I don't know how they managed to track me down, here in the medical bay, sitting by Tamar's side. I watch his little chest rising and falling, grateful for every movement. Tomorrow, we'll see the doctor and hopefully get some answers.
"Mrs. Lancier?"
The name sounds foreign. No one has called me it in a long time. I glance up at the man in military uniform. He hands me a parcel, salutes, and departs.
Carefully, I open the wrapping and a silver band falls into my palm. It's smudged with ash. I clean it on the hem of my shirt, finally recognizing the design. Eric's. My heart catches in my throat, as if this presents the final realization he's truly gone. He had promised he would never take it off. A part of my heart withers and fades completely.
"Mama?"
I meet the blue-gray eyes of my youngest child, gripping the ring tightly in my fist. "I'm here, baby."
I can feel the metal warming, imprinting itself into my palm. Tomorrow, I'll cast it into the lake on our estate, and bid my final goodbye. Moving forward is the only option now.
