Vera felt Felix’s rough hand brush against her cheek, and she placed her fingers over his. Felix’s eyes were dulling; Vera watched helplessly as his soul slowly seeped out of his body. “I love you,” he murmured with a gentle squeeze of her fingers. “I’m sorry,” he wheezed out softly. Sparkling crystals raced down her cheek, and her grip on his fingers and tightened as his grip loosened on her cheek. He blinked at her, knowing that she would understand, “Derek will take care of you; he loves you just as much as I do.” Felix could no longer move his legs and his torso, and lost most use of his arms and facial muscles. He turned his head away from her, his slender nose pointing at the ceiling, unable to watch her tears as she softly cried for him. Slowly, Felix felt his body shut down completely. Vera watched as the last of his life dusted away; she kissed Felix’s fingertips and placed his hand against his side.

“I love you too.

“Goodbye, Felix.”