Rob hung up the phone and took a deep breath. He just made a phone call he never thought he would have to make. He told Ritchie that Laura had died. His Laura. The mother of their son. And grandmother. They had just gotten past burying Millie, and now this. They were all dying, one by one. There was only one other person left to tell now, Sally. She and Laura lost touch through the years, but he knew his former coworker would want to be there.
She answered on the third ring. "Hello?"
"Sally, it's me, Rob. I have some news. Some unexpected news. Are you sitting down?"
"Yes. What is it? Are you guys having another baby?" Sally laughed. She knew how Rob and Laura had always wanted another child, but never conceived again after Ritchie. He was their one and only.
"Sally..." Rob couldn't believe what she was saying. But he had to just tell her. He already did this once with his son. It should be easier. But it wasn't. It never would be.
Sally could tell Rob had something more serious to say. She always could read her former boss pretty well. "What? What is it?"
"It's Laura. She...she...died."
Sally couldn't believe what she was hearing. Laura died? Was she hearing him right? "Wh-what did you say? My ears apparently don't work as well as they used to. It sounded like you said Laura died."
"But I did. I did." Rob started sniffling.
"Oh Rob...I'm so sorry. I just saw her at Millie's funeral! I can't believe this. Are you alright?"
Rob thought he was, until he heard Sally say "Oh Rob." That had always been Laura's catchphrase, if you will, to anything. And he'd never get to hear her say it again. Or dance with her. She was his only dancing partner.
"Rob, Rob..." Sally's voice brought him back to the present.
"Sorry. This is just so hard to take in."
"Listen, I know how it feels. Buddy and I might never have been married, or been down that route, but when he died, I was crushed. It was a while before I even got out of the bed. But Laura wouldn't want you to be like that. I know it. So I guess we have another funeral to plan."
He knew Sally was right. Laura wouldn't want him to wallow in grief, even if that's what he wanted to do. But there were other things to take care of first. "Yes, I guess we do. Thanks Sally. I guess it's left to you and me now."
"Don't forget Alan. He's still here. I'm almost sure he'll come. In fact, I'll call him if you need me to."
Rob had almost forgot about Alan Brady. Laura had only crossed paths with Alan a few times, but still, Rob knew Alan liked her too. "Yes, that would be good. Thank you. See you soon."
"Call me anytime, Rob. I mean it."
Rob hung up the phone once more, and stared at the ceiling as a thousand memories played out like a movie. The first time they met, when he broke her foot...When Ritchie was born, and he thought they had the wrong baby...Singing and dancing at a lot of parties. You, wonderful you, I can't forget you, you wonderful you. You're like a breath of spring, a whole new thing that's happened...
Despite it all, Rob smiled. Laura would always be with him. He knew it.