Page 131 of Borden 3

Theo lay bleeding on the grimy floor among the dead, his green eyes blinking slowly as he stared up at the ceiling of the basement that we first hung out in.

It was a wonder he’d taken Borden here.

To the place I met Theo.

The place I would last see him in.

His breaths thinned and his chest moved slowly. Seeing him in this way, knowing he was too late from being saved, crushed me. I dropped to the ground halfway to him. Vaguely, I saw my husband’s large form hesitate from my periphery. He didn’t come to me. Borden stood still, allowing me this moment alone.

I crawled to Theo, sobbing. I could hear his breathing change to quick and quiet breaths. He was soaked in blood. My hands grabbed at his bloodied hand. I held it tight, bringing it to my face, kissing it.

“Theo,” I whispered.

He looked at me, unfocused. “Em…”

“Theo.”

He squeezed my hand back, but it was weak. His bloodied mouth spread into a sad smile. “How am I looking…?”

He was a bloodied mess. “You’re okay.”

“Em…” His face cracked, and he choked back a sob. “I’m sorry, Em…for all of it.”

“Shh.”

“Please…Stasia…”

“She’ll be fine, Theo. I promise. I will love her like my own. I promise you this.” I kissed his hand again. Borden’s body shifted behind me. I looked at him. His eyes were red and raw. He looked equally anguished. Breathing hard, he looked at me. We held each other’s stare. Then he shook his head, the confirmation I needed that Theo was leaving us.

I looked back at Theo. Tears streamed down my face, falling off my chin and landing onto his neck. I wiped away the hair on his forehead. I pressed a hand on his cheek.

“Theo…please fight…”

I didn’t know what I was saying.

I just didn’t want him to die.

I didn’t want him to go.

Please, Theo.

“Em…” he groaned, opening his eyes. “Never lied to you..."

"I know, believe you..."

"Friend…”

“I will always be your friend.”

His lips spread into a faint smile. “Em…sing…”

I swallowed back a cry, trying to be strong. I took a few deep breaths, trying to keep it together. My heart bled for him. For the life we were given. For Borden and Kate and for the sad little girl I used to be.

So much pain.

It was a tune we all knew too well.

I leaned closer to Theo, and I sang Over The Rainbow in his ear. Every word forced out of my mouth. I dug deep, hoping he found peace in my words as he drifted away.

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