They hurried to Theo’s room. Mara was waiting, and she gave Rian a sympathetic smile. “I’ll be waiting outside if you need me.”

“Thanks, Mara,” Rian said as she stepped over to Theo’s bed. Rafi took the chair to the side, not wanting to be in the way but wanting to be there for Rian. 

Theo’s eyes flit open. He gave Rian a weak smile. “You look beautiful, Sis.”

“Oh, you,” Rian said, shaking her head.

“Remember what I told you.” Theo’s gaze flitted over to Rafi.

“I will,” Rafi nodded. Theo had an almost gray pallor. Although Rafi had never seen anyone die, he instinctively knew that Theo wouldn’t live through the night. His gut clenched at the thought.

Rian looked at Theo curiously. “Guy talk, Ria,” Theo explained.

“OK,” Rian said, taking Theo’s hand. 

“Can you sing mom’s song?” Theo asked. “I really want to hear it.”

A myriad of emotions crossed Rian’s face, but her calm countenance won out, “anything you want.” She turned to Rafi. “Would you hand me the guitar beside you?”

Rafi nodded and handed her the instrument. She slipped the strap around her and sat on the stool beside Theo as she strummed.

“The wind blows hard against this mountainside.

Across the sea into my soul

It reaches into where I cannot hide.

Setting my feet upon the road.

My heart is old. It holds my memories.

My body burns a gemlike flame.

Somewhere between the soul and soft machine

Is where I find myself again.”

Her voice was thick with emotion as she continued to sing.

“Kyrie Eleison, down the road that I must travel

Kyrie Eleison, through the darkness of the night.

Kyrie Eleison, where I’m going, will you follow?

Kyrie Eleison, on a highway in the light

When I was young, I thought of growing old.

Of what my life would mean to me

Would I have followed down my chosen road?

Or only wished what I could be?

Kyrie Eleison, down the road that I must travel

Kyrie Eleison, through the darkness of the night.

Kyrie Eleison, where I’m going, will you follow?

Kyrie Eleison, on a highway in the light. “

 Theo smiled as the last of the song faded away. “Thanks, Ria. I just needed to hear it one more time.” He closed his eyes as Rian took his hand. Theo sighed and went limp.  

 She checked for a pulse. Finding none, her face twisted in grief as she whispered, “I’m sorry, Theo. I wish I could have done more.” Rafi stood up to comfort her. But she held a hand up, asking him to stay where he was. He watched in wonder as she pushed her grief away and called for Mara.  

Rian made phone calls to Theo’s doctor, the EMS, and the funeral home. Once Theo’s body had been removed, and all reports had been made, everyone but Mara had left. Mara turned to Rian with tears in her eyes. “You are amazing, Rian, and so was Theo. I’m sorry for your loss.” She hugged Rian before she let herself out the door. 

The door clicked shut, and Rian dropped to the floor.   Rafi raced over her as powerful sobs shook her body. He sat on the floor and pulled her to him. She had never shown any weakness, and now she was allowing him to see it all. Rubbing her back and close to tears himself, Rafi knew anything he could say would be… inadequate. The only thing he could do was stay with her. Be there for her. Let her lean on him. He tried for a moment to think about how he would feel if his brother died. Realizing how much that hurt to think about, he pushed the idea far from his mind. He couldn’t imagine how she felt.

Disclaimer: I was seriously channeling some Mr. Mister when I wrote this. The song rights are completely theirs.