FLASH FICTION CONTEST: Abandoned

PROMPT: We all feel alone sometimes, but here I'd like to see something beyond that. Utter despair with no chance of reuniting.

EXTINGUISHED

"John, if you can hear me, blink your eyes."

I can hear my wife, but my muscles betray me. I cannot move my eyes to see her, but in my peripheral vision, I can see the snot mingling with her tears.

Fight for me.

The doctor explains the process as the tube in my throat is coaxed out by his expert hands.

Don't give up on me.

Melanie lays her head on my hand.

"Stay with me, John," her breath hot on my skin.

The beeping stops on the machine next to the bed as invisible fingers turn it off.