Page 3 of Tiers of Joy

“Okay, do you need me to call his family or your family for support?” She asks kindly.

“No. His parents are abroad and I have no family.” I inform her.

She nods.

“Okay. Well I'm going to leave you my personal number. If you need anything, call me.” She squeezes my arm and leaves.

I look up the stairs and take a deep breath. I wipe away my tears and walk upstairs to Jay.

I lay down on the bed with him, holding his hand in mine.

“You know this is a very dramatic way to get a few days off of work.” I try and joke.

Jay’s eyes come to mine. His arm shakes as he lifts my hand to his mouth. He places a kiss on my hand.

“You always said that job would be the death of me.” He rasps, struggling for breath.

I let out a small laugh and sob. I can no longer hold back my tears,

Jays eyes close.

“I’m scared.” He whispers.

Holding his hand in mine I lean in and whisper in his ear.

“Don’t be scared, I'm here. I will always be here holding your hand. I promise I will never let go. I love you Jay, always and forever.” I sob.

“Always and forever.” Jay breathes.

He doesn’t say anything after that. I lay with him, never letting his hand go. I watch as his breathing happens less and less. I watch until it stops altogether.

“Jay?” I whisper.

“Jay.” I whisper again.

I lean forward and place a soft kiss on his lips.

“Forever and always.” I whisper.

I make the call to the nurse. She arrives and makes the necessary calls.

I call the hotel his parents are staying at and take a deep breath, waiting for the call to be connected.

“Hello?” His father answers.

“Hello Frank. It’s Esme…I…I…he's gone.” I sob.

There's silence on the phone. I hear Wendy, Jay’s mother, take the phone.

“Hello? What's going on?” She asks.

“Wendy,” I sniff, “he’s gone.” I whisper.

“Thank you for contacting us Esme. We will fly back immediately.” She rushes out, trying to hold it together. I hear her voice waiver with emotion.

“Speak soon.” I say before disconnecting.

His parents never showed emotion; they saw it as weak and improper to cause a scene.

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