You always make me cry, my darling, so lovely you are. Your firm, ripened body gives off an ivory glow in the soft light as I feverishly strip you of your tattered husk.

I run my fingers along your swelling cheek. You beg me, but I feel I cannot. Shutting my eyes against sympathy, I hold you down and sink the knife deep beneath your pristine skin. You have given me the greatest gift of all, and my greed has cut you deeply. For this, I am sorry.

As I incise you a second time, tears well up in my eyes. Please forgive me, my love.