They all agreed later that the expression on the old one’s face, both in the last few minutes before her death, and during the period that she was laid out in her death clothes, was one of ineffable peace and sweetness.
When it was known that her time was near, all her children and the older ones among her grandchildren were gathered together around the bed. Old Mother seemed to be unaware of everybody except Mark. The boy was now very tall and stalwart, like a man.
“Ah Siong,” she said with a smile that actually lit up the dying face. “Ah Siong.” She made to touch him. Angela gently nudged Mark forwards, lifted his hand and laid it on the old one’s. The boy did not resist. The tears welled in his eyes.
“Ah Siong,” rasped Old Mother again. Mark looked to his mother, unsure when he could remove his hand. Sobbing, Angela led him away, and then it was over.
Michael, on his sick-bed could not yet be told. Wee Nam judged it appropriate to tell Gloria; she said nothing, but later alone, she wept.
Ah Kum Soh and the idiot foster-son were, mercifully, away then.
“It’s all over now; her soul is at rest,” Angela said, tired, beyond words. She had lost 15 pounds.