“Tush up hon,” the kind nurse with a hint of a drawl in her
voice says, as she changes my pads. My mom is helping to pick me up and
everything aches. I want to scream, but it’s more guttural, always has been. I’d
just assume lay in my own waste and be comfortable a day or two than be clean
and in unbearable pain this close to the end.
Still, I guess I get it. I can’t fault ‘em for running a
tight ship. Their just doing their job and letting me die in the comfort of my
own home is a job I’m grateful anybody will do at all.
I’m fading fast. Everyone in the room knows it. My mom is
the only one who can’t admit it to herself. I don’t blame her for her denial.
The prognosis went from a few months, to a few weeks, to only a few days in
less time than it takes to get a gun. If I hadn’t known it to be the end, I’d
be in denial too.
I’m more out than in now. Consciousness doesn’t have the allure
it once had. I overheard the nurses tell my mom it won’t be long before my
breath becomes thready, signaling the end. A day or two tops.
But I ain’t giving up yet. I gotta hold out ‘til Henry gets
here. He made me promise.
I’m not sure what time it is, when mom whispers in my ear
that Henry made it. He’s a blur. I can’t make him out, but his voice comes through
loud and clear. I’m not sure if I’m smiling or even if I can. I
hear his voice and I’m at peace with him, with mom, with everything.
I had a lot I wanted to say, but no real way of saying it.
Without wasting any time, he brought out his guitar and started strumming and I
realized there was nothing left to say.
************************************************************
The following story is my entry into the Trifecta Challenge, this week's word being tush.
9 comments:
A sad and powerful write this. Your striking line is "I'm fading fast" and makes the reader push on, hoping for Henry to get there. Am glad he does. Thanks for linking up!
Love this line:
Consciousness doesn’t have the allure it once had
There really isn't that much to say in the end.
Sad write - well done. Great use of the prompt and great look at her inner thoughts.
I have a lump in my throat, but managed not to cry. I'm amazed at how a dying person does have some control over how long they can hang on when there is reason to do so (like the person they want to be with them one more time.) This actually happened with my grandpa. He'd died while I was on my way (the nurse checked and there was no pulse.) But he came back, and passed away a couple hours later, with all of us in the room.
Oh, this is so sad.
This was a very sad touching read, that brought a tear.
My Aunt died in her home from cancer, its hard on everyone, but she went in the matter of her choosing with family and friends around. In a circle of love.
Really touching and beautiful.
Very poignant and well told!
@Glynis Re: "My Aunt died in her home from cancer, its hard on everyone, but she went in the matter of her choosing with family and friends around. In a circle of love."
My Aunt also died, this June in fact. She was partially the inspiration for this story. She got to die overlooking her roses which is what she wanted.
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