Miles to go before I sleep (Creative Short Story)

She lies there in her beautifully carved mahogany box, as still as a butterfly frozen in ice. She has lost her physical beauty. Her cheeks are pale - not so much of a tint of pink is visible, her lips are cracked and deep dark purple - the subtle bright red has long gone and her closed eyes sit in the middle of sunken black rings. I cover my face with my palms and close …

…finally decide to try and be strong. Forcing a smile, I take a step back inside. As I walk back down the stairs, I look down again at the coffin. The girl inside doesn't look so sad anymore. Yes, she shouldn't be... because I didn't break my promise. We won't grow old together sis, but I will meet you when I am old. I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.