“I’m sorry,” a voice said from behind me. I turned in time to see the bedroom door crack open, revealing a soft round face framed by red curls. Shining green eyes full of hesitation made their way over to his bed.

“It’s OK, just don’t make it a habit,” he smiled as he lifted her onto the bed.

“It’s going to storm,” her voice, as soft as a whisper, was so full of hope. She clutched the stuffed animal in her lap with enough force to turn her tiny knuckles white, waiting for a reply.

“I know. I have been looking at the sky, do you want to watch the rain?” Her porcelain features broke as a smile spread wide and a giggle escaped. The girl shifted on the bed to lean against the window sill, watching and waiting. Just like I am. He laughed, his eyes revealing a brightness that has been absent for quite some time. I am always awestruck by these interactions.

Being a silent observer means I see more than anyone else. Like the way his smile faltered when picking her up, the weight of the little child to much for him to bear. The sickness is progressing, yet the light is still able to reach his eyes when she is near.

“Mommy says you are having one of your bad days, but I told her I could cheer you up,” she handed him the stuffed dog.

“She is correct, but so are you. I am better already,” he set the toy on the window sill and watched as the rain began to fall.

I stood by the window too, absorbed by the constant patter on the sill. My eyes following each drop as they fell. There was something enticing by the way they would form. How each drop would hold on for as long as they could before letting go and falling, only to shatter apart again. Is this what their lives are like, the lives of the two in front of me?

Is this what it means to be human? They spend years gathering themselves, molding themselves into who they are and what they’ll be. Then when they’re ready, when they’ve reached some level of potential, they let go. Falling, no longer able to hold on, they barely have time to blink before they meet the end. Before they meet me. What frailty humans possess. What fleeting lives they lead. Unfortunately not many last that long.

I see the light fading from him, slowly but surely. He is one I do not want to miss.