A/N: I wrote this as I wrote my other story. I wanted to get it out there before the finale ruins the mood for me. I like writing Lisbon's siblings because you can make different one each time! Enjoy!


I feel the color drain out of my cheeks as I listen to the voice on the other side of the phone receiver. I have always read that expression in books but until this moment I never realized it is actually possible for one to feel the color drain. After making the appropriate responses I hang up the phone and slowly walk out of my office towards my team.

I can hear their voices, laughter that seems so far away, and although I can't hear their exact words I am sure Jane is teasing Rigsby.

It is also Patrick Jane who notices me approach before the others. And it is he who notices my face.

His teasing grin falls. "What's wrong, Lisbon?"

What a loaded question. The others turn to look at me. "I have an emergency and must leave immediately. Cho, you are in charge until I get back."

Kimball Cho nods. "Sure thing, Boss."

I turn to leave and Jane doesn't disappoint by being nosy, dogging my steps.

"Where will you be?" he asks me as I head back into my office to grab my keys.

I sigh but know he won't quit. "Colorado."

"Your parents?"

"My mom. She's in the hospital."

He shifts in front of me as I try to leave. "Do you need a ride to the airport?"

I give him a small smile. "Thanks, but no."

He looks like he wants to reach out and touch me but he doesn't. Instead he says, "Call if you need us, Teresa."

By the time I am seated on the plane I have worked myself up into an angry state. I am the youngest of my siblings and them leaving something until the last minute to tell me is just a normal pattern for them. No one has bothered telling me Mom is sick until the doctor tells them it may be too late.

Once the cab drops me off at the hospital I follow the directions my brother Brad has given me and easily find the Lisbon brood near the ICU.

As soon as they attempt to approach me I throw a look of irritation and contempt at all of them. "Would anyone like to explain why I wasn't notified sooner?"

My oldest brother Nicholas refuses to meet my eyes. Laura has been crying- big surprise- while Jodi is holding her hand. Only Brad, closest to my age, braves a look directly at me.

"We agreed your job was too important to miss if this was nothing, Ters."

I make fists of my hands and have to keep reminding myself I am in a hospital. "Where is she?"

My mother is pale and unnaturally quiet as she lays asleep in her private room. Tubes are everywhere and that scares me the most. I ignore Brad as he leaves and closes the door, taking her limp hand as I sit in the available chair.

I don't have to wait long.

"Teresa?"

I look into my mother's familiar blue-green eyes that are unfamiliarly full of pain. I force a smile. "Hey, Mom. I would have been here sooner but they just called." I am unable to keep the anger from my voice.

Even sick my mother knows her children. "Teresa, don't be mad. I asked them not to bother you, dear."

I roll my eyes. "Mom! My work is nothing compared to your health."

She sighs. "I'm dying, Ters. There was nothing to be done."

I squeeze her hand, careful of the IVs taped to her. "I could have been here."

She gives me a smile. "You are stronger than the others. You needed less time to say goodbye." Her eyes bat. "I'm tired, Teresa. So tired."