One. More. Day.

The recollection of your lifeless body, frail and riddled with tubes, has haunted my every response to you since the day you awoke.

I live in paralyzing fear that you may, at any time and without warning, once again succumb to the sadness that threatens to consume you.

This newfound reality that we find ourselves in has transformed my identity as your parent, replacing strength with weakness.

Your misery, my exquisite darling, is now my greatest vulnerability-making any glimpse of happiness within you my unshakable addiction.

The slightest downturn of your lips elicits responses from me that rail against every parental instinct I possess-to ensure you remain here.

With me. Perpetually striving for One. More. Day.