Page 65 of Shielding Maya

His father wavered and moved as the tears filled his eyes. He let them spill down his cheeks. His mom pulled his head to her body and hugged him tightly. "He loved you so much Jasiah. You were the light of his life."

"I loved him so much. He was my hero." He sobbed. It felt good to let it out. Cleansing.

He let himself cry it out, then he pulled back from his mom and sniffed. "I'll miss him the rest of my life."

His mom rubbed his shoulders. "Me too."

He stared at his father for a while longer. Just one last minute with him. One last moment. He silently prayed he was no longer in pain. That he was healthy and happy once again.

With a last shudder of a breath, he stood and hugged his mom once more. Wiping the tears from his eyes, he straightened his shoulders. "I'll get Elenor to help you prepare."

"Thank you, Jasiah."

Filling his lungs with air once more, he opened the door and stepped out to a world much different than when he'd entered this cabin. He strode to Elenor's cabin, which was along the edge of the grounds between Second and Last Road. A light was on in her cabin as he stepped on the front porch. He knocked solidly on the door and within a few seconds, the door opened, and Elenor peered out at him.

"Jasiah. How can I..."

Her hand flew to her mouth and they stared at each other for long moments. Finally, Elenor whispered. "He's gone?"

Jasiah nodded but said nothing more. He wasn't sure he'd get the words from his mouth without breaking down.

"I'll run to your mother right now."

He nodded and Elenor reached out and squeezed his hand.

Swallowing the dry knot in his throat, he squeezed her hand in return. Stepping from the porch he went in search of Maya. He needed her right now.

Crossing the common area to the church, he heard voices inside as he neared. Hesitating at the door, hand on the handle, he squared his shoulders and opened the door.

Maya's eyes landed on his across the room. She instantly stood and hurried to him.

Her arms reached out to him, the concern in her eyes weakening his resolve. He pulled her outside and leaned against the wall near the door.

"Jasiah, what's wrong?"

He swallowed repeatedly before he could speak. Finally, he whispered, "My father passed."

"Oh, Jasiah. Oh, honey, I'm so sorry."

He held her close, her arms slid up his back, and squeezed him tightly. He held her close, her body's warmth pressed to him was the only place he wanted to be right now. Her scent wrapped around him, her presence was calming.

She spoke into his neck and he held her tight. "Is there anything I can do for you or your mom?"

He sucked in a deep breath. "I don't know right now, honey. I just needed to hold you close."

Her arms tightened once more and he closed his eyes.

After a few moments, he pulled back. "Thank you."

"Of course. Should I go and see if your mom needs anything?"

"That would be nice. Elenor is there with her. They'll prepare Dad for viewing tomorrow and we'll have a burial tomorrow night."

Maya stepped back and looked into his eyes. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to find Reece and let him know. The men will need to build a coffin. I want to take part in that. It's tradition. I'll likely be home late tonight."

"I'll be there waiting for you. Do what you need to do."

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