Hello Stranger

by Jade West

“Yes, please. That sounds amazing.” I paused. “I love bacon.” I love bacon?? Fucking hell. Brilliant conversation starter.

I love her so much

“I love you,” I told him. “Seriously, Logan, I love you. I love you so much, it’s unreal. So don’t ever stop this. Please, don’t ever stop this. I wouldn’t be able to breathe if you did.” And that’s when he stilled. That’s when he tensed and pulled his body away from mine. Spell broken,

Dude.

It was strange to watch the other cars pass on the other side of the road outside the window, people going about their regular days. Kids pulling faces in the back, and people chatting, laughing. People on their way to work. Others off on happy days somewhere. So many people, so many lives. Ours was sombre and beautiful all at once.

“I’m so proud of you,” she said, “Honestly, sweetheart, I’m so proud of you. I’m so proud of the man you’ve become.” I couldn’t hold back the sobs, the tears.

Chloe was out on the landing. “Don’t…” she wheezed. “Don’t you… let her go…” I didn’t answer, just squeezed her hand right back. “I love you, Logan,” she rasped, and I nodded.

“I love you too, Mum.” Then she left me, giving me one final smile before her eyes closed. I felt her give up. I felt the very second she let out a sigh and slumped a final slump against her pillows. I knew she wouldn’t be opening those twinkling eyes again.

No hopes, no miracles, no more smiles on her face or twinkles in her eyes. No more cackling laughter. My mum was gone.

sobbing.

The house felt so different without her there. Silent and empty.

“Don’t give me any bullshit,” I told him. “Just give me the news.” He gave me the news. I understood every scrap of it. I understood exactly what it meant. I was the weatherman, fully aware what storm was coming, before any of the clouds reached the shore. It was ok. This time, it was really ok.

WHAT IS WRING WITH HJM NO

“It’s not about Mum, it’s about me,” he said again. “I’m dying, Chloe. I’m fucking dying.”

hate my life so much