Isabella's tears started to flow once more, but Michael immediately pulled her into a tight embrace. As they wept, the world seemed to pause in time for Michael. He was overwhelmed by an unfamiliar emotion — a mixture of pure sadness and a sense of being completely lost. The intensity of it was so strong that he felt like he might pass out, but instead he was left in a dazed state, as if he were trapped in a terrible nightmare that he desperately wished to escape from.

"You are indeed a silly girl," Michael grumbled as he brushed her face with his lips. "How could you even consider me forgetting about you?" He took her hand and pressed it over his chest, where his heart beat strongly. "You belong here, with me. I promise that you, Isabella Sims, will always be a part of me, for as long as I am alive."

Michael was acutely aware of Isabella's fragility, and he didn't have to consciously remind himself to be careful with her. He tenderly guided her lips to meet his and shared a gentle kiss. It was the perfect kiss. It felt timeless and all-encompassing. They indulged in the kiss for a significant amount of time, with Isabella occasionally glancing up into Michael's breathtaking blue eyes.

While Michael was kissing Isabella, she was overwhelmed by the pain in his kiss. She found it almost unfathomable to envision a life without him. Yet, she was the one facing her mortality, while he would continue living. It brought tears to her eyes, and she could not understand why God was taking her away from the world at such a young age. Despite the overwhelming sorrow and loss, she did not want to hold any resentment towards God. 

As the hours ticked by, Michael and Isabella drifted off to sleep in each other's arms. When she finally woke, she gazed up at him and paused, resting her head against his chest as she listened to his heart beating for her. Though Isabella's time with him was coming to a close, she couldn't help but feel content and fulfilled. In that moment, she was filled with a sense of joy that she hadn't felt in a long while, simply because Michael was there with her.

With a gentle lean, Isabella pressed her cold lips to his, briefly lingering before he stirred without opening his gaze. From within her robe, she withdrew an envelope and carefully rested it on his chest, guiding his hand to cover it.

“Please cherish me always, Michael.” Isabella kissed his cheek and nestled her head against his chest, taking solace in the steady rhythm of his heart as she faded into the unknown.

Following the passing of Isabella, Michael became emotionally numb. He withdrew into himself, hardly speaking or moving. He even neglected basic needs like eating and communicating. It seemed as though a part of him had died with her, leaving a deep void within.

Despite the heavy weight of grief and sorrow that weighed upon him, Michael refused to let a single tear escape his eyes. Losing someone you deeply care for is a painful and traumatic experience, and it was no different for him. As Michael stood there, witnessing Isabella's burial and the earth slowly covering her casket, he felt immense sadness and regret. Looking back on all that had transpired between them, Michael realised that he should have allowed himself to cry. He knew that the one lying in that wooden box was none other than Isabella herself, and yet, he remained dry-eyed. It wasn't as if he didn't understand the reality of her passing. He was fully aware that she was gone from this world.

Michael's mother stood next to her new husband, Jim, while Isabella's mother clung to a man Michael did not recognise. The sound of Amanda's piercing screams echoed in his mind, until her voice finally gave out. Miss Jude, the kind nurse from the hospital, and Michael's brother were the only others in attendance. The atmosphere was heavy with despair, as tears streamed down the faces of the mourners. Michael also felt the weight of grief, but for some reason, he could not shed any tears. He waited, expecting the familiar sting in his eyes, but all he felt was a dull numbness. This pain had consumed him since the day she passed away.

As the small group of people readied to leave the cemetery, Michael's attention drifted to the distance. He could hear a faint, melodic and enchanting sound that seemed to call him like a gentle wind. He suddenly turned at the sound of his name being called. Michael was certain that the voice he was hearing was coming from his subconscious. After all, he knew his mind was strong and could conjure up the things he thought he needed. However, the voice sounded so real that it was hard to believe it was just his imagination. The voice Michael thought he heard belonged to none other than Isabella. And in that moment, Michael felt a surge of energy and life coursing through him. It was as if Isabella was giving him the strength and motivation he needed to move forward.

All of a sudden, Michael felt the warmth of life return to his body. He could feel the blood coursing through his veins, and his heart began to beat at a steady rhythm. He gazed upon his hand and was amazed to see that the once pale and lifeless skin had regained its healthy, golden-brown hue. It was hard for him to fathom that such a simple act as thinking he heard her voice could have such a powerful effect on his wellbeing.

"Michael, honey," his mother, Joan, gently interrupted, dispelling the daze that had befallen Michael. "It is time to head back home now."

The young man let out a deep breath, expressing his reluctance. “Mother. I am not ready to leave as yet," Michael said with utter sadness.