She told them to get to the hospital as soon as possible and what had happened. Christina promised that they would be okay until they got to the hospital and hung up with them.
Next she called Shannon and told her to get on the next plane to Florida. Shannon asked why and Christina explained what had happened. They cried with each other until Christina heard the ambulance arrive. Christina continued to follow the plan she had made up if this ever happened. She gave the EMT's the information they needed, and the beginning of the paper work for the Do Not Resuscitate Order as she hung up the cordless phone, grabbed their cell phone, the bag she had pre-packed to make it easier, and locked the door. They had discussed everything that could happen and had packed a bag with a few belongings that he knew would make it easier on him. Lance had been scared about this day but also knew it was coming. He could feel his body grow weaker each day and each day required more effort to continue.
A few days before Christina had noticed a change in Lance and decided it was time to start preparing for the worst. As he slept one day she sat down and packed the belongings he wanted for the hospital. She cried as she placed pictures of their friends, and the group, and his family in the bag, and the CD's he had cherished were next. She finished the bag off with a comfortable outfit for him. Christina had placed the bag in the hall closet and didn't think about it again until that day.
Christina climbed into the back of the ambulance, after they had loaded Lance. He hadn't woken up again since he fell, but she hadn't let go of his hand except to let the paramedics in to do their work.
Christina called the only number she could think of as the ambulance made it's way to the hospital. When Lynn, Justin's mom, answered the phone Christina quickly asked if any of the guys were there. Christina began to cry harder when Lynn said they had all just left for an afternoon shopping trip and she didn't know when they would be back. Then Lynn asked why and Christina explained everything that had happened and how she was scared and couldn't think of anyone's cell phone numbers. Lynn noticed the child like voice of the 24-year-old woman, and promised to get ahold of them some how and get them there as soon as she could hunt them down. Christina thanked her and pulled the phone away from her ear.
Clicking off the phone Christina kissed Lance's hand and begged him to stay strong. She knew he was going to die but she wasn't ready to let him go. She couldn't imagine life without him. All the strength Christina had shown drained from her body as she her sobs became harder. She sat back against the seat and closed her eyes in prayer.
"Dear God, Why? Why now? Why him? I am so scared. I'm not strong; I'm scared and weak. I don't want to be alone in this world without him. He's what I live for and what I would die for. Help me to be strong and help those around me. I know they need my help now. God give me the strength to help him. These last few days or hours or minutes of his will be hard. It has to be hard for him to know he is going to die and to not be able to do anything about it. Just help him and heal him. Let Shannon and the rest of the group get to the hospital safely. Lord, I am not ready to give him up, please give me a little more time with him. Please Lord just more time" Christina continued to plead with God as the ambulance pulled up to the hospital.
They rushed Lance in and she was taken to the front desk to sign paper work. After filling out a hundred forms and making sure that they knew all his wishes Christina went to the waiting room where Lance's parents were. She hugged them and they sat down together on a couch all three thinking, remembering, and praying. Looking up as they heard the door slam open Christina saw the four guys running in followed closely by the girls. She tried to smile, but only managed to cry as they walked in and sat down. She told them how Lance had fallen and how he hadn't woke up on the ride and that she hadn't saw him since he got there. Everyone sat silently or talking quietly as they waited on the doctor to come talk to them.
Christina looked at her friends all sitting with sad tired looks. Looking around the room she saw JC holding Chrissy in his arms as she cried. She was trying to be quiet but her sobs were mixed with others in the room. Carla was talking quietly with Chris as she lay with her head on his chest and his arms around her. Justin sat holding Pam in his arms trying to keep her calm. Joey and Sarah sat staring at each other unsure of what to say. Everyone held close to his or her loved one afraid to let go. Lance's parents say praying that he would get better, but knowing that he wasn't going to.
Christina felt the room closing in on her and stood up to get some air. She couldn't sit there anymore and being in the room was driving her nuts. She walked out of the waiting room and out into the cool Orlando air. Slumping against a wall she sat thinking. She had finally managed to shut her tears off and wasn't going to let them resurface. She thought of all the time she had spent with him. The man of her dreams laid in the hospital barely alive and in a few hours or days all she would have were memories. The memories that would now forever haunt her. She could remember every moment of their time together. She remembered what it felt like to hold his hand that first time, and what their first kiss was like, what it felt like to fall asleep in his arms and wake up with the sun on their faces. Christina couldn't stop the memories from flooding into her mind. She thought of their walks on the beach, moon light swims, and horseback rides.
