And Then

[摘要] A last breath. A weak breath, almost a snore. The kind that wonders why it’s even bothering, for life is already gone. ____________ A hint of mottling. The blood leaking and seeping and falling, pulled by gravity, then spreading like spilt mercury, settling in a claret crosshatch. She’s nothing more than a fleshy husk now, already decomposing, bacterium picking at her bones. I step back, and cry. ____________ “We’re so sorry.” “Is there anything we can do?” “Can we get you anything?” “Can we call someone?” “Here, sit down.” Five minutes after her death.

[学科分类] 呼吸医学