The Moon's Quiet Theft

Insider look of the inside of loss

         The Moon's Quiet Theft          

         
         
         We both go to bed with the full moon peering through the window. It was on the last night of its fullest phase. It watched us both as we fell into the nights slumber. When it was satisfied we were deep in sleep, it disappeared into the darkness of the sky. When I awoke, however, I found that the moon took away something else when it disappeared into the night.
         I awaken just before twilight. I sit on the side of the bed to collect myself from a long nights rest. Not wanting to disturb the bed, I stood up slowly and made it to the open window to take in some fresh morning air. I turn to look at the bed and my beloved looked so at peace. I came back to bed with wanting to share this moment of early day peacefulness, and just to be close them. I sidled towards them and put my arm around them from over the covers. I won't lie, this moment was for me more than them. Oddly, they did not move. They didn't blink, moan, or anything one would subconsciously do when touched.
          Twilight vanishes quickly and the morning Sun crests the horizon. The trees in the distance are blocking the intensity of its brightness. However, it is bright enough that I make a sad and life chilling discovery. Their eyes are open, but their skin is pale and their lips are blue. The one who I've been with for forty-five years is now gone. Silent and dried tears are on their cheeks. I kissed their forehead and wished them safe travels. I think they must feel as alone as I do. I will never know.
          I leave the bed again and walk over to the telephone. With a lump in my throat, I make the call to 911. There is no hysteria in my voice and no crying, just the facts to get them here. I now wait for the authorities by sitting on the edge of the bed. I stare at them knowing I will never see them again after they are taken away. I still do not cry, instead, I place my hand on their ankle, as if I can stop them from leaving me. The time has come to start my life all over again. No mate, no friend, and no more lover to come home to, or they to me. I cook by and for myself now. I look out the window when they would come home from work. It is everyone else's job to do now. I look out the window and wait with a certain amount jealousy of everyone's return home but not for my beloved or me.
          Weeks have turned into months and I still sit at the living room window watching the world move on as if nothing happened. I still have yet to cry or talk to anyone about my feelings. I choose not to, but others don't think that is wise. I have friends come over every now and then. Nothing can fill the empty void of a missing appendage as a spouse can be to another. I've lost all interest in things. I don't watch TV. I quit my job and haven't gone out for dinner. The advent of food delivery and groceries have made my plight even more bearable. I just sit in front of the window.
          I'm sick of people telling me they feel sorry. I'm sick of people trying to change me back to what I was. I'm happy in my sadness, why can't they understand. My health is not the best and I should see a doctor. But, what if my beloved shows up when I'm gone and I'm not here? Sometimes I feel jealous that it was not me taken in slumber. Why couldn't we've gone on that trip together, we always went on trips together. The only company I truly want is not on this planet anymore.
          It is a year to the day. Marking one whole revolution around the Sun without my beloved. The moon is full again. With a chance, I repeat what occurred that very sad night. I lay on my side of the bed. The moon is rising and it is in its fullest. It shines bright through the window just as a year ago. Maybe, just maybe, I will join my beloved tonight. The brightness of the full moon seems to blind me a little. It's causing my eyes to squint. I feel a brief breeze on my face. I open my eyes only to see the curtains move with the wind. I get excited, is it them? Were they able to return to me?
          It is with false hope I realized the answer. I still lay on my side of the bed and I watch as the moon disappears in to the night sky. I fall into full and deep slumber. Sadly, I awaken the next morning only to find I am still left here, alone again, another year of emptiness and loneliness.