Screams bellow, echoing through those corridors—now, just crumbled cinder blocks compiled on top of each other like shortcakes at a Sunday brunch. Lay to waste we die, one at a time. And I, to endure this wretched torment upon those hallowed chambers until finally summoned. For now, I bear witness to such calamity as these impending walls close in. I can't feel my extremities. I lost sensation hours ago. I have nothing left but—

—Time.

And even that too dwindles as I breathe in this pungent odor. Take in this stench I say and suffer no longer. Exhale only to release this filth then another deep breath until my lungs finally relinquish its last. I wish to inhale you instead of this putrid jet fuel inflaming my nostrils.

Drip.

Drip.

Tiny droplets cascading from the ceiling, beating down and pulsating on top of my forehead. My tongue reaches out to quench my parchedness, but only the taste of sweat—blood trickle down this throat of mine.

Alas, the wailings of a thousand cries, echoing in the night have all but simmered down. Such horrid screams shook me from my stupor; it's soon—very soon. I felt it.

Not yet!

Allow me to join in correlation this solemn requiem, relishing in one final memory—please! Upon gazing into those meticulous string quartets far above me, I see a diminutive spectrum growing with fervor. Growing into the day we first met. I cry out your name to the heavens. But you don't hear me. Like the thousands of other unanswered cries, I too go mute to the living.

My love, was it not I that had bent a knee?

—Asking for a life time to be with you but granted only a fraction instead.

Was it not I that made you broken promises?

—Dreams.

Forgive me for my tears have all but dried up now.

Every time I think about our time spent, I cursed precious seconds squandered over petty quarrels. I blame it on my foolish pride and sleepless nights spent in the living room rather than in the warmth of your bosom. I tried to be the best husband I could be—at times, but failing miserably in the end.

Remember that trip? You were irresistibly stunning that day. I kissed you for the very first time—remember? I had butterflies in my stomach. I can remember not wanting that day to end.

—But it did.

For this is my safe haven now. While basking in a fiery pit awaiting the inevitability, I visit our very first kiss over-and-over again. Look, dear, the sun is bright! It's as clear as the first time we met. O be the heavens granting a glimmer of glory, enveloping me in such splendor.

I can feel my legs again. Look, I'm wiggling my toes, hon.

Look at me!

You can't see me anymore, can you? Don't fret, dear—I'm being summoned. They want me to come forward now.

I will.

—I must!

For only a plethora of death saturates those once bustling edifices now reduced to rubble. And beneath the ash and ruins a million miles below—Me. Broken and battered, I waste away like the many others that have perished.

I must follow them, dear. Trust me, I would give my life a thousand times over for mere seconds of hope just to embrace you again. But it would be futile for mortal hands to reach the abyss of my dwelling. I will remain here in angst needing not to whisper such ailing words plaguing my being. Although our celestial encounter brief, these feelings had not diminished at the altar. Please look at me one more time, and you will finally see—just one more time.

So, this is it!

I bid you farewell

—