LAST GIFT

Mercy killing

    My love flinched and moaned in pain as my last loving caress of her breast touched the smooth skin. My last kiss was met not with her joyous returning kiss but with more signs of the pain any touch caused. We were happy once, madly in love and boundless in our willingness to share both the spiritual and the physical manifestations of that love. Childless, we poured everything into each other. Others speak of bliss but we truly had it.
    Then the blood vessel in her skull opened. My love was stolen away by a small leak that nobody knew about. Changed from a loving, vibrant, beautiful woman into a husk that still lived but did so only at the cost of constant pain. Laying on a bed of agony, betrayed by her damaged brain. The sense of touch that had given her such joy as we made love now gave her only  unending pain as any touch was transformed into the feel of raw flame. The softest sheets become instruments of torture. She knows nothing but unending pain. They tell me she could live for years. Years of  torture. Years of waiting for the fires to stop burning her. Yet they keep feeding her, keep on doing the things that will extend her agony. 
    I have reached my limit. I can no longer watch her suffer while others allow it. I have planned this for some time but have delayed until I am sure there is no other hope for her. Tonight I will give everything to free her. 
    For the hundredth time I test the edges of the knife. A double edged dagger that was handmade by a master smith. Made just for us. Looking back I think he knew what it was for. He refused payment for it, instead telling me that I could pay for it after I had a chance to try it out and then if I was satisfied I could send him a check. Somehow I was able to thank him before I left. I studied and practiced waiting for tonight. Now it is time.
    Her naked body still is beautiful. With the softest touch I locate the space under her ribs. Carefully I place the needle sharp point in the proper place. Move my hand until the point is aimed at her heart. The heart that loved me and that I loved so much. I look at her pretty face. A pulse can be seen in her slender neck. I push the knife. There is almost no resistance as the steel slips into her body. Her face moves just a bit as she inhales a quick breath. Then the tip reaches her heart. I can feel it beat in the grip. I could still let her live but I know I cannot. Her pain is too great. The blade slips in another four inches. I rock and twist the grip. The razor edges effortlessly cut her loving heart into pieces. 
    Her face changes. Just for a second  the mask of pain drops away. I see her as she was the day we stood in the park in front of our friends and promised to always take care of each other. I dream I see a smile of thanks, a smile that carries with her love and the promise that she will wait for me. Then she leaves. 
    As her body goes limp I scream and collapse over her. They find me crying. I am taken away to face whatever happens. I don’t care what they do to me. To free her is worth any price. Her pain has ended. I am content.