Mrs. Lancaster stared at her struggling daughter. She wanted Hazel to live but to see her daughter struggling to live and gasping for air broke her heart. Mrs. Lancaster knew that Hazel would be happier if she just let go.
'At least I'll get to see Augustus,' Hazel struggled to speak. Tears came to the younger Lancaster's eyes when she mentioned Augustus.
Mrs. Lancaster knew that Hazel was right. With trembling fingers she stroked her only daughter's forehead. 'Hazel I love you honey. You can let go.'
Mrs. Lancaster and Hazel made eye contact and understanding crossed between them…. Both knew that it was time for the girl to leave.
The older woman saw the effort her daughter put into saying her last words, 'I love you. I'll always be there every step of the way, in your heart.'
Then the girl shut her eyes and went into a peaceful but neverending sleep.
Mrs. Lancaser felt Mr. Lancaster's hand on her shoulder, 'Atleast she's not hurting,' he said.
A day filled with tears passed till it was the day of Hazel's funeral. Mrs. Lancaster wore her daughter's last birthday present to her, a black dress. An hour before leaving the woman went to Hazel's room and stroked the bed. It smelt of her late daughter. It seemed only yesterday that she had tucked the girl into bed, kissing the top of her head. Back then Hazel had seemed so alone like she'd had enough of life but then she met Augustus Waters. A charming boy. He was perfect for Hazel but he had left the world too soon. Hazel never got over Gus's death and she was gone even before she could find someone else to share a place in her heart.
Mrs. Lancaster felt the time speed up till the moment she was dreading, Hazel's funeral.
People came up to her and said sorry but none of them understood a mother's feelings when she lost her only child who was her happiness and her strength. The funeral lagged on till it was time for speeches. Mrs. Lancaster was called. She walked up and took a deep breath. She started.
'Hazel was my strength. She was my light in the darkest hour and the happiness in my darkest moments. Unfortunately, not everyone can be blessed with two healthy and working pairs of lungs so she left before I hoped. Hazel has left us but I know that my baby girl will watch upon us and still love us for who we are even if we've moved on.' She let a small tear flow down her cheek. 'She was small but she was strong, she was fierce. And I know that wherever I am, whatever I am doing, Hazel will always be in my heart every step of the way. This is the end of a long run for Hazel Grace Lancaster'
She looked up in the sky and she could almost see her daughter smiling…