Gaston had returned home and after checking on his sister, he obeyed the advice to get some rest as he hadn't slept well the night before. Later on that night, he was aroused by a frantic Matilda who couldn't calm her patient. "Monsieur! Monsieur, please wake up!" Matilda anxiously shook Gaston by his shoulders.
"Matilda? What's the matter?" Gaston rubbed his eyes.
"S-something's wrong!" The nurse cried. "I don't know what to do! She's...I can't...please, you must come! Something's wrong!" Instantly alert now, Gaston sprinted out of bed as fast as he could and rushed to see what was wrong. Lissa's fever spiked up. Her body was violently convulsing, and she was burning up big time. Gaston checked the wound on her shoulder: it was a mess.
Lefou raced on his horse and managed to catch Dr. Tanner before he left town to visit another village. They hurried back to the Legumes as fast as they could. When they arrived, Lissa was completely unresponsive and her fever was dangerously high. Gaston had been desperately trying and trying to get a response of any kind out of her, a whimper, something; he even pinched her arm, very, very hard! But she was so deeply unconscious that she didn't even flinch! Dr. Tanner rushed into the sick room with his bag and told Gaston to go wait for him in the parlor. Lefou could tell that Gaston was scared, really scared. He was restless and breathing heavily.
After an extremely tense forty-five minutes of torturous waiting, praying, and worrying, Dr. Tanner slowly came out of the bedroom. Gaston's heart jumped into his throat when he saw the physician's dismal face. He braced himself for the bad news that he knew was coming, but it didn't calm the nauseous knot of dread in his stomach. "How is she, Doctor?" Lefou asked anxiously, unable to bear the wait. The doctor gazed pensively right at Gaston.
"Gaston," Dr. Tanner said seriously, "your sister is dying." He spoke plainly but regretfully. Gaston winced and hung his head."She's grown critically worse. Her injuries, on top of the harsh effects of the fever, the infections, they've already taken so much out of her. She can't fight this anymore, she's just too frail now. We've done all we can, but there isn't really much more we can do for her. This last bout of convulsions, it just sapped what little strength she's had left." Dr. Tanner put his hand on Gaston's arm. He hated this part, but continued his diagnosis. "I highly doubt that...it's most likely...Gaston, I'm letting you know as a professional and a friend, Lissa isn't going to last through the night. She just doesn't have the strength anymore. I strongly doubt that she'll last till morning. I've never seen someone so weak survive after a harsh illness like this." At this, Gaston covered his face. He was struggling hard to keep back the tears that were behind his eyes, but his shoulders were shaking. "I'm very sorry, Gaston." The doctor said sadly. "I wish it wasn't like this, and I hate having to deliver news like this! If there was anything else in the world I could do..."
"You've done what you can." Gaston sighed. "I couldn't ask for more." The war hero had come a very long way. Normally, he would've demanded and threatened the doctor to save Lissa's life. But he was different and more sensible now. And Dr. Tanner was very grateful that Gaston wasn't trying to strangle him! He stepped back a little to give the army captain some breathing space.
Lefou, quite shaken, touched Gaston's arm. "Do...do you want me to go up with you?" He asked timidly. Gaston could see that his friend was nearly in tears. He smiled gratefully, gripping his arm back.
"Thank you, Lefou." He said quietly. "But, no. This is something I have to do on my own."
"Gaston...I...I am so sorry!" Lefou said in a cracked voice. Gaston kindly touched his shoulder and nodded. Then, grabbing his mother's quilt from the sofa, he slowly made his way up to the sick room.
How many times through the years had he traveled up these same stairs? He'd lost count. But this was one very deep and painful trip he'd remember for the rest of his life. Grief-stricken, but determined to stay composed, lifting a quick prayer pleading for strength, Gaston took a very deep breath and slowly opened the door to his sister's room.
At first, he just stood, trying to soak in the life that had breathed in this room. Then, with a heavy heart, he approached her bed and gazed down at Lissa. Her face was pale and flushed, and her features were very drawn, lax. She appeared so lethargic and still that for a moment, Gaston almost feared that she was gone already! She looked so little in the bed. Gaston carefully pulled the covers back off her, wrapped her up safely in her mother's quilt, and being as gentle as possible, he scooped Lissa up into his arms and bravely, slowly carried her out of the bedroom. Matilda watched in the shadows and Jesse faithfully followed him out the door.
Though Lissa was a grown woman now, Gaston was alarmed at how small and fragile she felt in his arms. She was so weak, it was like carrying a small child as he trudged down the stairs. He held her close to himself, wishing the close contact from his own robust body could fill her damaged one with a little strength to fight off this major infection. Gaston entered the parlor. He hated the shattered look on Lefou's face. Gaston shook his head to assure his friend that she wasn't gone yet. Lefou slowly walked over to them and lightly kissed the top of Lissa's head.
