papel de hapon

????. ????. ????.

"It's a pity..." you whispered. "I thought I'd still be able to see the Aurora."

I smiled gently. "You don't even like the cold, honey."

"But it's beautiful," you sighed. "They dance so freely... across the limitless sky. It must be nice."

"Soon," I said. "We'll go there together. We'll spend the entire night watching them drift overhead without a single care in the world."

You closed your eyes for a moment before a frail smile found your lips.

"I'd love that."

"I know, honey."

????. ????. ????.

"Honey," you breathed.

I hummed in response.

"Take my hand."

My throat tightened.

"Is it... time already?" I managed to ask.

"Please." Your voice trembled. "I'm scared."

I reached for your hand, holding it as tightly as I could, as if you might disappear the moment I let go.

"I'm here," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I'm here."

I leaned down and pressed a featherlight kiss to your forehead.

You closed your eyes.

"He's taking my hand... but I'm glad I'm still able to hold the one I love."

The dam inside me finally broke.

Tears streamed down my face as I pulled you closer, even though we both knew it wouldn't change anything.

"My moon..." you whispered. "I'll be waiting on the other side."

And that night, the Aurora shone brighter than it ever had before.