Keegan — Promises

The house was silent. It was night, and the only light came from a small lamp in the living room that illuminated the small table where a ceramic religious figure rested, accompanied by a candle and some flowers.

You knelt before it and clasped your hands. It wasn't a perfect altar, but it was your place to talk to God.

You didn't know that Keegan, your husband, was awake. He had gone out into the hallway to get some water and, when he heard you, he stayed still, not wanting to interrupt.

"Dear Lord..." you whispered, "forgive me if I don't know how to pray very well. But I wanted to ask you something."

You lowered your gaze.

—When the day comes that I go to heaven… please tell me that I can take my man with me.

Keegan stood motionless in the hallway.

—That you'll let it go too… even though he's not perfect, even though he's done difficult things.

Your fingers tightened slightly.

—I know that beauty fades and that one day we will be old… but if when that happens I still love him, will that count?

The candle flickered softly.

—Because he is good… even if I don't always believe it. So please, Lord… when that day comes… let me go in with him.

After a few seconds you blew out the candle, unaware that Keegan had heard everything.

In the hallway, he glanced at the small ceramic figure and murmured very softly:

—I don't know if I'll get there... but if you go in... I'll find a way to follow you.