Chapter Twelve

Birds chirping their early morning calls as they flew by, calling to their friends to join them on their way. Jude watched from her front door, tugging her sweater snug against her shoulders she shivered under the coolness of the early morning breezes. When she was younger she found inspiration in worldly things, music, clothes, people, now that she was older, more mature, with her heart hanging by a thread, she sought out life's simple beauties. Standing in the doorway with only the screen door keeping her inside her house, she looked on as night was turning into day.

Mountains in the distance highlighted by the sun as it gently began to rise in the east, beaming it's rays down upon all the earth to see. The moon and the stars turning off their lights for the sun to take center stage… a new kind of light to shine down. The scent of flowers in bloom filling the air, as if they were greeting early risers with a small dose of perfume to set them on their way. Jude gazed out the door spotting tiny rain droplets resting on her grass filled yard.

When she and Sadie were kids they would always take off their shoes and run through the grass, letting their toes seep into the coolness, laughing as the sprigs tickled their toes. Smiling Jude pushed away the memory as another breeze caused her to shiver beneath her sweater.

"Beautiful, huh?"

Startled by the intruder Jude turned around to see her dad standing behind her looking on as the sun was rising against the sky.

"Yeah."

"I always liked getting up before everyone just so I could watch the sunrise in peace."

"Not even with mom?"

Stuart smiled softly as he replied, "Sometimes. She was always rushed in the mornings. You took after her in the, 'I don't like to get up early" ever ways."

"Shut up!" Jude laughed before she returned her attention to outside, "I always liked sunsets, but I never made time for sunrises. Lately though…," Trailing off Jude glanced over her shoulder at Stuart, "It makes it easier, you know?"

Stuart nodded his response. Stepping forward he wrapped his arms around his daughters shoulders, smiling when she let her head fall against his chest.

"No matter how old you get you'll always be my little girl," Pulling her closer he whispered, "I love you kiddo."

"I love you too dad."

"I'll never tire of hearing that."

Jude turned in his embrace bringing her eyes to meet Stuarts, "Dad?"

"Hmm?" Stuart replied looking into his daughters saddened eyes.

"Thanks for being here," Shivering from the coolness Jude's lips trembled slightly, "I couldn't do this without you guys."

"And we wouldn't have it any other way."

Jude and Tommy's bedroom door creaked softly as Stuart made his way inside. Early morning sun lighting the room enough for him to make out his son-in-law sleeping in bed. He tip toed closer to the bed hoping to keep quiet, only to fail when Tommy's eyes opened.

"Hi," Tommy whispered.

"Hey," Smiling with embarrassment Stuart began, "Sorry I didn't mean to wake you."

"I wasn't asleep."

"Oh, okay."

Tommy grunted in pain before blinking his eyes rapidly in hopes of keeping them open.

"Do you need anything?" Stuart asked making his way quickly over towards Tommy.

"Where's Jude?"

"She's watching the sunrise," Smiling Stuart eyed Tommy's unshaven face, "When was the last time you shaved?"

"Couple days ago. Jackie helped me out after Jude accidentally nicked my chin."

"Did she cry?"

Tommy smirked, "Yeah."

"Poor girl. She's always been the sensitive one."

"Not when she's yelling at me," Tommy joked.

Stuart eyed his son-in-law trying to decide what his next actions would be. His gut was telling him to stay and do something he never would have… while his mind was telling him to leave and go comfort his daughter.

"I'll be right back."

Tommy closed his eyes briefly trying his best to ward off the pain shooting through out his entire body. After Jude had left the room Jackie had stepped in checking on him. After taking his vitals and preparing his medications Tommy asked Jackie to stop. He had lay awake most of the night with thoughts of contentment filling his mind and heart. His journey had taken him to the end of the road, it was his decision to figure out where to go from there. Jackie had argued a good fight before she finally agreed with Tommy.

Something cool touched Tommy's face, bringing him out of his mind numbing thoughts. Opening his eyes he found Stuart standing over him, his hands covered in foamy shaving cream, "What are you doing?"

