Chapter 20
Goodbye
Anna passed away that night, surrounded by all the people she loved. She aroused in the middle of the night gasping and sweating heavily, her temperature dangerously high.
Derek was right next to the bed on the chair and immediately called for everyone in the home.
Casey was the first to rush to her side and soon everyone was around her. She refused to go to the hospital and insisted on staying. Finally, her eyes fluttered shut, she took one breath, then no more.
No barrier could have held back the amount of sadness that overcame everyone that night.
Nora took to Casey's side and embraced her as she cried into her shoulder. Lizzie sank to the floor and cried her heavy tears. Edwin let his tears escape quietly. George escorted a very confused, and very scared, Marti out of the room. Mr. and Mrs. Scott mourned painfully the loss of the daughter.
Derek got up, placed a kiss on her forehead, and left the room to be alone. Starting his car, he drove. He didn't know how long, he didn't have a particular destination in mind. Yet his heart, brought him to the dock.
He got out of his car and stood in the very place he and Anna stood weeks ago. He sat on the bench and recalled the wonderful times spent together.
Just then, the sun began to peak over the horizon, and the clouds took on a slightly orange and yellow glow. He truly felt, in his heart, that they were watching the same view.
And he swore with every ounce of himself that he could hear Anna speaking to him.
"I love you, Derek"
He heard in the wind. And though the tears disabled him to speak, he felt that Anna already knew how very much he loved her back.