I can’t look away. They’re all I know—all I think about. My heart swells every time I hear them call my nephew Liam. Sidney is still as beautiful as the day I met her. She glows with such radiance that it’s hard to look away from her. I’m stuck—just following them around, basking in their happiness. I don’t want to be anywhere else though. This is my home.

My brother is so happy. I miss him so much. I’m fulfilled knowing that he was the one who helped Sidney heal. I always knew it would be him.

“Liam,” a voice calls out to me.

I always ignore the voices that call to me—always trying to get me to go into the beautiful light. It beckons me continually, but I ignore it. I can’t look away from my family.

“Liam,” the voice calls again. It sounds familiar. For some reason, I can’t ignore the pull on my heart, and against my wishes I turn toward the sound.

“Mom?” I ask. I haven’t seen her since that night she passed on. The night of the accident. My heart clenches painfully and tears fill my eyes.

“It’s time, son,” she whispers and reaches for me. I want so badly to embrace her, but I just can’t. My life is here. Ignoring her, I turn back to the scene before me.

“Liam,” a different voice calls to me. This one I know as well. Once again, I turn unwillingly to it.

“Dad?” I ask. I try not to get choked up, but it’s hard. I’ve missed him terribly and feel so guilty about their deaths. We were torn from each other so suddenly and on such horrible terms.

“Liam, we miss you,” he says.

For some reason, my heart breaks at his words. How could he miss me? After the horror I caused the both of them?

“You do?” I ask tearfully, my voice full of disbelief.

“Of course we do, son. We love you,” he says. Mom nods from beside him.

The pull to go to them is strong. But the pull to watch over Sidney and Lane is strong as well. I start to turn back toward them when Dad’s voice halts me once again.

“Liam, don’t. It’s time. This has gone on long enough. It’s time to come with us. You’ll like it where we’re going. I promise. Come, son. It’s time.”

My heart knows that it’s time. I’ve missed them with my entire being, and I’m so tired. Nodding, I step forward and accept the hug they envelop me in. It’s home. I’m home.

Mom grabs my hand and Dad puts his arm over my shoulder as we walk together toward the warm light that has always called for me. With one last glance over my shoulder, I feel whole knowing that they are happy. That’s my last thought as I find peace. At last.

THE END.