"I thought I'd shave your face for you," Stuart finished rubbing the cream against Tommy's skin before he nervously spoke again, "Nothing like having a freshly shaven face to start your day out with."

Tommy eyed Stuart in quiet awe as he carefully slide the razor in clean strokes, cleaning his face free of stubble. No one had ever done something like that for him before. Jude had tried, so had Jackie, but after countless attempts and further failures they had given up, leaving him to his fast growing beard. Stuart was the last person he would have found to act on a gesture like this.

Carefully Stuart worked the razor against Tommy's face, pausing here and there to dip it into a small bowl of warm water. His hands shook slightly as the impact of what he was doing overcame him. Not only was he helping out a young man, he was helping out a man who had become a son to him… a man who was dying.

Swallowing the lump in his throat Stuart stopped when Tommy's hand gently rest on top of his. Halting his actions.

"I-I love you dad," Tommy's tearful voice startling them both.

"I love you too son," Stuart squeezed Tommy's hand before he continued to shave the remainder of Tommy's face.

"I know we got off on the wrong foot when we first met," Washing Tommy's face clean of the excess shaving cream Stuart broke the silence, "And I never got around to telling you… but I'm proud of you. You have been nothing but wonderful to Jude. She deserves the best and no one could ever be better than you."

"Thank you."

Nodding Stuart paused to meet Tommy's eyes, "You're a fine young man. The son I never had," Tommy's eyes blurred with tears, and so did Stuarts as he coughed to push the lump forming in his throat, "You proved me wrong on so many levels, I'm grateful for that… I'm grateful for you."

Part Two

"Mrs. Quincy?"

Stopping in mid sentence Jude turned, "Yes?"

Standing in the kitchen doorway Jackie nervously glanced from Jude to the others seated in various scattered chairs throughout the wide space, "Y-your husbands vitals?" Clearing her throat Jackie lifted up a sheet of paper she was tightly clutching, "His temperature is good,--- but his BP is really low; his pulse is high; I turned on the oxygen for him due to him experiencing mild shortness of breath."

"Did you give him any medication?" Jude asked. Concern washing over her face as she sighed, "You only give him oxygen when he's in pain."

Nodding Jackie replied, "He refused the drip-- instead he asked for you."

"But why?" Exasperated Jude glared at Jackie.

"Mrs. Quincy---"

Jude recognized Jackie's tone of voice. Many times she had sat in doctor's offices, looking into their sad sympathetic gazes as they told her Tommy was sick. Jackie held the same look, carried the same soft spoken sorrowful voice.

Instead he asked for you. His wife; the one who was supposed to hold his hand while he took his last breath. The one who was supposed to find a way to live without him, the one who was dying right along with him. Jude stared across the room, Jackie stood in the doorway nervously picking at lent on her scrub top, Victoria, Stuart, and Sadie sat watching sadly as Jude fought for words to speak. Only being able to hear the words Doctor Jacobson had told her a month ago.

"My experience with patients is they know when they are going to die. Four out of five refused further treatment before they passed on."

"Mrs. Quincy?" Jackie's voice rang in Jude's ear. The memory of what Tommy's doctor had said that one tear jerking day brought Jude brokenly to the truth.

"Is it time?" Jude asked on a whisper.

Sighing Jackie glanced down at her hands, "Professionally I cannot answer that."

"Please."

Jackie shook her head before she replied, "Mrs. Quincy, I can't."

Jude stared pleadingly into Jackie's eyes, silently begging her to say the words she dreaded to hear. Somehow those words needed to be uttered, in order for Jude to muster the strength she needed to hear those words.

"Jackie please," Jude said tearfully, "You're more than just a nurse to us. I'm asking you as a friend."

"As a friend," Jackie began, looking around the room her eyes clouded with sadness, "I'd guess tonight. If not, then tomorrow."

"Thank you."

