Pillow

He couldn't believe it. It'd been years and he hadn't seen her. He'd heard rumours of how she'd passed away from leukemia, but he'd never believed it. How could he believe it? No way would it be true. No way would she be gone.

She was here. Right here, right now, right in front of him. He choked out her name and love swelled inside him. His soulmate, the love of his life. They'd never gotten wed because, well, she didn't want to burden him with her illness.

Find someone else, she'd whispered. Someone else who's healthy and beautiful and loving. You deserve better than to have to be burdened with me.

He'd argued. He'd shouted for her to rethink what she'd said. I love you! It doesn't matter to me! I love you!

But she'd shaken her head, and left. He'd searched the ends of the earth for her, but hadn't seen her since.

Now, seeing her standing right in front of him, he was overwhelmed with joy.

"You came back," he whispered softly.

He reached out, hoping to take hold of her hand and hold on to her, so that the world wouldn't be able to separate them anymore.

And he reached for her, only to have her crumble to stardust right before his eyes.

He opened his eyes, and his pillow was dotted with tears.