I am no one special; just a common man with common thoughts. I've lead a common life – there are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect, I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived. I've loved another will all my heart and soul and, for me, that has always been enough.

His day started the way it always did – wake up, shower, dress, and make sure he had his book before leaving his room to venture out into the retirement home where he lived. He stood in line for his pills like everyone else, talking with the others who'd come there to wait for death. He, of course, had come there for a very different reason, which is why the overall gloomy atmosphere of the place had no effect on him.

After his pills, he walked the familiar path to another room, where a nurse told him that it wasn't a good day. He knew different, however, so he took a chance to say hello.

Another man, who had been staring at the window, turned at the sound of his voice and smiled so faintly that someone who didn't know the man as well as he did wouldn't have caught it. The nurse explained that he had come to read to the man. It took a bit of convincing, but the man eventually agreed.

He always did.