In the Tunnels of another reality…
Catherine sat in the infirmary chamber, hoping against hope for some good news at last. But the grim visage of her godfather Peter Alcott told her there would be none.
I'm sorry, honey." Peter whispered remorsefully. "I've done all I know to do. Maybe if Jacob had been here…" Peter broke off softly, his voice full of regret.
Catherine choked back a sob. "How much time?"
"Not long." He replied, as he squeezed her shoulder, trying to give some small measure of comfort. "Maybe a few hours; I'll give you some time alone to say goodbye. Call me if…" Unable to continue, he broke off and quietly departed, leaving Catherine to her grief.
Catherine gazed sorrowfully down at the tiny little form in front of her. Dwarfed by the huge oxygen tent, she looked almost like a little doll. Carefully, Catherine reached inside the tent and tenderly caressed the furred little cheek so like her father's. Her heart contracted as the sweet little cleft upper lip moved gently in response. Her little girl was simply too weak for anything else.
As she watched her daughter fight for yet another gasping breath, Catherine at last broke down, sobbing in earnest. Like that famous first line of A Tale of Two Cities, the past year had been the best and worst of times. The final night of Vincent's life had been a perfect example. Catherine had come running to the tunnels in answer to Father's frantic summons. There in that faraway cavern, she had confronted Vincent's terrible anger. It was also there that they had truly become one.
At first, it seemed the crisis had passed. Vincent became quiet and with the help of Father and several others, Catherine managed to get him back to his chamber safely. But as she sat vigil at his bedside, something went horribly wrong. Vincent suddenly began to struggle to breathe; gasping for air much like his daughter was now. Frantically, Catherine had screamed for Father.
The learned physician had fought valiantly in this very infirmary for his son's life, even risking open heart massage in a desperate attempt to save Vincent. But it was to no avail; her beloved died that very night and the light had gone out of Catherine's world.
Without Vincent, Catherine simply no longer had the heart or will to live Above anymore. Within days, she quit her job, packed a few items, and moved Below for good without a backward glance. Even the objections of her friends hadn't deterred her.
Ironically, it was Vincent's death that finally made it possible for Catherine to fully share in his world. No one objected when Catherine moved into Vincent's chamber shortly after the funeral.
Catherine spent her days after the funeral grieving deeply for Vincent, remembering and regretting. Her grief was all the harder to bear after she found Vincent's journals and finally realized he had loved her as deeply as she loved him. It made his death all the more tragic. In the coming weeks, many came to give what comfort they could, but it gave her little solace. Catherine spent most of her time alone, unable to shake the deep sadness that overtook her.
Unfortunately, cruel Fate was not done with the little community. Barely two weeks after Vincent's death, Father was found on the floor of his chamber unconscious. The death of his beloved son had been simply been too much for the tunnel patriarch. He had suffered a massive stroke. Catherine would never forget the last time they spoke. Though weak and paralyzed, Father insisted on talking with her.
"Please, Father. Save your strength." She begged.
"No, must speak. Not much time." Father slurred weakly. Father looked quite frail and much older than she'd ever seen him. His right side drooped unnaturally as he struggled to speak. "Forgive…never should have kept you apart. I…"
"Shhhh." Catherine hushed gently as her heart swelled with love for this man who had become like a second father to her. 'It doesn't matter. There's nothing to forgive. We both loved him. That's what is important. Rest now." Satisfied, the tunnel patriarch relaxed as Catherine fought hard to keep her tears at bay. That night, Father slipped quietly away in his sleep to join his son.
The little community reeled under the loss of two of its most vital citizens. Many found themselves lost and confused as the void in their community quickly became apparent. The coming weeks were chaotic as some of the newer members abandoned the community and long time helpers suddenly drifted away, having lost faith in the ideal world that once existed Below. Amazingly, it was Devin, Father's other son who returned to the tunnels and stepped up to take over his father's position and salvage his dream. Though others were more experienced, none had his commanding presence or fortitude so like Father. In the end, their community soldiered on as it always had, smaller but stronger for all they had endured.
The one bright spot during this tumultuous time had been the news of Catherine's pregnancy. Her pregnancy had been long and quite difficult. The stress of losing Vincent and Father took its toll on Catherine mentally and physically. But in time, she gave birth to a beautiful albeit tiny little girl who looked exactly like her father. Catherine promptly named her Faith. Unfortunately, the little girl was not a healthy infant. Poor Faith suffered numerous health problems and forever seemed to be fighting some illness. Her adopted grandfather Peter did all he could to aide the little child, but even he was at a loss many times. The worst had been when Faith suffered a particularly bad case of colic. She cried and spat up for days, unable to keep down much formula. Her condition took a turn for the worse quite suddenly. Before anyone could prevent it, the infant was fighting for her life against a virulent case of pneumonia. Despite everyone's best efforts, Faith got steadily weaker until there now seemed little hope. Catherine was to facing the loss of her daughter as well as the man she loved.
"Please." She pleaded in a whisper. "Don't take my little girl. I've lost her father. Isn't that enough? Do whatever you want to me, but please let my Faith live!" She sobbed.
"Never fear, child. Heaven has other plans for you and your little one." Catherine's head jerked up at the sound and she gazed in confusion at the other occupant of the chamber.
"Narcissa." Catherine exclaimed in confusion. 'What are you doing here?"
"I have come with a message and a task for you, child."
Catherine couldn't help feeling a flash of anger, in spite of her regard for the old woman.
"I can't…"
"If you would save your daughter, Catherine, you will listen to me and do as I say."
Catherine froze almost afraid to believe the old woman's words. She knew that Peter would probably scoff at the blind fortune teller, but Vincent had always claimed Narcissa had great power. She decided to at least hear her out. "What do you mean?"
'There is a way to save your daughter, Catherine. But it will not be easy. It will mean leaving behind all that you know and love."
"You mean leaving here?" Catherine asked, almost afraid of the answer.
The old seer nodded. 'You and your child are needed elsewhere. You must decide quickly; time is short. But be warned. Once done, it cannot be undone."
"What about the others?"
To her surprise, Narcissa smiled. 'You leave that to me, child. I will deal with that when the time comes. Now, quickly, what is your answer?"
Catherine gazed down at her child, but knew there was only one answer she could give. If it meant saving Vincent's child, no sacrifice was too great.
"What do I have to do?" Catherine inquired softly.
"Pick up your daughter, child, and hold her close."
Catherine stood up and lifted up her fragile child from the hospital bed. Carefully, she wrapped Faith in several blankets and pulled her to her breast. On impulse, she also picked up the book she had been reading earlier. It was a journal; the last one Vincent had ever written. Taking a fortifying breath, she turned to the old woman. "We're ready."
"Then, close your eyes, Catherine and think back. Remember what it was like to be in the arms of Vincent and feel the other half of your heart. Let your memories guide you."
Catherine felt a strange swirling sensation, but was oddly unafraid. Narcissa's voice faded into the distance and everything went black.