Second Chance

Forgiveness

I blink.

For a second, I think I have died again.

Until I comprehend Ellen's face above me, and the feel of the cool cloth she has pressed to my forehead.

I sit up.

My head pounds. My whole body is sore.

She looks at me with eyes filled with regret, sorrow. Pain that goes way beyond that of the physical state I am in.

She opens her mouth to speak, but I cut her off.

"Please, Ellen, please forgive me. Forgive me. Forgive me," I plead.

Tears snake down her cheeks.

"I forgive you, Vance," she whispers, "Now forgive yourself."

She cries, and cries and cries.

I reach up, timidly touch her face. I bring her eyes level with mine.

I kiss her.

She kisses me back.