Stolen from me in a blink that never ends...
The thief pays the smallest price, and you, the ultimate, but I'm the one left to always mourn the emptiness in my soul.
You're gone, but always with me.

Just out of reach, a fading whisper, a muted shadow.
Just enough to forever remind me of what I cannot embrace.

For so long, I've known I should let you go so we might both be free.
But I've been afraid to, lest I forget your smile, your voice. The love in your deep blue eyes.
So, I selfishly kept you near me, not wanting to face what I knew to be true.

It's been eleven years since you came to me.

Nearly eight years have gone by since you've been missing from my arms.
Yet, I'm still clinging to your spirit…

What is Conclusion?
I fear it.

How much longer can I do this? I don't know how strong I must continue to be.
I'm growing weary; the pain is exhausting, convincing myself and everyone around me that I'm ok.

"I'm fine."

They told me to let them in... to lean on them... but I can't do it.
How can I put anyone through something like this? I have to spare them my pain.
It's my cross to bear.

"You're so strong," they say... don't they know? I have no choice.
If I don't stay strong, if I give in, I'll die.
My spirit will wither away and remain trapped in an empty shell.

I yearn for peace, but I'm afraid.

Where is my Conclusion?
Access denied.

I still see you in my dreams.
Alive, happy and so real that I'm convinced the past eight years are just a nightmare.
With the dawning of every new day, I come awake and lose you all over again.
My penance for having you back for a night, but one I would pay
to see you smile again; to hear your sweet voice.

"Mommy, give me hug-kiss, right now."
This heart knows no conclusion.

Today, it's your birthday and my last gift to you is freedom.
I will cut the ties that bind you to me and let you go on your way.
I've held you here too long, my son.

So, with these final tears, and one last hug, I bid you farewell until I see you on the other side.

When I feel weak, I'll remember those words she spoke to me:

"You defy life."

I'll make myself believe it.

Finally, we have our

Conclusion.