’s okay.” my wife says, her eyes sorrowful as she gently squeezes my hand. i haven’t said a word in days, and for all they know, these may be my last.

i swallow, my eyes opening as i look at her, my wife, beautiful and full of life as ever. her eyes well with tears as my voice croaks, and finally i speak.

“i—i have a hexstrap.”