Extract from ‘The Gift’ (Myths and Tales Volume 1)

The room was dark. The curtains were still drawn, blocking the greyish light from outside.

“I’m so scared!” Delia Babanin had said to her husband in a raspy whisper.

Nathaniel sat himself on the bed beside her. “Try not to be,” he told her taking her cold shaking hand in his. “I’m here with you,” he said. “I’m here.”

She had been so brave over the past few months. Even when the good doctor had told her that there was no hope she behaved like it was of no consequence to her. Nathaniel looked around their apartment in St Peter’s Gate. He wished he had given her more. She had deserved more. His writing career had never went the far reaches the both of them had hoped and now he was going to be left alone with their son – Hunter – so such silly dreams would have to be put aside for good.

Delia took a heavy wheezing breath. “You’re not alone,” Nathaniel assured her. “I’m here.”

Delia closed her eyes and slowly slipped away into the other world. Nathaniel and Hunter hoped that wherever she was she was at peace and could see how happy she had made them throughout her life.