Those last words

The sun rose over the small town, illuminating the dirt road that led to the local market. John walked briskly, excited for a new day of trading. As he approached his stall, he saw her - Mary, the apple seller. Their eyes met and they both smiled. Over the next few weeks, a friendship blossomed between John and Mary. They enjoyed discussing business strategies and joking with each other. John found himself looking forward to seeing Mary's smiling face each morning. One day, Mary arrived at the market looking upset. John asked her what was wrong and she confided in him that her father was sick and unable to work. Without her father's income, they could lose their home. John offered to loan Mary money to cover her family's expenses until her father recovered. Mary tearfully thanked him. As her father's health improved, Mary struggled to repay the loan. John told her not to worry and wrote off the debt. Mary was overjoyed and grateful. John realized he had fallen in love with her. He worked up the courage to ask her on a date. Mary happily accepted. Their romance blossomed and, after a year of dating, John proposed. Mary joyfully accepted. They married in a small ceremony with their fellow vendors as witnesses. It was a simple wedding but they were overjoyed to start their life together. For the next several years, they worked side by side at the market, building up their businesses. They enjoyed a loving and happy marriage. However, tragedy soon struck. Mary fell ill with a disease that no medicine could cure. As she grew weaker, John cared for her devotedly. On her death bed, Mary took John's hand and thanked him for the joy he had brought into her life. With her last breath, she whispered "I love you. John was heartbroken at the loss of his dear wife. Though Mary was gone, he took comfort in the memories of their short but sweet time together. Her smile and love would stay with him always.