“Water,” she said, barely audible.

Henry carefully lifted her head and put a glass of water to her lips, helping her take a few slow sips while Amala held a clean handkerchief against Kat’s chin to absorb the water that didn’t make it past Kat’s parched lips. Henry set the glass back on the bedside table and asked, “Is that enough for now?”

“Yes,” Kat said a little more clearly with her mouth moistened. “Thank you.”

Henry gently guided her head back to the pillow, and Amala asked, “Is there anything we can get for you?”

“No, I’m fine,” Kat said. “Thank you.”

“Are you in much pain?” Henry asked.

“Not much,” Kat said. “I want to stay awake . . . for now. I’ll let you know if . . . I need more . . .” She didn’t finish; they all knew what she meant. “I’m so glad you’re both here. You’re never here . . . at the same time. I’ve been . . . praying . . . to talk to you . . . together . . . and you’re both here.”

Henry exchanged a glance with Amala that let him know she was as ignorant as he over what Kat might want to talk to them about.

“We’re listening, darling,” Amala said. “Just don’t wear yourself out.”

Kat kept her eyes closed, either too weak or still affected by the medicine that made her so sleepy. In a voice that carried an almost dreamy quality, she said, “I know it won’t be long now. A part of me doesn’t want to go . . . I would never choose to leave any of you . . . I hope you know that.”

“Of course, darling,” Amala said at the same time Henry said, “We would never doubt it.”

“But my being here has come to a point where I am only keeping the rest of you from living as you should. Having my family hover in this room simply because I’m here is ridiculous.” She coughed a little and asked for more water, and they repeated the procedure of moistening her mouth and throat enough for her to keep talking. Henry was amazed at how lucid she was; she’d already said more consecutive words than she had in several days. Another glance at Amala let him know she had noticed the same.

With Kat’s head again relaxed against the pillow and her eyes closed, she went on. “I’m not worried about any of you being able to move on and be happy; I know that all of you are strong, and you all have each other. I worry least of all about Harry. He is so loved and will live a good life. I feel so much peace to see how happy and healthy he is.”