"I knew it all along, Marie. Please hold on. Please . . ."

"I love you for it, Tom. promise me not to open the letter till the sun sets. Tell me again that . . . you . . . love . . . me." She closed her eyes peacefully.

"I love you, Marie," he whispered in her ears hoping she could still hear him say those words. He kissed her goodbye. He wanted to shout, but not one word escaped his mouth.

The sun was nowhere in sight. Only the rays proved its existence beyond the blue hills.

* * *