“Neela, don’t,” I beg. Her tears run faster, coloring her face as her blood drains out of her. “My dear child. I must join him in death. Who else will take care of him if I don’t? It was my time long ago. I only stayed for him. Now…now it’s time for me to go.” And she does. I’m numb, unable to feel anything. Empty space is all that remains. They’re gone. They’re all gone. And they’re never coming home.
