Shaking hands reached for a solitary sheet of paper, propped up on the dresser. Drawing in a fearful breath, sad and teary eyes read over the familiar beautifully cursive script.

** 

Amore mio, 

Goodbye. I know you don’t understand, but maybe one day you can forgive me and see that I did this for you. Thank you for everything you did for me, I’ll never forget your selflessness. And because you deserve to live, I leave. 

Today, the skies are cloud ridden. Tomorrow, the sun will shine. 

Tomorrow, our tears will be left behind. Ti Amore. And, this will light my path, and one day, I’ll be back. Like a bird to its nest, I’ll be back to stay. I’ll be back for that peace that you bring me. I’ll return to your arms, the stars will shine, and our love will be reborn if you will have me. 

Mila, 20 giugno 2004

*per favore ricordarmi* 

** 

Weak knees struggled to keep him upright. Collapsing beneath his weight, he sunk to the floor in the center of the bedroom. 

“Why?” his voice shook, sobs choking him.