My New Year gift was lying on the couch, wrapped in blankets and fast asleep. I jumped out of bed as soon as I’d realized the living room wouldn’t be empty this morning, and, like a child at Christmas dawn, I dashed downstairs.
Not a sound could be heard, save the quiet hissing of air leaving his lungs. I caressed his forehead and cheeks until his eyelashes fluttered like newborn butterflies. Then he looked at me. We smiled. We spoke in whispers, savoring the silence we tore like thin paper.
Happy New Year. Thank you for being with me, for the touch of your hand and your beautiful tranquil eyes.