I held tightly onto his hand, too afraid to let go. So afraid he’d slip away like the ones before. The dark woods around us were filled with a misty fog so dense that he seemed to melt into it.

“Don’t go,” I could hear the desperation in my voice. “Don’t leave me. Not again.” I could feel the hot tears gliding down my cool cheeks.

He smiled a smile so sad that it hurt my heart. His eyes glistened with tears as he slipped into the fog even more.

“I need you,” I said, swiping at the tears that wouldn't stop flowing, still he was silent and still except for the tear falling off of his chin.

He was still fading but I didn't let go of his hands. The pain in my heart deepened to a constant throb that would never go away.

“I love you,” I said as he faded even more. His hand squeezed mine as he spoke softly, almost chanting.

“I love you more than the stars, moons, and sun that I had come to love. I’ll never leave you. I’ll always be with you no matter where you are. Even if you can’t see me, I’ll be right beside you. I’ll be your comfort when you’re hurt. When you’re down, I’ll be there to bring you back up. My dear, when you doubt, just remember this moment and know I’m right there.

“I love you, my dear. I love you more than I could ever say. Neither song nor time of day could explain my love for you. I love you.”

With that he faded completely into the mist. Tears streamed down my face as I stood there staring into the mist where he disappeared. I stood in that spot for an hour willing him to come back. The tears never left. The pain was so deep.

“I love you, too,” I finally whispered. “I love you, too.”

I slowly turned and walked away. I never looked back because I knew he was beside me not behind me. The final tears fell from my eyes and I wiped them away. The hurt softened. His last words echoed in my head.

“I love you… I love you… I love you…”