His solemn gaze shows concern as it settles on his wife’s petite form and pale face. Her chest barely rises and falls with every breath. Once filled with vitality, her body is now motionless under white hospital sheets.
He walks to the bedside and calls out her name. But Michaela remains silent, and her eyes stay shut.
After a restless hour at his wife’s side, Jack runs fingers through his salt-and-pepper hair, and he shakes his head.
He hates this pandemic and feels life isn’t fair. With his heart pounding in his chest, he pulls off his mask, takes a deep breath, and bends down. He gently kisses Michaela’s forehead, and whispers in her ear, “I love you.”
He fails to see a tear roll down her cheek as his childhood sweetheart takes her final breath.