“I’m here, Mom. I’m right here,” Hunt said, and gently squeezed her hand. “I’ll do what you asked.”

Her lips parted again. “Promise?”

He leaned over and spoke softly, near her ear.

“I promise. I’m here now. You’re free to go.”

Marjorie exhaled. The light was brighter, and there was no longer a weight on her heart. She let go of her son and let God take her home.

Now all four siblings were staring in disbelief, wondering what the hell just happened. Their mother had been hanging on to life like this for almost a week, and the prodigal son walked in and told her it was okay to go. And she died? Just like that?

Ava was trying to find a pulse, but it was gone.

Marjorie’s heartbeat had flatlined on the monitor.

Emma’s voice rose an octave. “Is she dead?”

Tears were rolling down Junior’s face, and Ray was wiping his eyes.

Birdie, the youngest daughter, covered her face and started to weep.

Moments later an RN came hurrying into the room. She felt for a pulse, then looked up at the clock.

“Time of death, 1:15 a.m.”

There were tears on Ava’s cheeks.

“I’m so sorry. My sympathies to all of you.”

Emma hugged her. “Thank you for taking such good care of Mama,” she said.

Hunt had yet to speak to any of his siblings, and was still holding on to his mother’s hand. He knew they were gathering up their things and walking out of the room, but he had nothing to say to any of them now. That would come later.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Ava.

“I’m so sorry, Hunt, but grateful you made it. At the last, you were all she talked about.”

“Thank you for taking care of her,” he said, then let go of his mother’s hand, picked up his helmet, and walked out.

Ava had heard pain in the pitch of his voice, but he did not need her concern or her care. Losing a patient was the hardest part of being a nurse, but in this instance, Ava was at peace. Marjorie Knox had suffered a long time. She was no longer sick or in pain, and that was a blessing.

Hunt was on his way back up the hall when he saw his siblings getting in the elevator. He pictured them standing in the lobby downstairs, waiting for him to come down next, and took the stairwell instead.

* * *

He was already out in the parking lot and on his Harley as they finally walked out of the building. They watched him ride away without acknowledging any of them.

“Well, dammit, there he goes,” Ray said.

“Did any of you ever know where Hunt went when he left town?” Birdie asked.

“I didn’t,” Emma said.

“Me either,” Junior said, while Ray shook his head.