I make mental notes of everything.
“I want to see the ocean and watch Lainey build a sandcastle.”
I nod. “When?”
“Tomorrow.”
I start to shake my head, saying, “You’re not dying tomorrow.”
She gives me a pleading look. “I can have another seizure that might make it impossible for me to do any of those things.”
“Okay,” I agree. “I’ll arrange everything for tomorrow.”
Nova comes flying down the stairs. “It’s recording!”
Rachel shakes Lainey. “Wake up, baby.”
“Mommy?” my niece asks as she lifts her head.
“Listen to me, sweetheart. Quickly,” Rachel hurries to get the words out before the slur returns. Lainey sits upright, then my sister gives all her attention to her daughter. “I love you so much! You are the greatest joy of my life. Things might get bad for a little while, and after I leave, Uncle Easton and Nova will take care of you.”
When Lainey begins to cry, Rachel uses her left hand to wipe her daughter’s tears away. “And even when I die, I’ll still be here.” She places her palm over Lainey’s heart. “Right here forever and always. Okay? I’ll watch over you every second of every day. I’ll cry with you when your heart hurts, and I’ll laugh with you when you’re happy. I love you so, so, so very much, Lainey.”
“I love you, too, Mommy,” my niece sobs. “Does it hurt?”
Rachel shakes her head. “Not at all. When I go, it will be like falling asleep.”
Lainey lets out another sob. “What happens to you afterward?”
“I’ll go to be with the angels, where I can watch over you.”
Her left hand cups Lainey’s cheek. “I love you unconditionally, Lainey. You are the most beautiful, bravest, and smartest daughter ever. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. You deserve the world.” Rachel takes a deep breath. “I ... love you.”
Her hand slips away from Lainey’s cheek, and she stares blankly ahead of her for a few seconds.
“Shit.” I grab hold of Lainey and move her off the couch right before Rachel starts to seize.
“Mommy!” my niece cries.
Nova drops the camera and grabs hold of Lainey before rushing out onto the veranda with her.
I lean over my sister. “I’m here. You’re okay. I’m here, Rach.” Digging my phone out of my pocket I hurry to find the number for the doctor and press dial.
“Dr. Barlow,” he answers.
“It’s Easton Rowe. Rachel is having another seizure.”
“Make sure there’s nothing near her that can hurt her.”
“Done.”
“There’s nothing you can do but wait for it to pass. When she’s coherent again, give her the prescribed medicine.”
“That’s it?” I bark.
“Unfortunately, there’s nothing else we can do. I’ve contacted hospice, and they’ll send a nurse out first thing tomorrow morning. The only thing I can suggest is that you bring Rachel to the hospital where we can make her comfortable and care for her until the end.”
“No. I want her to stay at home.”