Victoria stood in the kitchen with her heart pounding; the terrible news she had been expecting for days had just been delivered. Her son-in-law was dying, his short lived life was almost up. Tears welled in her eyes, fighting to spill over. She loved Tommy dearly, he had become a son to her over the years, now it was time to say goodbye. Her heart breaking she tried to compose herself. Breathing in deep breaths she looked over to her daughter. Jude stood motionless in the middle of the kitchen, at first glance any one person could think she was alright, but, Victoria noticed with sadness Jude's shaking hands, her trembling legs; her tired eyes.

Quietly Victoria pushed her way across the kitchen, passing by her family members; everyone was upset and held tearful gazes, yet Victoria needed to be with Jude.

"Baby," Victoria cooed as she neared Jude.

"Mom."

Opening her arms Victoria spoke, "Come here."

Jude rushed into her mothers embrace, pressing her face into Victoria's chest, soaking in all the warmth and strength she could get.

"I love you sweetheart."

"I love you too," Jude whispered.

"Everyone is here for you," Victoria said as she softly stroked Jude's hair, "We all love you."

"Mom?"

"Yes baby?"

Pulling away from Victoria Jude looked up at her mom, "How do I go in there?"

"You just do."
Blinking away a tear Jude choked out, "What do I say?"

Victoria cupped Jude's face in her hands, "You love him sweetheart, the right words will come to you."

"I don't think I can do it."

"Yes you can," Victoria spoke softly before kissing her daughters forehead.

Nodding through her tears Jude used the sleeve of her sweater to wipe away the warm liquid, "Can you stay with Aidan?"

"Of course."

Part Three

Standing in the doorway to her room Jude quietly watched Tommy as he slept. His skin was pale and chalky like, dark circles lined underneath his eyes; the wear and tear from his illness shining forth. Tommy's breathing was uneven causing his chest to rise and fall in quick motions. A small bandage adorned his left arm where an IV access had usually been. Propped up with pillows Tommy's weak frame filled his side of the bed, the same side he had fought tooth and nail over to keep.

Jude often watched Tommy sleep, she loved how peaceful he seemed to be, even with all the tumors; Tommy always had a graceful look when he slept. From his slightly puckered lips up to his thick wavy hair. Smiling Jude inched her way over towards her bed.

"Hi."

Blinking in surprise Jude watched Tommy open his eyes, "You're awake?"

"I heard you come in."

"I'm sorry I woke you."

Tommy's eyes closed as a sigh escaped his lips. A struggle he had been fighting for two days, his body fought him when it came to trying to hold his eyelids open. Jude watched in pain. Tommy's long eyelashes touching his cheeks, casting shadows over his already dark lined skin. She loved him dearly.

"You still take my breath away."

"How?" Tommy weakly asked.

"Everything you do."

"Come here," Even though his voice was barely audible as he whispered, Jude heard him loud and clear.

Carefully taking a seat on the bed Jude gently edged her way closer to Tommy. Once she reached him she let her head rest against one of her pillows; moving her eyes to rest on his face. Cancer may have been taking him away from her but Jude felt an overwhelming love wash over her. Tommy was her life, she loved him more that moment than when she first met him.

Outlining the edges of his face with her finger Jude was brought back to a memory of when she promised to be his everything, through thick and thin, Jude's love was declared.

"Jude, do you take Thomas to be your wedded husband to live together in marriage. Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Jude replied with a small smile turning her lips, her eyes speaking of a greater love and of a greater happiness no one could ever know.

Smiling although her eyes were filling with unshed tears Jude let the precious memory fade away as she studied each feature on her husbands face.

"The heat from your gaze is keeping me warm," Tommy murmured with his eyes shut.

"H-how did you know?"

Slowly Tommy's eyes opened, "I always feel you," Blinking he held her gaze.

"We really are one aren't we?"

"Always."

Snuggling in closer Jude pressed her cheek against Tommy's, "You refused your medication," Clearing her throat Jude pressed on, "Why?"

"I don't need it anymore," Came his soft reply.

"You don't know that Tommy," Frustrated because she was afraid Jude held a touch of anger in her voice.

Sighing Tommy replied, "We talked about this."

"Are you positive?"

