The old man placed a cup of hot Earl Grey tea on the night stand beside his wife’s side of the bed. Softly, he lay the plush throw blanket atop of her to combat the chill in the evening air. He brushed back the strands of grey hair with his fingers.

Her smile and the expression of love for his devotion conveyed through her eyes. She reached for his hand.

“Marty,” she asked. “Please lay next to me.”

He gently lowered himself next to her, careful not to rock the bed which may aggravate the pain caused by her cancer.

“That feels nice. Do you remember when you were a boy?” 

Marty chuckled. “Awe, Rosie, that was so long ago. I don’t know.”

“I remember those summer days that would go on forever. When a single day felt like a whole lifetime?”

“Yes, my angel. I remember that. We wished those summer vacations wouldn’t end so we’d never have to go back to school.”

“Where did the time go Marty? Christmas is almost here again? Last Christmas only seems like weeks ago, don’t you think?”

“Rosie, my angel, our very first Christmas together seems like it was only yesterday.”

“You bought me a silver bracelet, with two pink roses on the band, remember? You said those roses will last a lifetime and will always remind you of my name.”

He nodded. “Of course I remember. I searched everywhere for the perfect gift. I wanted to get you something that you’d love and never forget. Kind of like me.”

Both lay quiet and relaxed, lost in thought.

“Marty, when I go, please make sure they put the bracelet on my wrist. I want a part of you with me forever.”

Rosie felt secure with Marty by her side, like she has for the past 62 years.