As she sat remembering she didn't notice Justin walk up to her and sit beside her. He was the only other guy close to her age and when he saw her leave he gave her a little time then wanted to make sure she was okay. He was like a brother to her just as the rest of the guys were. Justin sat silently until Christina noticed him. He gave her a hug and then held her hand as she sat crying.
Christina couldn't keep the tears in anymore. The memory that had gotten through her emotional barrier, was their only honeymoon. They had been so in love then and now he wasn't going to be here anymore. Christina continued to cry as Justin tried to comfort her. His own thoughts were a mess. He didn't understand why God was doing this to his friends, or why he would do this to anyone at all. Justin was the baby of the group and at this stage in his life he shouldn't have to be dealing with this. His friends were all healthy and alive and now he was about to lose one. Christina and Justin sat quietly trying to figure out why God was doing what he was until both felt slightly better.
They stood and walked back in with Christina leaning slightly on Justin. She felt dizzy and sick but couldn't figure out why. She hadn't eaten that day but her stomach was upset when she woke up and figured she'd grab something later, but it hadn't happened. Justin led Christina to a couch and sat her beside JC and Chrissy, and Pam and himself. She sat there tired and sad unsure of what to say or how to say it.
Sitting on the couch Christina felt the lights in the room grow dim and her eyes shut as she fell against the back of the couch. Chrissy turned to her and yelled at JC to get a nurse. Everyone backed away slightly to give her room to breath and the doctors put her on a gurney then rushed her back to an examining room. She woke up to the smell of smelling salts. Christina answered all the doctor's questions, gave them the blood they wanted, and explained that she was sure it was because she hadn't eaten that day. They released her to go back to her friends and told her they would come and get her when they got the results. When Christina walked back into the waiting room she quickly told everyone she was fine and that she had just passed out from lack of sleep and that she needed to eat and then she would be fine.
No one believed her but knew not to push it. Everyone had noticed how Christina had changed in the past few months. She had grown motherly and was always helping people. She had also started to be sick more, eat less at times and more at others, and sleep a lot more. No one knew for sure what was wrong but everyone had his or her suspicions.
Christina sat on the only couch that faced the door and kept her eyes glued on it. As soon as the doctor entered the room everyone gathered around and listened intently.
"Lance's blood pressure and pulse are extremely weak. We put him on a stronger pain medicine, and ran some more tests. Basically what I thought would happen did. The cancer has taken over 90% of his vital organs. It didn't start really spreading until the beginning of October, but he swore me to secrecy. He didn't want you all to worry all the time. He's lucky to be alive right now. I am surprised he survived the ride here in the ambulance. I had warned him that when the cancer finally took over it would be quick, one day he could feel fine and the next, well you all know what I am saying. It almost seems to me that he can't give up yet, like the still feels there is something to fight for." Dr. Eickman said as she looked to each person standing before her.
"Well.what can we do?" Christina asked. Her eyes burned as she fought to keep from crying too much.
"Be there, hold his hand, give him your blessing, tell him to rest, and wait. Only God knows how much longer he will be here. He's a strong man, but he can't fight forever."
"Thank you" Christina said. The doctor left the room and went back to her rounds as everyone sat in the chairs close to Christina.
"Christina, what can we do?" Justin asked.
"Just what the doctor said. We need to be sure that someone is there as much as possible." She answered "OMG.Shannon" she said out loud. "I forgot to call and make sure she got a flight. I'll be right back," Christina said as she exited the waiting room. She dialed the phone number as her tears ran down her face. Sinking against the wall Christina waited as the phone rang. She felt as though she couldn't be strong on the outside and fall apart on the inside. She let herself cry as she continued to wait for an answer.
"Hello?" the voice answered.
"Shannon! When do you leave?" Christina asked. She had hoped that she was already on a plane to Florida.
"In ten minutes why? I'll be in Orlando by 8 P.M."
"OK, I'll make sure someone is at the airport to pick you up. Just hurry, please. I need to go here comes the doctor" Christina said as she took the phone away from her ear and looked at the doctor walking down the hallway. This time it wasn't Lance's doctor it was her's.
"Christina?" the doctor said.
"Yes, was I right just need to eat?" Christina asked hopefully.
