“I’m your grandmother, Grace.”
Now that she’s said as much, yes, I can see it now. “I’m sorry I didn’t know. The picture my grandpa has up of you are old and…”
“It’s fine. I’m so happy to meet you.”
I don’t want to be happy to meet her because she’s dead and that would mean I’m… I can’t bring myself to say the word, fearing that doing so would put some finality into my situation. I’m not ready. I haven’t had the chance to tell everyone how I feel or do the things I’ve wanted to do.
I’m almost afraid to ask, but I have to know. “Am I dead?”
“No, you seem to be taking your time crossing over. Your dad and I have been waiting.”
“My dad? He’s here?”
She nods. “He’s with your mom right now. He’s been here the entire time, watching over you and your sister.”
“Why can’t I see him?”
“He’ll make his presence known when the time is right, but for now, he’s comforting your mother so she doesn’t feel lost.”
But that’s Harrison’s job.
I look back at
Noah and wonder what he’s doing with that man. They seem friendly, like they’ve known each other for years, yet I’ve never seen him before in my life.
“Is he a good man to you?”
“He’s a friend,” I say, shaking my head.
“But you’re in love with him.”
“Doesn’t matter how I feel anymore.” I look at him one last time before turning my attention back to my grandmother. “What’s it like? Dying?”
“It’s different for everyone. For me, it was peaceful. I was ready to stop the pain.”
“And for my father?”
“He had a harder time with it. He was young and had his whole life ahead of him. Mason fought hard to stay, but the damage was extensive.”
“Like mine. I’m not supposed to make it through the night.”
She doesn’t say anything. She doesn’t have to. I gather she’s here to help me cross over or whatever it’s called. Just follow the light or so they say on television.
“If I go, will my mom be okay?”
“In time.”
“And what about my sister?”
“She’s strong, like you.”
“And my brother?”
She doesn’t answer, only nods. I get the impression she’s not fond of my family.
“My grandpa Powell, he loves Quinn. And Harrison.”
“As he should. They’re good men, but I’m not tied to them like I am to your sister. I only speak about your mother because she survived when her husband passed away. That’s a testament to her character. But you, your sister and I are linked.”