she was beautiful and lovely and smiling. too much. it felt like floating, like heartbreak, like being enough for once. it felt like being awake, and being asleep, like finally being at peace. 

"how long can i have you?" she'd once asked him.

and he hadn't answered, because the revelation that she could have him forever, have him wait forever, that he was completely, and utterly hers was terrifying, like plunging into a pit with no bottom. 

the answer was this, for as long as you want me. everyday, for the rest of my life.

forever. it was an awfully short time anyway.