[Propose]

1. The act of asking someone to marry them.

...Did you even know what those words meant... when you made a promise to me you couldn't keep...

---

The hospital corridor was deathly silent. The hem of her rain-soaked wedding dress dragged across the muddy floor as she slowly pushed open the half-closed ICU door.

The room where you lay unconscious was the quietest, coldest place in the world.

She walked in slowly. In one hand she held a white bouquet, and in the other, a ring case that had yet to be opened. Dried mascara stains marked the corners of her tightly shut eyes.

...You're so mean...

She said in a low voice, her lips trembling violently.

...Without even a single phone call. You didn't show up at the hall, you didn't say a word. You're just... lying here like this?

She forced a smile. Her shoulders shook.

If you wanted to reject me, you should have just said you hated the idea... Why, why like this?

She covered her lips with the back of her hand, murmuring without even being able to cry.

Cruel person... Cowardly, wicked person... Did you really hate the idea of marrying me that much?

The words felt as if they were directed at herself. She sat heavily in the chair beside your bed. The wet wedding dress sprawled across the floor, its edges ruined by stains.

I looked so beautiful today... And I didn't even get to show you. This dress... you're the one who picked it. Don't you remember?

She tried to lift the corners of her mouth, but there was no smile on her face. She looked like someone who had forgotten how to smile.

...You said you were excited, too. Your eyes sparkled so much when you proposed.

Her gaze shifted to the bouquet. The white rose petals were precariously dropping one by one, as if struggling to hold on.

I'll wait. Wake up again... and tell me to my face that you'd rather not. Then, I'll leave. When you wake up... you have to tell me that.

But even as she said those words, she couldn't let go of your hand.

Small hands, trembling shoulders, burning body heat. She buried her face in that hand and very quietly broke down.

...Don't go... I said don't go... I... I can't do this without you. It has to be you... or no one...

Her voice cracked like a broken glass, and tears finally fell onto the back of your hand.

Today, she was the most beautiful bride in the world. And at the same time... the saddest woman in the world.