"Yes."

Dropping the subject Jude let the truth finally sink in. Tommy was really going to leave her. All her days of preparation, all her tears, her sorrow; all wrapped around what was ultimately going to occur. Jude's heart and soul, the only one who made her complete, her Tommy was paving the way for his goodbye. A goodbye to a life he spent his heart creating. Goodbye to his wife and son.

"Jude?"

Tilting her head up, "Yes sweetheart?"

"Can you bring Aidan in here?"

"How come?"

"I want to see his face again," Turning his head Tommy met Jude's tearful gaze with one of his own, "Make sure he's happy. I need to see him happy before--" His voice trailed off, leaving the unspoken words to haunt Jude.

Before Jude brought Aidan into the room she had Sadie change his outfit. Her sister had come across a costume on one of her many shopping adventures, if was perfect for her nephew. Jude loved it upon setting her eyes on it, she knew Tommy would get a kick out of it. One of not so many childhood memories he had shared with her over the years, Jude knew it would touch him.

At one years old Aidan was just learning how to walk on his own, he baby stepped around the living room furniture while Jude would try to clean up his messes. Costume clad his small hand held on to Jude's as they slowly stepped into the bedroom.

"Tommy?" Jude called softly, gaining the attention of her husband.

Tommy's eyes pushed open, his gaze swept over Jude before they landed on his son. His breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight. Aidan was wearing a pirate costume… just like he used to wear when he was a boy. Captain Tommy. Memories assailed him as Jude and Aidan approached the bed.

"So I tried to get the little booger to wear the eye patch but he wouldn't go for it," Jude smiled as she and Aidan climbed on to the bed next to him, "Isn't that right munchkin?"

"Mama?" Aidan looked up at her with a wide grin on his face.

"Show daddy your outfit," Jude encouraged as her son continued to grin up at her.

Aidan's small body lay on top of Tommy's, Jude felt pride watching on as Tommy's hands slowly cradled their son on his chest. Aidan had chattered on non stop in his baby talk telling Tommy all about his pirate outfit, even making some noises Jude found close to those a real pirate in a Hollywood movie would make. Tommy had laughed, his eyes lighting up at the sight of his son. Aidan's small hand cupped Tommy's cheek while a small yawn escaped his plump baby lips. Jude smiled before snuggling up closer to Tommy.

"Remember when I was pregnant and you would make up that story about the moon and the stars?"

Tommy grinned before replying, "Yeah, I would rub your belly and feel this little guy kicking up a storm."

"He really liked it… I've been telling him that story every night before he goes to bed."

"Really?" Tommy asked surprised.

"Yes."

"Would you tell us?" Tommy asked.

Jude smiled before leaning over to kiss Aidan's cheek. He smiled back at her with drool lining his lips.

"Want to hear your Moon, Moon story kiddo?"

Aidan shook his head up and down before a big spit bubble popped in his mouth, causing all three of them to laugh.

"That he gets from you," Tommy joked as his eyes began to close once again.

"So not funny mister!"

Tommy smirked before one of his hands found and held on to hers.

"Goodnight said the Moon to the stars in the sky. The ones twinkling above, so far and wide.

Goodnight said the Stars to the clouds drifting by. The ones so fluffy changing in disguise.

Goodnight said the Clouds to the trees down below. The ones with the leaves a whistling hello.

Goodnight said the Trees to the flowers in their beds. The ones with the colors of blues, gold's and reds.

Goodnight said the Flowers to the winds picking up pace. The ones swirling in circles and turning with grace.

Goodnight said the Winds to the peoples turning in. The ones all snug with blankets pulled to their chins.

Goodnight said the Peoples to the moon and the stars and the clouds drifting by. As they brightened the sky changing in size.

Goodnight to the Trees and the leaves whistling farewell, to the flowers in their beds, and the winds swirling parallel.

Goodnight to all as the time has come, the moon and stars, the clouds and trees and the leaves all around, the flowers and the winds and the peoples on end, all snuggled to sleep, with sweet dreams to begin."