"Not exactly. I told you what tests we were going to run right?" Christina shook her head yes, even though she couldn't remember them all. "Well I think I figured out why you passed out and while not eating does play a part in it that isn't the biggest concern. When did you say you went on a vacation last?"
"It was two or so months ago almost three now. Doctor please just tell me. I have to get back in to Lance and see what is going on." Christina said in an annoyed tone.
"Well, Ms. Harmon, you are pregnant. I would say two, closer to three months." The doctor said.
"I'm what?" Christina asked shocked.
"You're pregnant. And it seems to be healthy by what I could tell today. You need the normal check-up and the normal tests ran, but for the most part you seem to be healthy."
"Doctor." Christina paused reading the name-tag, "Doctor Turner, I can't be pregnant."
"Uhm.hun I know you are shocked and probably quite tired. You said you have been feeling tired, and sick lately but figured it was the stress. Well it was just the normal pregnancy symptoms. When was your last cycle?" the doctor asked, "That should help us pen-point the date better."
"Uhm, maybe August or so I don't remember." Christina said.
"Well, that would put the conception date at about September, so you are almost three months."
"You can't be serious. I am here with my fiancee who is dying and you are telling me I am pregnant." Christina said. She had figured that she was sick from the stress the idea of her being pregnant never crossed her mind. She couldn't understand everything that was happening around her.
"I am very serious. Well, I will leave you alone now to do some thinking. I don't know what you want to do but if you want to abort the baby you have to do that soon."
"Doctor do you seriously think I want to do that. This baby is the only link that I will have after today to my fiancee I am not going to end its life. I'm sorry about how I have been acting since you told me. I am just in shock. I had no clue that I was pregnant. I'm sorry. Uhm.how soon do I need to get into a doctor?"
"The sooner the better, but until then take care of yourself and try not to stress yourself out. I know this is a very emotional time for you and I hope you will remember that the baby can feel anything you are feeling. Eating is very important right now. You have to eat to make sure the baby is healthy, even if you don't feel like it. Sleep is important also. Make sure to get more then you normally would, but you said you were sleeping a lot lately so that is good. Don't lift anything heavy or pull on boxes or anything. Right now you are healthy and fine but that could all quickly changed depending on how you take care of yourself in the next couple months. Be sure to think before you do anything." The doctor said.
"Thank you, Doctor Turner, I will try to get into the doctor soon, but."
"I know you have a lot going on in your mind and life right now. Here's my number at my office and a friend of mine's number. Give us a call as soon as you can." The doctor said before she left Christina standing in the hallway.
"Oh my god I can't be pregnant." Christina said as she cried.
"You're what?" she heard a voice ask. Looking up she saw Justin and Pam standing in front of her. They had noticed that she had been gone for a while and had started to worry about her. Then saw her talking with a doctor and figured that it was Lance's doctor. So when the doctor left they walked over quietly and was about to say something when they heard her talking to herself.
"Oh shit.uhm I'm pregnant." Christina repeated.
"How far?" Pam asked.
"Two, well closer to three months."
"Oh Gosh!" is all they could say.
"What am I going to do?" Christina said as she looked up at the two standing in front of her. Her face was red from crying and pale from shock.
"You'll have a baby and take care of it just like you would have if you would have found this out and Lance was going to be here. You know everyone will be there to help you. Come on let's go talk to the rest of them." Justin said a he took her hand and pulled her to her feet and put an arm around her shoulder then took Pam's hand and led them into the waiting room.
"Great, isn't this day wonderful" Christina said through her tears.
"Calm down, it'll be okay and get better." Pam reassured her.
Walking into the waiting room they saw that Lance's parents were gone. And asked where they went. JC told them that they went to see Lance, and then asked what was happening.
"Sit down everyone!" Justin demanded. He knew that this was hard on Christina and that she would need everyone's help. They had to keep her from getting depressed and make sure she took care of herself.
"Why Justin?" Chris asked.
"Just do it and give Christina a few minutes." He said as they all sat down and Christina sat between Justin and Pam.
"Guys.I'm pregnant." Christina said.
"What?" JC asked.
"How?" Joey asked.
"Oh God, I should have figured that out," Carla said.
"Guys calm down please. I am three months pregnant and I don't know what to do. Lance is not going to make it through the night and it's obviously his baby, I don't know whether or not I should tell him. What do I do?" Christina said as she started to cry again.
