Reunion
Lucy replaced the cork in her cordial. Her hands were shaking uncontrollably as she, along with Peter and Susan, stared down at Edmund. Blood – his own – stained his tunic and amour, and the breath that was left in him came out in jerky, short gasps that shook his broken body. Dirt and little scratches speckled his face
She watched as he weakly swallowed the drop of juice she had poured into his mouth. She and the others waited anxiously. Edmund's lips closed. A soft sigh escaped from him, and she ceased hearing or seeing him breathe. And then his body grew limp. Lucy stared at her brother's pale, expressionless face, willing for him to open his eyes and get up, all well.
Come on, Edmund, she silently urged, begged him. Please, get up. Father Christmas promised my cordial will work. Please, try. You cannot leave me – us, Ed! Please!
Yet her brother did not hear her silent words and did not stir. Lucy's chin trembled, and tears gathered in her eyes as she realized what it all meant. She heard Susan stifle a sob. A dry gasp escaped the younger sister's throat as hot tears poured freely down her face.
A grief settled in her heart, much like when she had spotted Mr. Tumnus, turned to stone; only the grief was far heavier and worse now.
Oh, Edmund… Aslan, please…!
Lucy was startled when suddenly a fit of light coughs burst forth from Edmund. She watched with frightened hope as he coughed, his head moving so slightly in Susan's lap. The color returned to her brother's face. Then the lids of his eyes opened slowly, revealing brown eyes that blinked against the bright sunlight.
The little girl smiled, the last of her tears (now of joy) falling. She did not have the energy to laugh as Susan did. Lucy's smile widened when Edmund's eyes flickered between her and their two older siblings' faces. His confused look gave way to tired relief. She watched joyously when he was jerked up from the ground into Peter's arms and hugged tightly.
For the third time in almost as many days, Edmund had been given back to them. The girl could only silently thank Aslan again and again. She hoped this time Ed would stay for good. She knew she did not want to lose him ever again.
"When are you going to learn to do as you're told?"
Peter's choked words made Lucy return her gaze to her brothers. She watched them exchange a smile. Unable to just sit by and watch any longer, she laughed and leaned forward to wrap Edmund in a hug. She felt his arms go around her. Then Susan and Peter joined in, making it a huge group hug. For the third time they were reunited.