Jude's voice softened as the story came to an end. Tommy's eyes as well as Aidan's were closed. Her hand squeezed Tommy's gently before she let her head rest against the softness of her husbands shoulder. Her last chance to be with her family, the one she cherished. As her sleeping pirate lay on his fathers chest, she could not help but hope he was dreaming of the moon and the stars as they twinkled their lullaby's keeping him safe. Closing her eyes Jude began to fall asleep, a grin forming her lips as she too found Tommy's story of the moon and stars greeting her.

Part Four

The bed dipped in as Jude climbed in beside Tommy, careful not to disturb him Jude slowly laid next to him, propping her head on her hand as she watched him. If it were possible Tommy's breathing seemed almost normal to Jude, his chest rose and fell evenly, his breaths not coming out in forced puffs. Many days Jude had laid in the same position counting his inhales and exhales, calculating when he would need the help from the oxygen tanks. Another sign Tommy was leaving her, so many doctors had told her patients tend to get better before they pass away. Her eyes roaming over his chest she finally looked up into his face, tears filling her eyes as she made herself more comfortable on her bed.

"I love you so much," Jude whispered.

"I love you too," Tommy spoke through pain filled words.

Jude would never love someone as much as she loved Tommy. Reaching out she touched her fingers to Tommy's clean shaven face, memorizing the feel of his skin on hers. At her contact Tommy turned into her touch, giving Jude access to roam her gentle fingers over his weakened body.

Minutes ticked away, Jude never noticed, too lost in trailing her fingers over Tommy's face, making sure every line, every dip was stored in her memory. His skin felt wonderful under her shaky hand, warm and smooth. As of late Tommy's skin had been cool to touch, somewhat rough from the side effects the medications had. Tommy's eyes opened and closed repeatedly, showing Jude he was aware of her presence, needing her as much as she needed him. His time was fast coming to an end, Jude felt it, so as her hands sketched her memory her mind and heart prepared for the hardest thing Jude would ever have to do.

"You don't need to hang on for me anymore," Jude's voice rang into the silent bedroom, her hoarse voice startling her. Swallowing the lump that had formed in the back of her throat Jude trailed her fingers over Tommy's lips, "I needed you to at first. I needed you for selfish reasons."

Tommy struggled to keep his eyes open, he was awake but his frail body fought him on simple tasks. Jude nodded her head in her final acceptance, her hand stopped on Tommy's cheek, his breath warming her straight through. A single tear fell from her eyes as she summoned the courage to speak again.

"I-I want you to know I'm letting you go," Blinking away more tears Jude's voice cracked, "You've been so, s-so brave Tommy. You fought a beautiful battle, I'm so proud of you. But like all. A-all things come to an end.

I wasn't ready, the thought of losing you," Jude paused to clear her throat. Tommy's eyes opened enough so Jude could see he was watching her. She had to do this, for him, "It was all selfish, me, me, me. I couldn't lose you because I couldn't move on, but now. Now I'm thinking about what is best for you."

Tommy's eyes blinked repeatedly in effort to keep them open, he failed, once again they closed from his weakness.

"These last few days you have fought to stay alive, I thank you for that--- you gave me the time I needed, now I'm giving it back," Using the pad of her thumb Jude traced Tommy's lips, "Whenever you're ready, don't fight it, spread your wings and fly," Leaning forward she pressed a soft kiss to his lips as tears fell from her eyes, "Fly away to a place that is better than this. That place in the sky where heaven awaits you, okay?" Kissing his lips again Jude pulled back before her tears fell on his face.

"I can picture it now," Tommy's eyes opened again as Jude continued to speak, their eyes meeting, "Blue skies, bright in color, always bright, never changing. White puffy clouds drifting lazily about, turning in shapes… Days are warm, just perfect, the wind carrying enough speed to ruffle your hair but not enough to mess it up," Smiling at Tommy Jude thought of how many times over the years her husband complained of his hair being messed up, "Scent of all the flowers filling the air, green grass, tress every where, leaves in all colors, reds, yellows, greens, even orange. They change depending on how the sun hits them as the hours pass. Rivers, lakes, oceans, the sounds of the varying waves crashing, filling your ears, filling your heart with a peacefulness you love."

