Page 82 of Jagged Line Paradise

I let out a trembling breath as her head leans back onto my shoulder and I let my hands fall around her waist. “You take care of her and I’ll take care of you,” I whisper against her hair.

A man in a white coat comes in with a somber expression on his face. “Good morning,” he says with a curt smile and a nod at Avalon.

I reluctantly unwrap my arms from around her waist as she moves toward the end of the bed to greet him.

“Cindy came in last night in pretty bad shape. After running some tests, we’ve decided to call in hospice. Her liver and kidneys are failing, and she’s so far down on the donor list that I don’t think she’ll make it long enough for a transplant.”

Jesus Christ, talk about brutal honesty.

“But you called in hospice two months ago,” Avalon tells him, one hand resting on the foot of her mother’s bed as the other taps anxiously against her thigh. “She ended up coming home.”

“Yes, well, that had surprised us all. If we’re looking at her condition truthfully, those extra months were a miracle. I think this is the time to start making arrangements and saying goodbye. I’m very sorry to deliver this news. What questions do you have?”

Who the fuck is this asshole?

“I’m…I—” Avalon stutters, understandably, looking down at the floor.

I step up beside her. “What will hospice do for her?”

“Well, she’s currently on a good dose of morphine, which helps with the pain and to keep her calm and relaxed. They’ll be in to chat with you later this morning,” he looks to Lonnie, “and help you with settling Cindy’s final arrangements.”

“Final arrangements? Are you sure, Dr. Wells?”

“I’m very sorry, Avalon. I know this is hard.”

Megan returns just before Dr. Wells leaves. “What can I do for you, sweetie?”

Avalon looks up at her, green eyes blinking with a thousand emotions. “Can you all…can I just have some time alone with her, please?”

I don’t want to leave her alone.

I never want to leave her again.

Still, I understand that I don’t understand anything about what she needs right now. If she wants that time and space, I’ll give it. But I’m not going far.

“I’ll go get you some coffee,” I tell her, and she meets my eyes with a small nod.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look so confused. I stroke down the back of her hair and bend to plant a kiss to the side of her head. Wordlessly, I slip from the room, and it requires every ounce of strength I have to move with the way my soul clings to hers.

Chapter 21

Avalon

“MOM? MAMA?” Igently lay my hand on her arm resting outside the blanket. She makes a sound, but doesn’t open her eyes, doesn’t look at me. I pat her arm, hoping to get her attention. “Mom?”

“Hmm?” She moans a little, her eyes blinking lightly, her head rolling in my direction. “Is that you, baby?”

“Hey, Mom.”

Her eyes open, but stay half-hooded, sleep fighting for her attention. Somehow, she manages a tiny smile. “Was hoping you’d come soon.” Her words are slow, her voice weak, exhausted from the battle raging inside her body.

“I’m here now.”

“I know that boy came back.”

“What boy, Mom?”

“That one. You know. The one who found your flip-flops.”

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