"Christina, you have to let him know. If he doesn't already know. Just talk to him about it before he goes. We'll all be here to help you and support you in all ways. I'm sure everyone will be willing to baby-sit and help with everything." JC said as everything sunk in and he began to realize what was happening.
"I will think about it. I just don't know what to do. Gosh I'm so scared right now. I would be so happy to be pregnant if Lance wasn't."
"We know but maybe you were meant to get pregnant so that you would be alone after Lance was gone." Joey said.
"I guess." Christina said. "What happened to Lance's parents? I know they went back to talk to him, but shouldn't they be back by now?"
"I don't know." Chris said.
Christina looked at the clock it was 4 PM and it was going to be a long night for all of them. Lance needed to be able to say good bye to all of his friends before he could say good bye to the world. Joey and Sarah had went to get some food for Christina and the group and Christina had laid her head down on the side of a couch as she continued to remember her life with Lance. As she thought of the time when she had gotten pregnant she remembered thinking about protection but neither had actually used any. Every time they had been together he had been careful to use some sort of protection. But this time they just let the moment carry them. She cried as she thought about their walk on the beach their last night there and about all the months since then. She wondered if Lance knew that she was pregnant. He had been trying to get her to eat better and sleep more since they had gotten back. But she didn't listen and now she would have to start to care for herself more. When Joey and Sarah got back everyone ate as they waited on Lance's parents to come back.
Back in Lance's room, his parents sat watching him sleep. He still hadn't regained consciousness since he collapsed at the condo. As he slowly opened his eyes his parents looked at him and smiled. He tried to talk to them but couldn't help but cry as his mom sobbed into her hands. He told him loved them and that he was thankful that they were his parents. They told him they were proud of his life, and all that he had done. As Lance talked to them he told them to watch over Christina and to not lose contact with her. To always be sure to remember him. Lance asked them to make sure that Christina was okay at all times. He told them to not be mad at him if he had done something they didn't like but everything he had done to prepare for this day was done for a reason. Everyone cried as Lance fell back into unconsciousness. His parents walked out of his room knowing that would be the last time he talked to their only son while on earth.
Justin and Pam walked into the room after the Bass' left. They had left the waiting room to go for a walk but when they saw them leave they decided to be next. Standing on the left side of his bed they held his hand. He slowly woke up and breathed slowly.
"Pam, you're a great friend. Don't ever change. Don't let anything tear your soul down. Always shine." Pam cried as she leaned down and hugged Lance. Knowing what she did about Christina made her want to tell Lance, but she didn't knowing that it wasn't her place. She knew he would have been a great dad, but also knew he would never get the chance. As she stood up Lance continued, "Baby J.you've always been there for me. Don't lose yourself in any way. Always remember your faith even when it's hard to keep it. Now I'll be looking in on you from heave from time to time and you better be good. When you wonder about your angels in heaven know I will be there and also know that I will check on Laura. We'll protect you together. I'll make sure she's okay for you and keep her protected. Just don't forget what we have learned from all of this and don't change." Lance's eyes rolled back in his head as his body was overtaken with pain. Justin could only cry as he thought of what his friend had said and what it meant. He hugged Lance and then crying he took Pam's hand and walked out of the room.
They saw the others and both exchanged worried looks. They knew Lance was weak and that there was much left for him to say. They could only hope he would be able to say it all. Chris and Carla stood next. It was almost as if God was willing them to go to their friend. As they entered hi room they were both frightened by the beeps and lights of the monitors and machines. With Chris' arm around her Carla sat on the stool beside the bed and took Lance's hand. Her touch brought him back from his sleep.
'I can't give up until I have talked to everyone and know that they will = be okay.' He thought to himself before he looked up to his friends sitting in front of him. "You two are a wonderful people. I promise you that one-day you will be parents, it might not happen as soon as you want it too but it will. Just be patient and let nature take its course. I can tell you know that the baby will be healthy and happy, and that with the love you to have for each other you will always be happy. Never lose the love you hold now." Lance hugged his friends and closed his eyes as they turned and left the room.
He was so weak and tired but something kept him going. He loved them all so much and couldn't stand to not tell them how much. 'God just six more people. Please give me enough time to say my good-byes. I know I keep asking for more time, but just let me make it through this and I will be yours forever.' Lance prayed as he heard the door open. He looked up to the door and saw Joey and Sarah walk in hand in hand. Above the door the clock read 8 PM. Shannon's plane had just landed and Jonathan was meeting her at the airport, then bringing her to the hospital.
