Part 2 of "Blanc" coming shortly. I wrote this last night when I just needed a good cry. Song is "We'll Meet Again" by Vera Lynn.
"Zhere 'as to be somezhing we can do. Anyzhing. Please…"
"I'm sorry, Dr. Jones. But there is no cure for old age. I advise you enjoy what little time you have left with the director while you can."
Curie crossed her arms and gazed over at the bed as the young doctor left. It all happened too soon; Renee's life. And now… She felt the sting of tears at her eyes. She clenched her jaw and tried to keep her composure.
"I'm still here, you know."
"I know." She forced a smile and walked over to the bed. "I know, my love."
Though old age weakened her, Renee's light blue eyes still shone. She arched one gray eyebrow. "Now my dear, please… Cry for me when I'm gone, but not before."
"I can't 'elp it, I just…" Curie looked away again.
"It's never easy, losing someone you love." Renee sighed and looked up at the ceiling. She coughed suddenly. "Ah…"
"Renee?" Curie reached for her hand. She realized then just how frail Renee's grip felt in her own, how wrinkled her skin became. While Curie would forever be in the prime of life. She let her tears fall. "I do not think I can do zhis without you."
"You can." Renee smiled. She gently squeezed Curie's hand. "I know you can."
"But I…" The Synth took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
"You'll have the memories. Even if you won't have me." Renee reached a shaky hand to Curie's cheek. "My poor little Curie…"
"Don't tease me, not now." Curie shook her head. "I love you. Please, you cannot leave me like zhis."
"I wish I had a choice." Renee's smile faltered and she coughed again. "I wish I could stay with you forever. I do."
Curie crawled up on the bed beside her and rested her head against Renee's shoulder, as she had in their youth. She remembered nights of reading side by side, of holding one another through storms, of falling asleep in each other's arms. Things she once took for granted and would now give anything to have back.
Renee ran her fingers along Curie's short, dark hair. "We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, but I know we'll meet again some sunny day…" Her voice, once so strong and vibrant, was now soft, subdued, but just as sweet.
Curie choked out a laugh. "Is it not I who should be comforting you?"
"I don't think that matters now, my dear." Renee pressed a weak kiss to her head. "You've always been so good to me…"
She gazed up. "I love you. How could I not be?"
"I love you too, Cures." Renee smiled and closed her eyes. Her hand stilled where she stroked Curie's hair. "Keep smiling through, just like you always do…"
Curie realized she no longer felt Renee's chest rise and fall with each breath. "My love?" She sat up, her eyes wide. "Renee! Renee!"
So will you please say hello to the folks that I know? Tell them I won't be long. They'll be happy to know that as you saw me go, I was singing this song…