Fragile

It was too late when Elise turned and saw the piece of rock slam into Warren's chest.  She screamed and dove under the water, her emerald tail flashing in the dying sunlight and twisting her way to him.  How could Dad do something like this? she thought.  Her father had never approved of her falling in love with this human, but how could he possibly have taken his hatred this far?  To him, humans were nothing but a horrible fantasy in his daughter's head that needed to become extinct.

Elise finally reached Warren and swam his weak body onto the shore, water still lapping at his sides.  Blood was pooling down his shirt, each drop slowly taking his life away.  Elise tried to stay composed, giving him comforting words that held empty promises.

"Look at me, it's ok, we can fix this...." Her words were ebbed away by the sobs that escaped from somewhere deep inside her.

Warren lifted his shaking hand to her face, the pain in his eyes somehow being overcome by the sweet, tender expression he wore whenever he saw her.

"Hey," he whispered, his voice quiet and strained. "Don't worry, sweetheart.  I love you, more than anything.  It will be ok." Elise was amazed that he was comforting her, though she could see the pain starting to overtake him. 

She lowered her head, her lips finding his, but realized it was too late.  His head lolled to one side, and the rest of him became still. 

Elise let herself fall into his chest, the usual comfort of his heartbeat missing.  Her most delicate hopes, her wildest dreams...all had died with that heartbeat.  She hadn't realized before just how fragile it all was.  Oh so fragile.