Fading Photographs

Fading photographs are strewn across alabaster tabletops, drenched in moonlight streaming through rustling curtains. Snow owls call out to each other through the whistling wind, as flakes of snow dust frostbit grass outside crystallized windows. A roaring fireplace crackles in the corner, and I sit back upon an oaken rocking chair, tracing my fingertips over delicate memories, transported back to harmonious days and carefree nights. Your silhouette appears, drenched in glorious sunlight. Summer emerges like a breath of fresh air, as luscious ivy crawls up wrought iron fences, and onyx roses bloom within the gaps. Your golden voice calls out to me. A single teardrop slides down the warmth of my cheek. It’s been so many years since I heard that angelic sound, smelled the aromatic vanilla permeating from your silken skin, and fell into your tender embrace. My blood swelters under your touch. I whisper, “I’ve been so lost without you.” “Can I not stay here with you like this forever?” You whisper back, One day, my love, for it’s not your time yet.” And within the blink of an eye, an icy chill races up my spine, snapping me back to harsh reality, to a world so frigid without you— forever tracing memories until I can finally take my final breath.