After letting Lefou have his moment, Gaston walked straight to his parents' old bedroom. A fiery lump forming in his throat, he carried Lissa to the bed and gently lay her down. He draped the sweet covers over her, the same ones that used to keep his mother warm. Lefou watched sadly from the doorway as Gaston reentered the parlor while Jesse stayed with Lissa. No one asked Gaston what he was doing, they all knew he was preparing himself. Soon, he'd gathered some random items then remained in the master bedroom.
Gaston was hurting so much more than he let show. Every time a member of his family had died, he had never been there to give a proper goodbye. His father, however non-affectionate, stern, and unreasonable as he had been, had been murdered by thieves at night on his way to another village. His beloved mother, whom Gaston still loved and sorely missed, had taken ill while he was off fighting in the war, and he didn't even get the chance to tell her goodbye or how much she'd meant to him! And now? Now, his younger sister, whom he'd prided himself on 'protecting' was here at death's door, leaving him alone in the world. He didn't want to believe that she was so close to death, at his fingertips! But he couldn't deny the grave reality of her condition.
He toned their mother's quilt with Lissa's favorite perfume. He'd draped her special lavender gown-the one she'd worn especially for him the day he'd returned home from the war-across a chair (thankful it wasn't the one she'd been attacked in). On the nightstand beside the bed, Gaston had set Lissa's diary. And on the bed at her side, Gaston had lovingly placed the music box she loved so much. And, of course, Jesse was there too. Gaston knew the doctor was right. And he knew now that Lissa had been right: Gaston's lifestyle would've sorely disappointed their mom. He was glad that she hadn't been alive to see the kind of monster he'd become, yet he couldn't shake off the nauseous feeling that his mother did know! After that surreal dream…
In the passed week during Lissa's turbulent illness, Gaston had started noticing the many little and daily ways that Lissa had served him all these years: keeping house, preparing his meals, doing his dirty laundry, polishing his precious army boots till they shined, and above all, putting up with his ridiculous demands, boasting, fits, and-he was ashamed to think of it now-worst of all, his evil side. The things he'd selfishly taken for granted all this time had slowly become very real to him. He realized that he'd subconsciously been punishing Lissa these years for being at their mother's side, being able to say good-bye to her at her death bed, when he didn't! He'd held it against her. He'd been a rotten scumbag of a brother to Lissa, and he was deeply remorseful for that. And now? Now Gaston would never have the chance to prove to her how different he really was since he'd been awakened.
Gaston knew in his heart that Lissa probably would not see the morning light tomorrow, and if she really was leaving him, he wanted her surrounded by all her favorite things, the special treasures she'd held dear all this time. If only Gaston could do things over, which he couldn't do! If only he do things differently, which he was trying, and if only Lissa could believe and understand how much now that Gaston did care about her! If he could only say goodbye properly, without her pulling back in fear! He prayed that he would have that chance! Oh, how hard he prayed that he would be able to bid her farewell without her being afraid of him, and that the end would be peaceful, with no agonizing pain or distress. Gaston tried to ready himself to be by her side until the end.
Dr. Tanner and Matilda tried to give Gaston space until he called for them. Lefou was absolutely torn. He didn't want Lissa to die! He couldn't imagine visiting this house and not being able to hear her cheery voice greeting him, or scolding Gaston for a selfishly stupid remark. Lissa was a good friend to Lefou, and she felt like the sister he'd never had. They made each other laugh, she enjoyed his company and even his quirks, and she gave him encouragement to be the best person he could be. It was bitter to swallow that Lissa would most likely be dead in a few hours! He was going to miss her terribly.
Gaston noticed Lissa stirring. She slowly opened her eyes and looked up. "Hey," Gaston spoke quietly, sitting there on the bed beside her. Jesse lay his head on the bed.
"Gaston?" Lissa looked confused, but he was extremely grateful that she wasn't cowering away from him. He figured she was probably too weak anyway, even if she wanted to hide.
"I know, you weren't expecting to see me, were you?" Gaston smiled. At least she seemed calmer than she had been earlier.
"No..." Lissa mumbled, her voice barely audible. "What's going on? Why do I...why do I feel so..." she winced.
Gaston leaned closer and gently touched her arm, careful not to touch her wound. "Lissa, darling," he began slowly, "you're very sick right now, my dear. I mean, really sick."
"Oh." Lissa whispered. "How did I get like this?" She asked, wincing.
"You were attacked by wolves." Gaston replied.
"Right now I don't quite remember that," Lissa rubbed her head. "But that explains a lot."
