Louise

Chapter 37

"Bless you for your grace, Louise...far more than I deserve," she whispered through joyful tears. "I go to my rest in peace now, knowing my son shall have a mother still." With these words, Lucy's eyes closed, and her chest rose and fell one last time. Theodore, overcome with grief, buried his face in his mother's chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Over the next few days, Louise remained faithfully at her sister's bedside along with little Theodore. Though Lucy grew weaker by the hour, she took great comfort in knowing that her son was in such capable hands. Theodore clung to Louise, his newfound mother, and she did her best to ease his sorrow while also instilling in him a sense of hope for the future.

Louise marvelled at the child's innocence as he played happily on the worn rug by his mother's bed, oblivious of the gravity of her condition. His laughter filled the room, a welcome reprieve from the sombre atmosphere that had settled over the house. She could not help but feel a sense of responsibility and overwhelming love for the little boy, knowing that she would have to fill the void left by his mother.

His face with rosy cheeks and lively brown eyes was quick to crinkle into smiles that revealed two tiny dimples. Chubby hands that were always sticky for some reason or another were often occupied by dragging around a tattered woollen lamb, his most prized possession. The rekindled bond between the sisters blossomed as they spoke for hours, making up for decades of lost time. They reminisced about long-ago shared memories from their childhood, laughed over silly stories, and even shared tears as they mourned the passing of their parents. The bittersweet recollections drew out ripples of laughter from both women, though weaker from Lucy.

In quieter moments, Louise gently cradled Theodore and pointed out objects around the shabby room, repeating their names to him. "Window, chair, table, lamp," she would say softly, touching each item. The child would respond by happily mimicking the words in his limited vocabulary. Sometimes they sang simple nursery rhymes together, Louise's melodic voice blending with his imperfect one.

At night, after Theodore had drifted to sleep with his fuzzy lamb, the two sisters would talk late into the night. Though much time had passed, it felt as if no years had come between them. Their conversation flowed, filled with whispered giggles and the shedding of a few nostalgic tears. When Lucy's energy inevitably waned, Louise would squeeze her hand affectionately and insist she rest. She would smooth back Lucy's hair and hum a soothing lullaby just as she had when they were girls sharing a bedroom without a care in the world. Sleep always swiftly embraced the weakened Lucy then.

In the quiet moments alone, Louise vowed that she would give her very life if it meant saving Lucy for just a few years more, so Theodore would know his mother's loving touch. But fate holds all our fates in her hands alone. Though it pierced Louise's heart, she knew Lucy's remaining time was dwindling down to the final grains in the hourglass. Yet she was determined Lucy's last days be filled with love and light, not unspoken words or regrets lingering. So, she gathered every ounce of strength to be the sister Lucy needed, pushing aside her own grief. Each smile or laugh was to be treasured, as the most precious of gifts.

Eventually, the day came when the pain in Lucy's side grew too sharp, her breath too shallow, and her limbs too heavy. Under the dim light, Louise held her twin sister close until Lucy breathed her last. And their restored bond shone brightly, even as their hearts shattered.

As the funeral procession wound its way through the cobblestone streets, a soft spring rain began to fall. Louise and Theodore, both cloaked in black, followed the coffin carrying their beloved Lucy to her final resting place. The child, clinging tightly to his new guardian's hand, sniffled softly as the rain trickled down his tiny nose. Though he didn't fully understand the significance of the occasion, he could sense the weight of sorrow that hung heavily in the air.

As they boarded the carriage after Lucy's funeral, Louise looked back at the house one last time. The rain had started to pour, washing away the tears that had fallen on her cheeks. She closed her eyes, praying a silent prayer. "May you find peace and happiness in the next life, my dear sister," she whispered. "And may you look after us from afar, guiding us in the right direction when we need you most."

With a deep breath, she turned her attention to Theodore, who was sitting on her lap, clutching his fuzzy lamb. The rain was now pouring down, obscuring the view from the carriage window. But even so, she could see the trees swaying gently in the breeze, their leaves dancing like emerald-green spirits. "Do you see that, Theodore?" she asked, pointing at a tall oak tree. "It's so beautiful, isn't it? Even on a day like today." The child nodded, his big brown eyes wide with wonder.

As they continued their journey, the scenery slowly began to change. The houses gave way to rolling hills dotted with sheep and grazing cows. A sense of peace and serenity filled the air, a stark contrast to the heaviness they had left behind. "Look!" Louise exclaimed, pointing to a group of deer grazing by a sparkling stream. Theodore pressed his small nose against the window, his eyes shining with delight.

At least I have this small piece of Lucy with me, she thought. The fuzzy lamb had been her twin sister's favourite toy as a child, and now it was Theodore's most cherished possession. As they continued their journey, they passed by a small pond where a family of ducks waddled about, their quacks echoing through the air. "Look, Theodore!" Louise exclaimed, pointing at the ducks. "They're just like the ones we used to feed in the park when we were little!" The child squealed with delight, his hands pressed against the window as if he were trying to reach out and touch them.

The ride didn't seem nearly as long or dreary as it had when they were on their way to the funeral. There was so much to see and explore along the way, each turn in the road revealing a new wonder for them to marvel at. They stopped at a small town for lunch, where they shared a picnic by a babbling brook. Theodore giggled as he chased after butterflies and tried to catch them in his tiny hands. Even though she was still heartbroken, Louise couldn't help but feel a spark of happiness return to her, if only for a moment.