This is where it began, and this is where it will end: with my arms outstretched and you just out of reach.

Self-sacrifice wouldn't be self-sacrifice if it didn't come with its own dose of pain from time to time. With years of practice, I guess, I've learned to keep that hurt at bay, even appreciate it at the best of times. But every once in a while a sting comes that lands so close, that penetrates so deep, that even the highest tolerance threshold can't keep the deluge at bay.

Tonight the sky is darker; the moon dares not shine on these pastures and even the stars shy behind a veil of grey. There is no silver lining on this night.