“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.