I wiped my tears as I asked the nurse to contact my parents. In my final moments, I longed to see them one last time.
They came.
Through the glass of the ICU, I saw their faces streaked with tears.
My parents sobbed uncontrollably, mouthing that they should never have let me marry Dashiell.
I cried too.
"Mom, Dad, I'm so sorry," I said.
"I should have listened to you."
I'd heard long ago that at life's end, your memories flash before your eyes like a flickering lantern.
What exactly was this phenomenon?
I didn't know before.
But now, I understand.
So this is what it's like...
Memories flashing by, frame by frame.
My last recollection is of my parents crying.
I closed my eyes and shook my head.
Please don't cry for me.
Mom, Dad, if there's a next life, don't give birth to such a disappointing daughter.
As my consciousness faded, I shut my eyes.
The sound of heartbroken sobs filled my ears.
These past days have been so exhausting.
It's okay.