Just a man.

[Jihadjoe]

A man sat upon the floor. In that moment, that's all he was. Just a man, and nothing more. Achievements, status, position, responsibility... None of that mattered. Not now.

He looked up at the cryo-stasis pod infront of him. That damned robot had left him alone at least, he felt like should be glad of it. He clutched the pendant in his hand tightly, feeling it's fine details digging into his palm slightly. It was reassuring in a way.

"You beautiful, brilliant person..."

He stood and sighed, looking through the glass of the pod. She looked peaceful. His hand touched the glass and his head rested against it lightly, closing his eyes against the tears he knew were coming.

"I tried so hard."

No matter how many times you lose someone close, it never gets easier. The searing instant pain gets replaced with a dull throbbing as time passes. Each fresh loss just adds to it.

The tears came. He slowly and carefully unfastened the door to the stasis pod, rubbing his eyes with his other hand. The cold air filled the room as he lifted the body out of the pod. She was lighter than he remembered her being. He lowered himself to his knees beside the pod, holding her.

"You can rest a bit now..."

He choked over the words a little as he gently rested his live cheek against her dead one. It wouldn't bring her back, he knew...

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