Tommy always loved life's simple beauties, finding inspiration in the smallest of things. The moment she fell in love with him, she had been sitting along the pier, watching as the rippling water folded in and out as each wave rolled to shore.

"You think?" Tommy quietly questioned as he found himself picturing along with Jude where he was going.

"I do," Jude answered, "You will be happy. Joy you never felt here, you'll never be sick again, your body will be back to normal, and even better than it was," Jude's hand slipped inside of Tommy's, bringing it forward she kissed the tips of his fingers, "Your hands will once again play music. Theses fingers dancing over the piano keys, gliding over the guitar strings, just like you used to," Lightly squeezing his hand in hers Jude bent forward to kiss her husbands cheek, "Whenever I hear a piano I'll know it's you, playing with a smile on your face. Playing a special piece only we would know, one only our hearts could feel."

"Forever?"

"Until the day I'm with you again," Jude closed her eyes as another wave of tears threatened to fall.

"Don't cry," Tommy's whispered.

Smiling Jude looked over at her husband, "I'm trying."

"Thank you."

This time Jude failed in her attempts to keep her tears at ease… thank you. Turning away Jude's shoulders shook slightly from her need to cry. Tommy was thanking her for giving him permission to go. She had known he was fighting to stay alive, not for himself, but for her. She had not been ready to face the facts… Selfish in every way, Jude wanted Tommy for herself, not once thinking about what Tommy needed for him. His body was exhausted, needing to fall asleep for good, yet his heart still pumped and beat as the days passed. A gift he had given only to his wife. Dragging in a deep breath Jude calmed herself down before laying her head on the pillow Tommy was using. Their faces inches apart as they looked into each others eyes.

"Jude?"

"Yes?"

"I," Pausing to gather strength Tommy's voice fell to a small whisper, "I want you to be happy."

Jude's eyes clouded with confusion, "Happy?"

"Without me. I want you to find someone who will make you happy."

"Tommy. No" Jude shook her head as she pulled his hand up to hers, clutching on to it.

"You deserve to be happy when I'm gone," Tommy held her hand against his heart and hers, "Happy with someone else."

Jude's eyes widened, her breath caught in her throat. She would never move on from her husband.

"Jude---"

Before he could continue Jude interrupted him, "No!" Her voice came out more harsh than she intended it to, "No," lowering her tone Jude stared deeply into Tommy's eyes, "You make me happy. You'll always make me happy. The love I have for you is enough to last a lifetime, my heart is full forever, my mind holds you in thoughts everlastingly."

Pressing their joined hands against her heart Jude felt how rapidly it beat, Tommy felt it as well. The rhythm tapping a song against their fingers, a melody created only for them. Their eyes locked again, words unspoken flashing in their depths. Speaking of a love Jude would carry on until she died, speaking of a love Tommy was taking with him as he prepared for his flight with the angels.

Part Five

Voices carried across the house as Jude quietly tuned them out. Her family was in the other rooms making sure her house was in order, watching over her son as she said goodbye to Tommy. Three hours had passed, Tommy fell in and out of sleep, his breathing quiet as he braved the pain shooting through out his body. Jude never once left his side, she held his hand whispering to him how much she loved him. Once he asked her to sing, she had smiled and did as he wished. Her voice had filled Tommy completely, as his eyes drifted shut his wife's voice comforted him as he battled the ramifications of stopping his pain medications.

Jude's head rest against Tommy's chest, his heart humming against her ear. His fingers had played with her hair before he fell asleep again… thump, thump, thump. Closing her eyes Jude let the sound become her lullaby, her way of letting go… thump, thump, thump.

Tommy's eyes fluttered open, focusing on the room he was in. His bedroom, his and Jude's. His hand limply lifted to rest on Jude's cheek. Her eyes were closed as she listened to the sound of his heartbeats, she looked beautiful to him. Jude would never know how much Tommy loved her, how much she meant to him, especially this moment, the time in which she was allowing him to fly free… thump, thump, thump.