"How do you feel right now?"
"Ohh. I hurt all over. My head feels like it's splitting apart." Lissa moaned and began shivering. Gaston laid a cool cloth on her head. The coldness startled her at first, but then she succumbed to it. "Thank you." She whispered gratefully. Gaston smiled sadly and wistfully ran his hand along her face as he sat close beside her. Her breathing was shallow, and he grimly took in the slow rising and falling of her chest, making him wonder how much longer it would go on like that at all! Jesse whimpered as he placed his paw on the bed. As Gaston firmly held her hand, she didn't say anything for a little while after that, for the brief talking had made her weary and went back to sleep. Gaston hoped against hope that she could hold on a bit longer. He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and show her the love he'd so ruthlessly neglected for so long, but he didn't want to drive away that chance if Lissa couldn't receive it. But time was running out!
"Gaston? There's someone here to see you." Dr. Tanner whispered, poking his head inside the door. Gaston grimaced.
"Who?" He moaned, leaning forward with his hands on his face. He really didn't want any visitors right now.
"It's me, Gaston." Came a familiar, older voice. Gaston looked up in astonishment, his face mingled with hope and guilt.
"Maurice!" He gasped heavily. Jesse wagged his tail and panted at the friendly older man.
"I know. The last person you expected to see, right?" Maurice asked with a chuckle. Gaston grew misty-eyed. He was deeply grateful for the older man's kind presence and support, after what he'd done to him. Gaston ran to him, reminding Maurice of an anxious boy, seeking comfort and guidance. He firmly gripped his hand.
"Oh, Maurice. Thank you for coming!" Gaston exclaimed.
"Lefou came tonight and told me." Maurice said dejectedly. "Is it true?"
Gaston hung his head, fighting back tears. "Yes." He gulped. Maurice winced and patted the younger man's arms.
"I am so sorry." Maurice said, his own eyes becoming foggy.
"You didn't have to come here." Gaston said sorrowfully.
"Yes, I did!" Maurice argued with tears in his eyes. "Lissa has been very kind to Belle and me. She's been a dear friend. A very dear friend. I...I couldn't let her go without...without saying good-bye." He choked up.
"Thank you, Maurice." Gaston sighed, his voice cracking. "I'm so glad you're here!" Maurice slowly approached the bed. His face became more pained as he gazed at the languid young woman. He couldn't believe she was so ill, and near death. His shoulders started shaking, as he covered his face. "Are you all right, Maurice?" Gaston asked. Maurice couldn't answer. Gaston came to him and gently led him to the chair he'd been using. Maurice was still softly weeping. Jesse lay his head on his leg. Gaston gripped his shoulder, inwardly shocked that this moment was real, and that Maurice would even receive this gesture! That was a miracle in itself!
"I'm sorry." Maurice gulped. "I just...this feels too familiar."
"W-what do you mean by that?" Gaston asked confused. "You're not saying that Belle was ever..."
"No. Never!" Maurice gasped. "Thank God! No, not Belle. Her...her mother."
"Her mother?" Gaston stared at him.
"My wife." Maurice winced hard, his face tear-stained by now. Gaston could see that he was deeply conflicted. He wasn't sure if he should press further, let the old man share his troubles and get it off his shoulders, or leave him be as it was too painful. Gaston sat down back on the bed, close to Maurice. "Gaston, have...while you've had a chance, have you told your sister how much you care about her? How much you love her?"
Gaston bit his lip, glancing down at Lissa who slept on. "N-no. Not really." He mumbled. "I...I've been waiting for the right moment."
"Gaston, please listen to me." Maurice said sadly. "There's no more time to wait! Do it while you still can, and as soon as possible! Otherwise, she'll never know." Gaston listened quietly, gazing at the unspeakable pain in the older man's face. He'd never seen him heartbroken.
"What happened to your wife, Maurice?" He asked slowly. Maurice shook his head vigorously.
"Please! No, I...I can't. I...just...even Belle doesn't know. I...I can't..." Maurice had to breathe deeply to calm himself. Jesse nudged his hand and Maurice gratefully stroked his neck.
"Easy there, Maurice. I'm sorry." Gaston said sympathetically. "I wouldn't have asked, if I'd known it would make you so upset. Would, uhm...would you like to be alone with her?"
"If you don't mind, for a few minutes."
"Take your time." Gaston said sadly, and slowly left the room.
"Gaston?" Lefou looked up at him.
"Not yet." Gaston shook his head. "Maurice is with her right now. You might want to come in soon, Lefou. I don't know how..."
