Requiem For Empire

The family has gathered in the cramped room. The only sounds are the muted bleeps of machinery, the raspy gasps of breath, and Aunt Maggie’s sniffles. Uncle Sam lies quietly on the bed, oblivious to the long, sallow faces staring down at him. Cousin Vinny nods slightly to the orderly, who leans down to pull the plug, then beats a hasty retreat from the room. Uncle Sam shudders briefly, then his body goes limp — the long goodbye is over.

The family slowly leaves the room, some consoling others. A...