Tommy's eyes fell shut, his strength giving in for the last time, he wanted his last picture to be his wife, and it was, her face, skin so soft, her full lips, her long eyelashes, were embedded in his head. He no longer needed to fight to keep his eyes open… thump, thump, thump. Blue skies, bright in color, stretching as far as he could see, clouds of white, puffy in size, danced across the sky as they began to change in shapes. The wind strong enough to ruffle his hair, whispered against his face as it passed over. Flowers of every kind and color gave off their scents, he breathed in the richness of their beauty. Reds, greens, yellows and even orange leaves playfully hung from the trees that went on and on. Each one changing in color as the warm sun shined it's rays over the expanse. Rippling waves filled his ears as he moved closer and closer to see. Out in the distance he could spot bodies of water in all kinds, rivers, oceans and his favorite of all, a lake. The waves rolled in before pushing out, before once again rolling in. His feet sunk into the shallow water, his toes dipping into the sand… thump, thump, thump.

Tommy's heart beat against Jude's ear as she felt his hand touch her cheek, his body relaxed beneath her, his breathing slowed in peaceful rhythm before finally stopping altogether… thump, thump, thumpthump, thump, thumpthump, thump, thump. One by one the song in her ear slowed… thump. Thump Thump.

Tommy's heart beat for the last time, fading away as he no longer battled the cancer his body had been fighting. His hand still against her cheek Jude opened her eyes knowing what had happened. Not yet ready to except the loss.

"Tommy?" Grabbing hold of his hand Jude sat up, staring across at her husband, "Baby?"

Quickly Jude sat up pressing her fingers against Tommy's nose and mouth, desperately trying to find his shallow breaths. None were there.

"Tommy!" Shaking his shoulders Jude felt tears slide down her cheeks, "No, please wake up!" Cupping his face Jude sobbed, "Baby wake up, I lied, I'm not ready, come back… please come back."

Part Six

Jude's body sagged against her bedroom door as she stared blankly into the room in front of her. The noise from the door opening brought the attention of her family seated in the next room. Victoria was the first to respond, she took one look at her daughter before she knew what had happened.

"Oh honey," She cried as tears stung the back of her eyes.

Jude brought her hands up to her mouth before she fled the room, running past her family, her legs carrying her away, away from what had just happened. Reaching the front door she struggled to get the knob to turn before it finally gave way. The evening sun greeted her as she ran down the front steps, stopping in the middle of the yard.

Sadie and her parents followed Jude out of the house, they each paused on the porch watching Jude as her legs began to shake. Her sobs breaking into the evening air, lifting up only to be carried away into the open day. Jude cried into her hands as her legs gave out, sending her to her knees. The grass dug into her skin as she tore at the sprigs, violently pulling them out.

Victoria ran down the steps stopping in front of her daughter she sat down and wrapped her arms around Jude's shaking body.

"Shh, I'm here sweetheart," She cooed. Tears falling from her eyes, "I'm here," She repeated.

"W-what d-do I d-do?" Jude asked as she cried into her mothers embrace.

"One day at a time baby girl," Cupping Jude's face in her hands Victoria placed a kiss on her daughters forehead, "One day at a time."

"I c-can't," Tears slipped from Jude's eyes, "Oh God…. It hurts."

Sadie and Stuart took seats next to Jude and Victoria each wrapping an arm around Jude. All four of them grieving the loss of Tommy, drawing in support from the other, while holding on to Jude. Her sobs echoing into their hearts, heartbreaking and devastating.

Evening hours passed slowly into night as the sun began to set behind the mountains in the distance. Colors changing against the skies expanse, pinks and purples blending into the other, swirling around the clouds as they drifted through the sun set. Victoria and Stuart Harrison held on to their daughters as one cried for her sister, while the other cried from a broken heart.

Night fell on the four as they sat on the grass, letting their tears blend into one.