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Kate moved toward them, her hand first touching the footboard of Renzo’s bed. She let it glide along the soft sheet, and then the mattress, as her husband and son’s faces came into view. She put her trembling hand to her mouth to quiet the scream rushing to her throat. Air choked and sputtered in her lungs and her head jerked back and forth as she forced her wobbling legs to continue.
She separated their beds and walked between them, dragging her fingertips along the side of each bed until she was face-to-face with her motionless family. Their faces looked stiff, drained.
Dead. They’re both dead.
She reached out a weak hand to touch Renzo’s forehead. His skin felt cool. Like rubber. She shook her head as she reached over to touch Marco’s forehead forcing her eyes away from the gaping wound in his left temple. She leaned down and kissed his cheek and moved across to Renzo and kissed his cheek.
Staying close to their faces, she whispered. “I’m scared, you guys. Why did this happen to us? I want you to come back. I need you.”
Kate hated seeing them like this. Though they were together, they seemed—alone—empty. She reached out her hands and placed one on each of their clammy cheeks before grabbing a chair and pulling it between the two beds. Instant relief flowed through her legs as she sat down.
She cried heavy, loud and mournful tears. The pain in her heart filled the room, though she barely heard herself. She stood to kiss them, or fuss with their sheets, or make sure they were covered. She whispered to them.
Her heart sank when light from the swinging door crossed the floor as it brushed open, signaling the end of her final visit with them.
The nurse peeked in. “I’m sorry ma’am. It’s time.”
Kate moaned. “No!”
The nurse walked in and stood next to her. She leaned over and put her arm around Kate’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. We have to go.”
Kate sobbed as she gave them each one last kiss. “Goodbye my loves. See you soon.”
She looked up at the nurse who gave her an odd look. As they left the room, Kate stole one last glimpse of her husband and son before the door closed behind her.
