The rest of the day went by in a blur. Lorraine tried to keep steadfast for the sake of her family, but the moment Judy came home from school and said the word "Mom" Ed could tell she was about to lose her composure all over again.
"Come over to the kitchen," Ed guided their daughter away so she wouldn't have to see her mother on the verge of tears, "I'll make you a grilled cheese sandwich while you tell me about your day,"
Lorraine didn't say very much that evening, as she still seemed to be at a loss for words. The following day wasn't much better, but by the evening she was ready to talk.
"A heart attack, of all things," Lorraine said as Ed held her in bed and stroked her hair. "The hospital said she likely died peacefully in her sleep. Perhaps that's the best way to go in that you don't feel any pain, but still…I didn't have the chance to say goodbye,"
"She loved you, and you loved her," Ed said. "In the end, I think a lifetime of love makes up for not getting to say one final goodbye," Ed hoped his words didn't sound uncaring; he loved Georgiana as much as any son-in-law could. But it hurt to watch the love of his life in this much pain, and he wanted to help in whatever way he could.
At least this time she wasn't locked away alone in a room for eight days.
Lorraine gave no response to the comment, so Ed rested his head on top of hers. Their line of work could be taxing, and there were times when both needed this type of silent reassurance. For Lorraine, it tended to be when she had violent visions; for Ed, it was when he'd been physically assaulted by the paranormal. Both knew their limits and when to ask for help, and this was one of the times Lorraine needed Ed.
They stayed like this late into the evening, talking about Georgiana until Lorraine finally said, "What I don't understand is why I haven't seen her yet,"
Ed tilted his head and looked questioningly at his wife. "What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean," There was a hint of disdain in Lorraine's voice as she pulled back and sat against the bedframe. "I've seen spirits my whole life, so why haven't I seen my mother?"
"There has to be a reason," Ed said gently. "I doubt your mother is a restless spirit. And I'm sure she went to heaven right away,"
"But I'm her daughter!"
Ed winced at the comment. It was unlike Lorraine to get cross, particularly when it came to matters of faith. He knew her emotions were running like a roller coaster; they were for all three of the Warrens. But this was a side of Lorraine Ed rarely saw, and when he did, he wasn't always sure how to react.
Luckily, the edge to Lorraine's voice disappeared as quickly as it came. "I'm sorry," she apologized after a moment as she laid down on Ed's chest. "It's just…there's so much I don't understand,"
"We don't have to figure it all out tonight," Ed reminded her. "Maybe there's some things about your gift that we just won't ever understand,"
Lorraine closed her eyes and turned on her side, adjusting her head so her ear was above his heart. "Can I listen to your heartbeat for a little while?" she asked. "The rhythm is soothing. And it reminds me of how much life we have left to live,"
Ed kissed Lorraine's head. "You can listen as long as you want,"

[Note: The idea of Lorraine asking why someone who's passed on hasn't reached out to her is taken from the film "Voice From the Stone".]