Original story by Max, used with permission.

It was your tentative hand on my face that made me pause. Soft but commanding, gentle but firm, the light touch of your fingers that had always driven me crazy, now makes it all seem ok. We sat back on the bed and talked about nothing.

It was the way your eyes glistened when you tried not to cry that silenced me. The way they filled, threatening to overflow, but never quite doing so. It stopped me rambling and made me pull you close and kiss your forehead gently.

It was the lilt in your voice that made me smile. The way you piped up with silly and pointless comment to fill a silence. It lightened my mood, especially when combined with you coming to sit on my lap a few moments later.

It was the way you never seemed to mind. A small smile always showing on your face, lighting up those beautiful features. So what people said and did never seemed to hurt you and I never thought twice about how blunt I was.

Maybe I should have seen it coming, but how could I? You always seemed so happy. I never realised I hurt you so much... and now it's hurting me. I still can't believe it, even when I see you there. Those few words, they don't do you justice. You were more to me than any eulogy could say. You were my light, my life, my love. And I let you down. I love you Dougie. And I guess soon we'll be together again.

You always did look good in white.