Sweet Dreams

“Mommy, I’m scared,” said the little girl.

“Don’t be, honey. I’ll be here.” She took her daughter’s hand and squeezed it.

“Does it hurt?” asked the girl, a slight quiver in her voice.

“No, it doesn't  You won’t feel a thing.” reassured her mom. Her voice was ever so soft and gentle, but pain was written all over her face.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive,” said the mother, forcing a weak smile for her daughter. She took her free hand to brush her girl’s hair to the side. The woman’s hands lingered on her head, gently stroking the child’s cheekbone.

“I believe you,” whispered the child. Her eyes fluttered. “Mommy?”

“Yes, dear?”

“I don’t want to leave you,” she said, and turned her head to face her mother. Her mother looked back at her with slightly moist eyes.

“I don’t want you to go either,” the mom said, her voice cracking on the last word. She took a deep breath. “But don’t forget that where you are going it will be better. You’ll be happy there. Maybe you’ll get to have that cat you always wanted.”

 “Really?”

 “Really,” the mom responded. She sniffed slightly. “Don’t forget that I love you,” she added, giving a reassuring squeeze to her daughter’s hand.

“I love you too...” mumbled the girl. Her breath slowed and her eyes fluttered again, only this time, they stayed closed.