In the dimly lit room, adorned with the soft glow of flickering candles, Mark sat beside his beloved, Sarah. Her once vibrant eyes now glistened with the fading light of life, mirroring the waning flame of the candles.

Mark tenderly held Sarah's hand, feeling the frailty of her fingers, once so full of life and warmth. Memories flooded his mind, each one a testament to the love they had shared over the years. From their first meeting under the golden hues of autumn leaves to the whispered promises exchanged under starlit skies, their love had been an unwavering beacon in the tumult of life.

But now, as Sarah lay before him, her breaths shallow and labored, Mark felt the weight of impending loss bearing down upon him. He couldn't bear to imagine a world without her laughter, her gentle touch, her unwavering support.

Yet, in the midst of his grief, there was a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for every moment they had shared, every kiss stolen in the quiet of night, every embrace that spoke volumes in its silence. Their love had been a masterpiece, painted with the brushstrokes of joy and sorrow, triumphs and tribulations.

As Sarah's eyes fluttered open, a faint smile graced her lips. In that moment, Mark saw not the frailty of her body, but the enduring strength of her spirit, the indomitable force of their love. He leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss against her forehead, whispering words of love and solace into the stillness of the room.

And as the last breath escaped her lips, Sarah's hand slipped from Mark's grasp, leaving behind a void that echoed with the echoes of their love. Yet, in that void, there remained a flicker of hope, a whisper of eternity, for true love knows no bounds, not even in death's embrace. And so, as Mark sat in the quiet of the room, surrounded by memories and the soft glow of candlelight, he knew that their love would live on, a timeless ode to the beauty of the human heart.
© Thabiso Dube