When I Sleep

“I have to tell you something,” I muttered as another wave of exhaustion washed over me, “It’s really-”

“You need to sleep, Wayne.” Diana said, grabbing my hand. “You look terrible. I don’t know how long it’s been since you got some rest.”

“You don’t understand! I can’t!” I said, hesitantly pulling my hand from hers. “I love you! I can’t go to sleep!”

“You’re being silly,” she replied reaching for me once more, “you need sleep. Everyone needs sleep.”

“It’ll come if I sleep, Diana,” I blurted, “you don’t understand. It will hurt you if it comes and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“What are you talking about, Wayne?” she said stroking the side of my face, “I think you’ve become delirious. You need to get to bed.”

“No!” I whispered as my eye lids slipped.

I felt the world wash away. My heart stuttered in my chest from the anxiety of closing my eyes. I had failed. It was coming…

My eyes opened to reveal nothing more than ruins of what used to be my home. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I surveyed the building, hoping not to find her.

On the side of the tipped and broken refrigerator door I saw a note that made my heart swell and the tears flow faster.

Wayne,
It’s been three weeks but I’m still alive.  It got far enough away that I could leave this for you here. I’ll be at our favorite spot waiting for you after you wake up. I’m sorry about the house, but I think we can fix this.

I love you more than you know!
~D.