It's Not Over

The heart monitor is still working. Breath a little steadier.

Here’s a book of photos, surely you remember, don’t you? We have a story left to tell. But it’s okay if you want to lay here, a bit; just not so limply. We have many more things to do, you’ll see.

I look out toward the beach — specifically requested this room because it’s one of the few ways I press my big toe on our weight of souls. I am trying to game fate after all. I will. So the seagulls sit in the distance and stare at the ocean’s edge with me, each breath as a humph of certainty.

I’m not sure why they couldn’t just cut a small spot instead of shaving your entire head. But the contours and the sunken cheeks made me realize we could have the same head shape. Of course, why wouldn’t we?

I just know it: we’ll walk through the doors soon. Maybe even tomorrow. Because I’ve visited every fountain and tossed a quarter, tipping the scales in our favor. While the western front expands into the mountains, and that’s where we’ll celebrate this day. I’ll sneak a signature on the cornerstone, establishing a city upon our humble home. You’ll be a ruler for the ages, won’t you?

We’ll adorn the hallway with your Lego creations, first drawings. The way your toothy smile transformed into a full-set, somehow we’ll incorporate a theme of that. Such embers, which you’ll eclipse, you will, right after. After today. An eternal reign… much longer, much more than I could’ve. I am only a humble servant. That’s all I can be.

Surely can’t leave me here, with all these trinkets. We need to ascertain each worth, how it fits into each era of your coming age. They tell me to sort them into Goodwill piles, whatever is “salvagable”. But we’ll prove them wrong and sentence them by treason.

Though I must confess how Eternity’s Sunrise seems to come as a set; as each bird passes my form stabilizes by your grip. I don’t know what will happen after. I’m not sure if I can watch the colour crawl out of the frame. Can only wonder, as it turns incorporeal, what realm it’ll condense next.

But today I bought you your favourite snacks. For the ceremony! You’re ascending the throne today, so let’s make it go swimmingly.

By each shallow breath the process beats in tune. Unraveled carpet, intricate sashes. Whispering attendants.

Ah, yes, this is where you’re meant to be. How regal! A trusty bed elevated to the palanquin; please, let me be among the carry. We’ll hurry to the water’s edge and how it dances, dazzles this onset of evening.

While the last bird passes, before it all flickers. This is where you’ll rest.

Well, it’s not over. This is our beginning!

Please don’t forget that.