I could vaguely make out a whispered voice as the door cracked open. ”Babe, are you awake?”

My thoughts slowly returned to the present as I recognized the voice of the woman I have loved for sixty plus years.

”Yes, honey come on in. I’m so glad to see you.”

My voice was gravelly, my mouth parched. I struggled to prop myself up in bed while forcing a smile for Bo. She looked exactly as she did the day I fell in love with her. She was carrying a tray with lunch, medications and some beautiful fresh cut flowers from the field next door. I looked at her adoringly, my heart full from the way she had painstakingly cared for me the last few months. I knew she was hurting. Bo always hated when she was powerless and now all she could do was watch, wait and love. She did them all with such passion. I supposed I should be worried about death, feel sorry for myself, but the only thing I felt was the pain in my heart knowing that I would be losing her soon. Each day I knew the end was growing closer and I prayed that I would wake to see her one more time. Here she was, yet another gift I had been given. Seeing her once again, to hold her, to have her hold me and give me the strength that only she could.

”The flowers are beautiful, thank you so much.” She was smiling softly at me while I inhaled their beautiful scent. ”Sorry I slept so long. I’d so much rather spend time with you, but I’m just so tired.” I patted the spot beside me on the bed. ”Would you sit with me?” Her smile went from cautious to blinding as she climbed into bed and carefully wrapped her arms around me.

”As if you really ever had to ask me to join you in bed.” We both chuckled. ”You know I love the way you feel in my arms. I love you so much Lauren. How are you feeling today?”

I glanced at the mirror beside my bed, not looking at all the way I did in my dreams just moments ago. My long, blonde hair was now thin and gray. My mind while still sharp, had slowed. My once strong body was now failing. I contemplated for a moment before answering. ”Hmm, bout the same as I have the last eight months. My body hurts, I spend most of my time in this bed and lord knows I have seen every episode of The Real Fae Housewives.”