“Happy Anniversary, my love,” Ed murmured, carefully arranging a dozen roses in Ellie’s favorite vase.

“Thank you, sweetheart. They’re beautiful,” she replied as she always had, knowing he’d never hear her.

He sighed, then turned back to the kitchen. Spry for his age, Ed bent over and opened the oven door.

“You know you’re supposed to leave that alone while it’s baking.”

Eyes closed, he inhaled deeply. “Smells just like when you used to make it,” he whispered.

Pain, magnified by Ed’s sorrow, ripped through Ellie yet again. How many more years of this torture could she take?

Trembling, Ed turned off the oven, dropped into a chair at their well-used table, and buried his face in his hands. His heartrending sobs alerted Ellie to brace herself for agony even as she wrapped her arms around his shuddering frame.

“Damn it, Ellie!” Ed exploded, slamming his fists on the worn wooden surface. “I can’t take this anymore! You’re not here, but…” He trailed off and rubbed his shoulders. “I feel you. All the time.”

His voice broke; the torment blinded her.

“I don’t want—” Ed sniffled, chin wavering. “I have to let you go. I love you so much, always will, and…” Tears darkened the checkered placemat. “I’m so sorry.”

Lightness began to supplant Ellie’s misery.

“I love you, baby.” Ed wiped his nose on a napkin.

She feathered her fingertips across his face.

He sagged. “Goodbye, Ellie.”

She leaned in, kissed his cheek.

And was free.