The Long Game

Arthur braided his wife's white hair and listened to her shallow breath. She looked at him and gave him a weak smile.

“You are as beautiful now as ever,” he said.

Jean squeezed his hand. Arthur squeezed back.

She closed her eyes and breathed her last. Arthur blinked back tears, lost in memories of happiness and sorrow.

“I'm lost without you,” he whispered.

She didn't move.

“End game” said Arthur.

Arthur and Jean blinked as the room came back into focus. Jean smiled at him.

“Perhaps we should start again,” she said.

Arthur clicked restart and the game started over.