cuniff

"Taylor? Baby. I hope you're okay. I want you to be okay." I hear Shawn. I feel him rubbing my arm with his thumbs pressing circles. I try my best to move my arm but can't get to it. The best I can do is move my pinky but he doesn't notice. "I love you."

And there it is. The biggest motivation I've ever had. I'm determined to wake up, just for him. To say those words back. "I love you so much. I've always had. And, I was just on my way... To- to tell you that. And to tell you, I was ready for you. I am. But then, now you might not get to hear these words from me, or have all of me. And, I'm so sorry." I can hear Shawn crying, almost able to see him. But I can't.

I move my finger even more, it gradually moves, along with my whole hand. I pat the bedding and reach for Shawn's hand. I hear him gasp. "Taylor!" It causes me to try to flutter my eyes. I look at him, blurry eyes and slow blinking. "Taylor! You're awake." Shawn shouts and hugs me.

I take a deep breath and try to hug him back but my chest still hurts and I'm way to exhausted, but I make sure to tell him, "I love you." I look at him with a weak smile.

"You heard it all?" He says with a sensitive tone. "I did. And I love every bit of you. And I just, I do. I love you." I say soft as my eyes fade back to seeing black.

I feel him kiss my lips, softly. "You can't go back to sleep. I'm worried. Please. Stay awake." Shawn tells me. "As long as you keep me all the company I need."

- April 10