Maurice and Lefou had each had a chance to be with Lissa, and tell her how much she meant to them, then Gaston had returned to the room. They all just remained together in the room for a while, then the two friends reluctantly left Gaston alone to be with his sister. They wanted to support him, but he needed his time with her. Jesse would not leave the room for anything. Gaston finally just allowed him to hop up on the bed. Jesse curled up next to his sick mistress, with his nuzzle resting on her hip. He looked so sad. Aside from his prey when he caught them, Gaston had never thought he'd ever see such a depressed animal. Jesse stared at Lissa with woeful, soulful eyes and Gaston couldn't help feeling sorry for him. He patted his head. "Thanks, boy. Thanks for sticking with me."
It had been a long couple hours since Dr. Tanner had given his final diagnosis. Gaston was still at Lissa's side. He didn't know how much longer they would have together, but he wanted to make the best of it. Jesse hadn't moved since he'd been invited onto the bed. Gaston brought her feeble hand to his lips and kissed it passionately, shedding tears. During this trial he'd come to realize just how much that Lissa and their mother had been alike. It made his desire to see Lissa happy and loved even stronger, and his deep regret ran harsher at how cruelly he'd treated her. "I'm sorry, Lissa darling," he wept. "I'm...so sorry! I was being selfish, and manipulative when I told you that it'd break me to lose you. I didn't even realize what I was saying!" A sob escaped his throat. "No. Sorry doesn't even come close! I...I've...and I love you, my little sister. I just hope you know that...now." He stroked her sweaty, drawn cheek. Lissa stirred, whimpering. "Hey, it's all right." Gaston shushed her gently.
"Cold. I'm...cold." Lissa whispered. Gaston tucked the covers in closely around her. "Are you there, Gaston?" She asked without opening her eyes.
"Yes, my darling. I'm right here!" Gaston nodded.
"H...hold me...please?" Lissa begged, her voice so fragile.
"Of course!" Gaston agreed. He crawled next to her on the bed and cradled her in his arms, rubbing her arms and trying to keep her warm, trying to keep her alive! She nestled her head deep in his shoulder, shivering. "Is that better?" Gaston asked. Lissa didn't answer, her teeth chattered and she continued to tremble. He clasped her closer. They were like that for a while and Lissa was soon asleep. He had no idea why she'd asked him of all people to do this, but he was grateful, more than he could express, for the moment to offer her some love, the love he'd deprived her of for so long. She's probably afraid to be alone, when...when it's time, he thought. And I'm the only one she knows is around. If she was more alert, I don't think she'd even want me in here! If she could, I'm sure she'd be asking for somebody else, anybody else to be at her side but me! And to be honest, I don't blame her! "It's all right. I've got you." He told her.
"Oh, Lissa. I...it won't be the same without you!" He cried. "You're the one who fills this house with life. Mother used to, and you kept it alive, despite everything. I...how can I let you go like this? We've been together for so long. I've been soo wrong! I know I deserve this, but...you don't! You shouldn't die, Lissa! Not like this! You shouldn't be suffering, and in pain. And it's my fault. I did this to you." Gaston couldn't keep his eyes dry and his words ran together. "Oh my little darling, please don't leave me like this! Please open your eyes and tell me that you're not scared of me! Please, Lissa. Tell me that it's not too late, that you're not so far beyond my reach I can never hope to win your trust back!" He lay his chin on top of her head. "I wish I'd been a better brother to you!"
At one point, Gaston sat up a little straighter and set her down comfortably in the pillows. But he still leaned down close. Lissa let out one very long exhale, and then her body grew still.
Gaston drew in a sharp breath. He hung his head, and weeping, he gave his dearly departed sister one last, tight hug. But as he held her close, he could feel her heart still beating! "Lissa?" He asked hopefully, but got no response. He just held her close like a child, petting her hair, knowing that the end must be near. He clasped her fingers to his lips as the tears slid down them. He kissed her head hard. "I love you, Lissa." He whispered sadly. "And I will never forgive myself! Not as long as I breathe." He stayed there, painfully waiting. He half-wished it was over, so that she wouldn't be suffering any longer, but he also understood that every minute closer to the end brought her closer to leaving him...forever! He'd never get to hear her voice again, or come to her rescue when Tom, Dick, and Stanley were harassing her. He'd never get the chance to tease her about what young upstart had the nerve to ask her out on a date. Never again would he make her laugh against her will.
He was afraid to be alone at this moment. "Doctor? Doctor!" He called. Dr. Tanner entered quietly, much to Gaston's relief. "Doctor, please...stay in here, will you?" Gaston pleaded.
"Yes, Gaston. I will." The tired, sad physician nodded.
"Thank you." Gaston gulped gratefully. He hovered over his sister, holding as tight as possible, painfully waiting for her to draw her last breath.
"At least he's finally learned to love."
