Before he could remember, everything faded to black.
He woke up to Casey humming the song. He glanced over and she knelt next to him
smiling, wearing a gray button-down sweater with a lime green shirt underneath. She
changed clothes, William thought.
“Hi.” William wasn't sure if the words came out.
Casey didn't say a word. She looked younger.
Since she came into his life, everything felt right. The days felt brighter and the
nights felt livelier. With her around, everything felt better.
Casey's humming made the pain subside.
William's breathing became more labored. He could feel the breaths getting further
apart. He felt a tear roll down the side of his face and hit his ear.
Casey continued humming as everything turned black.
William woke up, gasping for air. He was alone.
“Casey?” he asked, not sure if the words made it out of his mouth.
He tried looking around the hallway. He peered outside the front door, still wide
open. He heard the squirrels chasing each other again.
He gazed up at the ceiling, trying to remember if he had already called for help.
Everything turned black.
“William!”
He opened his eyes. Casey knelt beside him again. Tears were flowing from her eyes.
She was beautiful, even crying.
He tried to talk but nothing came out.