don't say goodbye

she said, "please let me say good afternoon to george before i go." we stepped back and let her. her carer pushed her wheel chair close beside the bed as she reached out and placed her hands on his.

george didn't seem to respond. as a result of his condition, he stared blankly at the ceiling and around us, i wasn't sure if he knew what was happening but i somehow felt she did.

"she's his girlfriend you see" said her carer, to us, "lived with him for years." i could only stare dumbly at the old couple, both in their 90s.

"good afternoon george. i'm going off now, do you hear me? be a good boy and i'll see you tomorrow"

just as she left, she looked as us.

"i don't say goodbye you see... i don't want to"