Happily Never Ever

The hospital room was quiet, save for the sound of the machines keeping her alive. Ethan sat in the chair beside her, holding her hand tightly, praying for a miracle. She had been sick for a long time, and he had been by her side through it all. He had held her hand during the countless doctor's appointments, wiped away her tears when the treatments made her weak, and whispered words of love and encouragement when she felt like giving up. But now, as he sat there watching her, he knew that the end was near.

He could see it in the way her chest rose and fell with each shallow breath, in the way her skin had turned ashen, in the way her eyes had lost their sparkle. He leaned in close to her, his lips brushing against her ear. "I love you," he whispered. "I always will." Jess stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She looked up at him, her gaze filled with love and gratitude. "I love you too," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. He leaned in to kiss her, his lips meeting hers in a tender embrace. They held each other tightly, savoring the moment, knowing that it would be their last. As they pulled apart, she smiled weakly at him. "Promise me you'll never forget me," she said. "I could never forget you," he replied, his voice breaking. "You're the love of my life." They sat in silence for a few moments, lost in their own thoughts. Then, she spoke again. "Thank you for loving me," she said. "For being there for me." "Always," he replied. She closed her eyes again, and he knew she was gone. He sat there for a long time, holding her hand, unable to let go. But eventually, he knew he had to. He stood up, leaned over her, and kissed her forehead. "Goodbye," he whispered. And with that, he left the room, his heart heavy with grief but full of love for the woman he had lost.