Regret

         I threw my head back, laughing at the stars that beaded the night sky. The twinkling sky jewels were nothing compared to the love and happiness shining in my eyes. I turned to look at the one who brought an overwhelming joy into my life. He was smiling at me with such love I thought my heart would explode. He grasped both of my hands in his and pulled me close, "Are you happy, Angel?"
          Smiling wide I answered, "Of course I am, how could I not be, loved as I am?" I stood up on tiptoe wrapping my arms around his neck. "Aren't you just as happy?" I tilted my head up to look into his eyes and was startled to see his expression had changed. The love was gone, replaced by an unfathomable sadness and regret. I placed a palm against his cheek caressing soflty, "What's wrong, love?"
          He just shook his head and pulled me close into an embrace. Placing a hand on the back of my head he leaned forward and gently kissed my forehead. "I'm so sorry, Angel." He looked down into my eyes with such sorrow. "I...just can't do it anymore."
          I pulled away from him slowly, my hand going to my chest where a piercing ache had begun to form. "Can't do what anymore?" Something felt so very wrong. I could barely draw a breath the pain was so intense. I felt a sticky warm wetness and looked down at my hand turning it over palm up. It was covered with blood, my blood. I looked up at him in shock. "Why?" Tears rolled down my cheeks as I fell to my knees my hand grasping the dagger trying to pull it out. I looked up at him in bewilderment, not understanding.
          He shrugged and pushed the dagger in deeper with a hard thrust. "I don't know myself, Angel." He ran a finger down my cheek leaving a trail of blood behind before turning and walking away.