A white butterfly fluttered through the light of the window and Atticus looked up. He propped himself up on his bed and thought of his dreams. His wife spoke to him in them and he was suddenly filled with longing to join her and a great sadness from missing her. She had died so young and left him to take care of their two young children. But death was part of life and he was glad to watch Jem and Scout grow up to be fine people. Atticus had a sudden urge to see them.
He called for Calpurnia and asked to see Jem and Scout.
It was a miracle that Atticus was still alive. Scout had always thought he would live forever, especially if he'd lived this far.
Now, here he was, on his deathbed, speaking with her and Jem.
When they'd grown up, they had moved away from Maycomb, finding jobs elsewhere. The last time she had visited Atticus was months ago, and that was Christmas. She felt remorseful for not visiting him more.
"Scout, Jem, come closer."
Scout glanced at Jem, but he did not look back. His eyes were entirely focused on Atticus. Pulling up a chair, he sat down beside the bed and Scout joined him.
Atticus sighed, weariness etched in his voice,"My children...Grown up to be lawyers, huh."
Scout and Jem remained silent. They had a feeling he had something more to add.
Atticus pinned Scout with his good right eye and said, "I guess it's a good thing you've become somewhat of a lady. But you should keep your temper in check, even if you're a lawyer."
Scout bristled indignantly, though she knew Atticus was totally correct. How many times she burst into a fit of rage during court she could not count. Unlike her, Jem was more subdued in his anger.
"I wish I could've at least seen my children get married and have grandkids. Guess I won't be living that long to see them," Atticus murmured.
Jem admonished him and told him to hush it up with talk like that. But Atticus pressed on. His eyes watery, Atticus regretted, "I wish I could've at least walked Scout down the aisle."
Now, Scout felt like tearing up and turning tears into a torrent of rivers. She sniffled and held Atticus's old and wrinkled hand, stroking his thumb.
To Jem, Atticus said, "You've become a good example of a true gentleman. Remember what I've taught you, and when I die, protect each other."
At this, Jem took Atticus's other hand and gripped it firmly. Atticus smiled.
With a great, heaving sigh, Atticus lay back down on the bed, resting his head on the pillows. "All my wills are in place, and I have no other regrets. My children, you will miss me but you won't be alone."
Atticus closed his eyes and was still.
Looking at him now, Scout thought he looked serenely peaceful, as if in blissful sleep.
A tear slipped down her cheek and the rest of her tears threatened to fall. Scout turned to look at Jem. He had tears running down his face as well.
"Goodbye, Atticus."
Goodbyes are always sad.