TRIGGER WARNING: MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
In loving memory of Katherine Helmond 1929-2019
A quiet evening in Radiator Springs until...
Red comes dashing out of the curio shop in a panic with his siren blaring. He arrives at the firehouse and wakes up a tired Rose.
"Red what's wrong? Slow down so I can understand you honey. Deep breath." Rose said as tears formed in her boyfriends windscreen. He motioned towards the curio shop as if to tell her that there was something wrong with Lizzie and Rose could tell that something was very wrong.
Rose moved with urgency knowing that time was life. With Lizzie's age, even a simple cough would mean the end for her. Not to mention if she caught the virus.
The two arrived to a scene of chaos. It looked as of Lizzie was restocking books when it happened. Lizzie's breathing was labored, her eyes were half open, and half her face was drooping.
"Wh-hahaht I-is ha-ha-pp-ening." Lizzie slurred.
Fast. FAST. Facial drooping: Looks like its drooping to her left. Axel strength: Most of her weight is on her right. Slurred speech: Definitely.
"Stay here. I'll get Ramone. " Rose instructed Red.
Red nodded his hood in acknowledgment. He wanted to cry. It took all of his strength to not, but he knew he had to be brave for Lizzie. Him crying would just scare her.
Ramone's House of Body Art
Rose comes running into the shop panicked.
"Ramone! It's Lizzie. She's had a stroke." Rose explained quickly as Ramone dashed out with her. He was annoyed to be mid-paint job but he knew time was life.
Back at the curio shop
Ramone assesses Lizzie as Rose and Red look on.
"Yep. Definitely a major stroke. I don't want to risk anything by moving her to my shop, and I don't think she has long left. Rose, I suggest you gather the townsfolk. We don't have much time with her left." Ramone explained while trying his hardest not to cry.
The townsfolk gathered out front of the curio shop. Mater and Ramone gently moved Lizzie out onto the patio where she always loved to watch the town bussle about. She tried her best to smile but it was difficult. She felt loved and comfortable even though some were more emotional than others.
"Whahahhhat is goio-oin ohn?" Lizzie slurred "Whehere a-am I" "I-I ca-n't mo-ove" Lizzie began to panic.
"Shhhhhhhhhh" hushed Red, who was in his spot next to her. His hush seemed to calm her slightly. Red was only just keeping his composure. He hated to see his old friend and loving patriarch whom he cared for for many years in such a vegetative state. He had tears, but at this point everyone did.
Rose began to pluck a beautiful tune on her etwahl, the tune was familiar to Lizzie. Rose began to sing a lovely song.
"Remember me,
Though its time to say goodbye
Remember me,
Don't let it make you cry
For even if you're far away
I hold you in my heart,
I sing this special song to you
Each night we are apart
Remember me
Though it's time for us to part
Remember me
Each time you hear this very song,
I'll Know that youare with me
in each way that you can be,
Until the day we meet again,
Remember me"
Lizzie smiled in the best way that she could.
"St-Stanley w-wo-would s-sing m-me that s-so-song."
Suddenly her voice went from a normal volume to a whisper. "I-I'm c-c-co-coming h-home, Stan-l-key... C-can y-y-you s-sing s-some m-mo-m more R-Rose?" Lizzie slurred as her life slipped away.
Rose nodded her hood and took a deep breath before plucking out the familiar melody on her etwahl again.
She started humming and then continued with the final verse. She could feel Lizzie's spirit gradually slipping into her.
"Remember me,
For I know you'll soon be gone
Remember me,
I'll let the love you gave live on,
I know that you are with me every way that you can be
Until the day we meet again,
Remember me"
As Rose finished singing no she looked up at Lizzie and she could tell that she had passed. Ramone did a check over of her and confirmed "She's gone. She's with her beloved now."
All of the townsfolk stayed and cried within the comfort of each other for a few moments before returning home, and closing up for the day.