blaze of glory

 

I move only my head and look in the direction of my daughter. She has been taking care of me while I have lain on a bed for the last few weeks.
As soon as she notices that I am awake, she moves closer.
“Hi … how are you feeling?”
Instead of answering, I close and open my eyes.
She smiles and gently touches the hair over my forehead.
I shift my hand to touch hers and look into her eyes.
“I’m ready.”
My words are muffled inside the oxygen mask.
“Mom…?”
“I don’t feel any pain. I’m ready.”
“… What are you saying, Mom…?”
“I love you. I’ve lived my life to the fullest and am ready to go.”
Her eyes widen, and soon tears start to fill them.
After we let her tears fall for a while, she stares me in the face.
“Thank you.”
I squeeze her hand and close my eyes.

 

(155 words)

photo prompt provided by pixabay.com

 

For Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers