Chapter 271: Dumonts

It was just too much. Dad's eyes closed a moment later, energy gone, back to a sleep he might never rise from.

Mom appeared as if she knew somehow it was done. Meira stayed where she was, but I had to go, had to leave, to get away from them, from this tragedy, this loss.

I'd only just now learned to truly love my father and he was leaving me.

My moment of weakness was bound to have consequences. But hopefully the family had seen enough they wouldn't judge me for it.

Not that I really cared if they did. My dad was dying. And there was nothing I could do about it.

My favorite retreat, the back yard, called to me. I stumbled through the crowd, down the stairs and out the door, rushing out into the cool embrace of the early evening air, a hint of bitter cold still lingering. I breathed in, tasting the flavor of newly cut grass, felt the hum deep beneath me of the sleeping Wild as they snoozed their way through time. This was familiar, welcome, brought me more peace than I expected.

W