"Joey, don't ever lose your smile. Always stay cheerful. Don't forget the old times but look to the future always. Sarah try to keep him in line," Lance joked as he breathed deeply. His breathing had become shallow and often. He felt as though his lungs were filling with water making it hard for him to breathe. "It'll be hard but try. Someday you two will realize how lucky you are to have each other. Not only are you each other's best friend but also your soul mates. Love each other always" Lance collapsed as he felt a pain shoot through his body. They walked out of the room after saying goodbye.
JC and Chrissy stood next and walked into his room. They had = been sitting and talking to Christina trying to keep her calm. She was having a hard time and had just told Lance's parents. They didn't know whether they should be upset, or happy. Part felt happy that their son would be a daddy but they realized that he wouldn't be alive to see his child born. Christina and Lance's parents sat talking about what would happen over the next few weeks and months and how they would handle it. They agreed that Lance had a right to know that he would be a father and agreed that Christina would tell him when she went in.
Chrissy and JC stood next and walked into his room. They stood silently watching him sleep. As if knowing he was being watched he woke up and looked at them. They all hugged and Lance spoke. His voice was slightly more then a whisper, and grew quieter with each minute.
"Chrissy, always remember you are doubly gifted. Not only are you a great nurse but you also have a tremendous ability to write. Use both in all things you do. Don't lose faith and know there's a plan." Lance paused as his body felt with pain and fear. He felt the end was near but didn't know when but it was close. "JC.big daddy.man we've been through a lot together. You and your dang Jazz music. Dang that can be annoying." Lance coughed then continued "Take care of each other. I'll be there in June when you start your lives together. Don't forget why you love each other. Please help take care of my girl, she needs your help in many ways." Lance finished as his eyes fluttered closed.
They both said a prayer that Lance wouldn't be in pain and left the room. As they were walking out Shannon ran into the hospital followed closely by Jonathan. She had been crying the whole flight and her face was red and puffy. Shannon had called Christina when she got to Orlando to check on Lance, and Christina told her about the pregnancy. Shannon knew how important being a father was to Lance and she cried as she thought of what a great loss it was going to be when he died.
Shannon went into the waiting room with JC and Chrissy. She walked to Lance's parents and hugged them then hugged Christina. They sat down and told her the latest as the doctor walked in to update them. She told them that she increased his medicine and that she really didn't figure that he would be able to hold on much longer. She apologized for her bluntness, but also explained that it was easier then acting like everything was going to be okay, when it wasn't.
Shannon walked into the hallway and to Lance's room as she tried to fight the tears that built up in her eyes. Opening the door Christina saw Lance lying against a white sheet, with the pictures of his family and friends all around him. He had picked out the pictures that made him happy and gave him the best memories of his life. While it had been a short life he had made the most of it. He didn't fell sad to be dying at a young age, only sad to be leaving his friends and family behind. Lance had done much thinking about his life and how he had lived it he was sure that he would go to heaven and that someday he would see all of his family and friends again. Shannon sat by his bed, laid it down, and cried.
"Lance, why do you have to go? You're suppose to be here to be my best man at my wedding someday. You are suppose to a God-parent to my children." Shannon cried as she tried to muffle her sobs. She suddenly felt a hand touch her shoulder. She jerked up to see Lance looking at her. He was so weak it seemed to be all her could do to keep his eyes open.
Looking at her he began to slowly speak. "Shannon, I will always be here for you. Maybe I won't be here in the flesh but I'll always be here in spirit. I'll be here to protect your children. I can do a better job from heaven then I ever could here on earth." Lance said and stopped as he tried to catch his breath. "I know you're scared and hurting but I am going to a better place. You'll make it I'm sure of it. You are stronger then you think you are." Lance paused again as pain shot through his body. He was no longer in great pain he could just feel random shoot of pain, "Remember the good times and forget the bad. Remember when we were like five and you broke your arm. You thought it was the end of the world and I told you you'd be okay. Well I was right then. I am right now. You'll make it I promise."
Shannon reached up and hugged him. As she sat back down his eyes closed to fight the need to give up and not continue. The monitors slowed and began to beeper more slowly, they continued to slow until they reached a level then smoothed and continued somewhat evenly. She didn't want to leave but she knew his end was near and that he still hadn't saw Christina and she knew he needed to.
