Say you'll never leave
Something was strange about today, and though Ara couldn't quite tell what it was, she felt slightly on edge the moment she woke up. She'd been roused suddenly from sleep, as though her body had jerked her away, though there seemed to be no real reason for it. It was early, perhaps too early to even be awake, and as she peeked outside of the den she and Novel shared, only the briefest glimmers of sunlight filtered across the horizon. It was nearing dawn, and strange shadows of the willows outside their den danced across the grass. After a long few minutes of waiting, Ara carefully pried herself away from Novel, taking extra measures to not wake her as she slunk out of the den and wove beneath the willow trees. |
She did wake to Ara’s touch however. The feeling of warmth at her touch seeped through her slumber. As she awoke the coughing started unfortunately. Novel couldn’t stop as she tried to enjoy the flowers that Ara brought for her, but as she turned her head away to hide any blood that might have appeared dread started to fill her. Blood filled her mouth, and she struggled to hide it as she turned back to Ara, not quite catching her breath.
They’re,” she coughed softly, gasping as she formed the words. ”Beautiful.” She tried to smile, though blood still stained her teeth and she hadn’t been able to completely finish coughing. Novel tried to snuggle closer to her mate, feeling a bit chill now that the rain had really set in. ”Thank you,” She wheezed into Ara’s fur as she tried to cling to her mate’s strength.
After her conversation with Novel regarding exactly what her own course of action would be if her mate passed before she did, Ara found herself fearing for the end much less than she'd anticipated. She'd never been raised with beliefs about the afterlife, and she'd never discussed such things with her mate, but she could only hope that the end would just be a new beginning - if there was anything afterwards she could count on the two of them finding them one another there. The thought was wistful at best, but weirdly comforting even spite of her deeply realistic mindset. |
Novel tried to chuckle softly, but it only set off her cough again before she was able to answer. ”I could never forget.” Though that time in her life had been difficult being with Ara made it much easier. She listened to her mate’s words, finding them a comfort as speaking grew more difficult. Novel sighed softly into Ara’s side, her lids growing heavy as she leaned into her dark pelt.
”I’m glad you did. I..” She coughed harder this time, feeling the effort weigh on her waning strength. ”Couldn’t have raised them alone.” Her chest heaved as she continued to struggle for breath. ”I love you, Ara.” She knew she didn’t say it often, but most of the time they didn’t have to. She just knew.
Ara realized her voice had been slightly shaky, and hoped Novel didn't notice. She returned the compliment, earning a faint smile amidst all the fear and sadness that threatened to bubble up from within. How was it that she could feel unnervingly at ease and so completely terrified all at once? It was a strange mixture of emotions, only exacerbated by the way Novel didn't seem capable of taking a full breath. |
Her weakness was getting the better of her and Novel couldn’t help but to let her head rest against Ara’s neck once more. She hummed softly at the sentiment, and moved her lips to say the same. The words were stuck in her throat as her breathing became more labored. Novel’s vision grew blurry as she felt herself forced into a coughing fit as she tried to catch her breath. Her lungs strained with effort for a long time as the rain drummed on in the background.
For what would be the last time Novel was able to gain a breath, her blue eyes closed. ”I’ll love you forever. The words eventually fell from her lips, but she didn’t take another breath as her form slumped into Ara’s form. The woman’s heart fluttered for a moment before falling still. A faint smile lingered on Novel’s features, despite being so sick her happiness was still evident even in her last few moments. She lived a long fulfilling life, and being able to spend her last days with the one she loved the most erased any regrets she might have had.
-exit Novel via death-
With each moment that passed, Ara grew increasingly aware of Novel's rapidly deteriorating state. Her breathing was shallow and she couldn't seem to catch her breath, but she held her tightly against her chest, not wanting to Novel to doubt the depths of her love for her in this moment. Silence fell over them as the wheezing grew to coughing, though after her coughing fit she grew silent, slouching against her with one final statement. |