Ashes of Our Affection
So, this was what people meant by that last burst of energy before the end.
I was sent back to my private room. My parents and the others surged forward at once, crowding around my bed. I spoke to them weakly.
We talked for a long, long time. They seemed to realize what was going on because each of them fought back tears and tried to smile. Their smiles looked worse than their tears, though.
I wanted to tease them for it, but the moment I opened my mouth, a violent coughing fit tore through me.
When the coughing passed, I didn't try to talk again. I just scrutinized each of their faces, wanting to etch them deep into my memory. The love in their eyes made me feel that this trip through the h