"Lance don't give up yet. Hold on a for a few more minutes." She whispered before walking out of the room. Shannon walked with a strength she didn't know to the waiting room. Everyone looked up at her face as she said to Christina, "Go now.go to him."
Christina stood with out saying anything and walked out of the room. She paused in the hallway to collect her thoughts then went into Lance's room. She hadn't been in there since he arrived at the hospital and as she entered she noticed that it wasn't the normal blinding bright room. It was dull and seemed to have a loving, peaceful glow in it. Christina loved him so much and seeing him in so much pain caused her to want to die herself. She would have done anything to take some of the pain away. Christina rubbed her not yet protruding stomach before she walked into the room. She had made a vow with herself to not let anything bad ever happen to this baby. It was her last link to Lance and she knew it had to always be safe no matter what. Christina sat on the edge of Lance's bed and looked at him. She felt the tears weld up in her eyes as she looked at him. They both sat crying and watching each other.
"I love you!" he said to break the silence. Christina could only nod in agreement. Her voice couldn't make its way out her mouth. "What do I say to make you feel better?" he asked more to God then to her.
"Lance honey." Christina started as she tried to think of how to say this to him, "Babe I don't know how to say this anyway but bluntly, I'm pregnant." She blurted out quickly.
"I figured that one out about a week or two ago." He said calmly, "I'm not stupid and the symptoms all added up. I can't say I'm glad you are pregnant nor can I say I am sad. I am glad you are going to have something to live for. But I am sad that I won't get to be a father in the way I want to be." Lance said between coughs.
"Baby you will always be a father in my eyes. This is your baby and I will tell it all about it's daddy as it grows. I will tell him or her about how strong it's daddy was and how brave and loving and kind and caring. I will show him all the tapes and all the letters, everything I have. I promise you that I will care for it like we would if you were still here." Christina said as she sobbed.
"I know baby I know.take care of him or her for me. Please." Lance paused as pain and defeat filled his body, "I would do everything over again. I wouldn't change anything. My parents will have a grandchild from me, and you will have someone to care for and to continue to fight for. I know you won't give up now and that you will be okay. I am so glad and thankful to have fallen in love with someone so special. I always had a reason to keep fighting." Lance paused again as he tried to keep himself alive, his voice grew weaker as he talked, "and I'll see you in heaven someday. I'll be the one with the roses. Please don't forget about me, but don't live from the pass. Remember me and love me, but promise me you will go on with your life." Lance paused again as his words hit her, "Promise me someday you will take your engagement ring off or at least move it to a different finger. I will know then that you have went on with life. You can do what you want with all my stuff but anything you want is yours. I love you so much. I don't think you could know how much." Lance couldn't say anymore as his breath was taken with his pain. He took her hand and gently lifted it to her mouth and kissed it. Lying on the bed he jerked slightly and closed his eyes.
Christina looked at the man she loved and tried to blink away a few of the tears, but they just came harder. His once peachy complexion was now a pale white and his eyes were sunken in. Christina sat with her back to the door and cried she heard the door open and felt people enter. She couldn't look nor did she need to. She knew they were all there. She felt a hand rest on her shoulder, and knew it was Lance's mom. They both looked with tears in their eyes as this special young man slowly slipped out of the world. He continued to fight as if he waited for all of them to say they would be okay.
'I can't go until I know she will be okay.' Lance thought to himself, as his mind cluttered with emotions and pain. His breathing became rugged and irregular and he began to rattle as he breathed. His lungs were almost completely full of fluids, but he continued to force himself to breathe.
"Lance, I love you more then words can say. I won't forget you ever. There's no way I could. You have done so much for me. You have given me a baby to care for, and I promise you that I will go on with my life someday. I will take care of myself and make sure the baby is born healthy but I can't promise I will ever take my ring off. That is something that seems impossible at this point. I love you more then anything. Rest now baby! It's okay.we'll be okay," Christina said between sobs, as she leaned in and gently kissed him one last time.
As she sat back on the bed she heard the monitor grow quieter and finally the beeps stopped. She watched as the chest of the man she loved rose and fell one last time. "I will always love you" she repeated. As the nurse turned off the monitors and wrote in his chart time of death 11-29, 12:01 A.M.
