My Daughter
Melody was crouched at the water cooler filling a Dixie cup when she heard Anthony come up behind her. She knew it was him by his shuffle.
"He's asking for you."
Melody wiped a tear from her cheek before she turned around. She knew Anthony was expecting her to say something, but she didn't, and finally he relented when he recognized her stubbornness.
Her mother lay beside her father on the bed in outright defiance of the hospital staff. She had his hands clasped in hers, holding him as if they were falling.
"Shhh," Rory hushed.
Amy shook her head. "Together or not at all, remember?"
Rory pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek. "It's okay. It's not over for you. You'll see me again, Amy."
"And if I don't?"
Melody moved to the other side of the bed and touched her father's shoulder.
"Melody. My little Melody Pond. Anthony? Where'sā"
"Right here, Dad."
"You take care of each other."A wheeze squeezed out of his throat. "This is what I always dreamed of. It feels just how I thought it would. So ā so warm."
"Rory!" Amy pleaded. She gripped at his collar.
Rory smiled serenely. "I'll be waiting..."
