Going Out With a Bang

I’m sitting at the bedside of a patient I’ve only just met and I’m wondering what weird twist of fate has made it so mine will be the last face she sees. As her heart slows, mine quickens. As she takes her last breath, I find I’m holding mine. There are fireworks in the distance. I’m sure, in the history of things, lots of people have died on July 4th at 11:20pm. This is just the first time anyone has done so while holding my hand.