“I’m here to make your life easier. You’re not getting rid of me that easy, Cassie Warren.”
It’s not that I don’t appreciate his help—I’m not sure what I’d do without it. But there will come a time when I have to stand on my own, and he won’t be around.
So I can’t come to depend on him.
I need to do things for myself.
But for just a little while, I’ll take the help that’s offered.
It’s not long before Lauren walks in the front door. She takes one look at Mark on the couch and her lower lip quivers.
I wrap my arms around her, and she holds onto me like her life depends on it.
“Was it quick?” she whispers.
“It didn’t take long. They gave him meds for the pain, and he went to sleep.”
She lets out a choked sob. “I’m glad it was peaceful.”
“He loved you. He loved you so much. Stay with us.”
Lauren nods. “Can I sit with him?”
“Of course you can. The funeral director’s coming soon, but I’m not sure exactly when. We’ll all keep him company.”
She sits on the floor beside the couch and takes Mark’s hand in hers. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here, Mark. I love you. I’m going to miss you so much.”
Tears pool in my eyes again. I don’t want to intrude on her moment with her brother, but we’re all here until he goes.
I drop into a chair nearby, and she gives me a grateful look.
“Thank you for calling me,” she says.
“Of course.”
“I had this feeling earlier today. Like something crawling over my skin. I thought … I thought it was just me.”
I nod. “I understand. It all happened so quick.”
Tears roll down her cheeks. “I love him so much.”
“I know, honey. I know.”
Patrick walks into the room with a tray of coffee cups, Sophie trailing behind with the biscuits.
“I thought you ladies might like something to keep you going while we wait.”
Lauren nods. “Thank you.”
It’s over an hour later that the funeral director arrives. Lauren, Sophie, and I sit in the dining room, out of the way, and hold hands.
Everything happens around me.
I see it. I hear it. But I’m so numb it means nothing.
They carry Mark out and I hold Sophie tight as they close the door behind them, Patrick in tow.
I’m so glad he’s here. I don’t know if I could do this alone, and Lauren’s just as lost as I am.
