My throat tightens."You're going to get through this."
She shakes her head slowly."No, baby.I'm not."
"Mom…"
She cuts me off with a gentle squeeze."I know, sweetheart.I'm not making it out of here."
"Don't say that.Don't you dare say that."
She brushes her thumb over the back of my hand."It's okay.I'm not afraid.But you...you need to forgive your father."
My spine stiffens."Mom, no.After everything…"
"He's still your family.I know he hurt us.Hurt you.But when I'm gone...you'll need family."
I shake my head.The tears are falling freely now."I have friends—Gemma and Summer.I have Gage.I don't need him."
Her gaze shifts to Gage, standing behind me.She gives him a small, approving nod."He loves you.I see the way he looks at you."
"I love him," I whisper low enough that my mom hears but Gage can't.I know how I feel, but I just wasn’t able to say the words to him last night.
"Then hold on to that.Don't let pain and anger close your heart.Promise me you'll try.For you."
I nod, unable to speak, and press my forehead to the back of her hand.She strokes my hair slowly, the way she used to when I was a little girl with skinned knees and bedtime fears.
"That's my girl," she whispers.
I don't answer.I can't.The sob that rises in my chest is too big, too sharp.
She brings my hand to her lips."You're strong, Skye.Stronger than I ever was.Don't let bitterness eat away at you."
I nod because it's all I can do.
And I stay there, not ready to let go, clinging to every last second I can have with her.
The hours pass in a haze.I don't leave her side, and Gage is there through it all.He brings me water, coffee, sits beside me, and wraps an arm around my shoulders when the weight of it all threatens to crush me.
Gage moves around us silently, getting a cup of ice water for me, adjusting the chair with a pillow, and calling for an extra blanket when I shiver.He doesn't say much, but every action screams support.When I need tissues, he's already holding them out.When I can't speak, he's the one asking the nurse questions.He keeps me grounded, his presence a balm against the rising panic.
He even helps adjust the IV when the nurse says it's safe, and talks to the doctor when I can't find my voice.When I lean forward to cry quietly against the bed, he wraps his arms around me from behind and holds me there, solid and steady.
He brushes the hair from my face, kissing the top of my head.At some point, he takes off his jacket and drapes it over my shoulders.He even pulls my shoes off so I can sit cross-legged and comfortably.He makes sure I eat a few bites of the granola bar he pulls from his bag and insists I drink some water.His care is quiet, not showy, but it speaks louder than anything else in the world.
Then he turns his attention to my mom, adjusting her blanket and gently smoothing her hair back from her forehead."Hi Meredith," he says softly, his voice low and comforting.
She opens her eyes and manages a faint smile for him."You take care of her."
"I will," he promises."I swear."
She nods slightly, as if that's all the reassurance she needs.
A little while later, Gage gently squeezes my shoulder.I glance up to see Gemma and Carter walking into the room.
"I called them," Gage says softly."They're going to sit with you for a while.I have to go to work, but I'll be back in a few hours."
I nod, still holding my mom's hand, grateful for the reinforcements.
Gemma steps closer and wraps an arm around my shoulders."Hey, sweetie.We're here.You don't have to do this alone."
