Afterward you rose yourself, asking for me. You went back to your bed, and I sat on the chair, playing with your beloved hair. And when your brother came with "Aida," our daughter, you took her in your arms, and our trinity was gathered for the last time.

Aida was taken out of the room, and we were left alone with our love. A fearful silence reigned, each of us afraid to speak lest the trembling of the heart betray itself. But you, true to what I knew of you, were brave: you talked of things to divert me and lightened the weight of the pains upon me; then you wrapped me in your arm, taking your farewell with all the strength that remained in it, and with your burning breaths giving me the last warmth they held.

•

All I remember now is that at that hour they carried you out of the room; and I saw nothing and heard nothing and felt nothing after that. And now, as your last words storm in my head, I feel as though I sense everything, and see everything, and hear everything: "Don't cry. Let me leave you smiling at the pains. Life requires strength — so be strong, with your beauty"...

•

Our daughter has grown, my beloved, and would that you could see her — or perhaps you do see her, I do not know — a radiant smile and an overflowing stream of intelligence and love. She is like you in her faith in life, but I fear for her because of that faith...

Why are you always in such a hurry to go?.. Come always, and take your time in returning... Our letters — our daughter has gathered them up. But we, you and I — who, I wonder, will gather us together again, and forever?..