As though she’s finally home.

And then, then… she turns to me, her eyes glazed and happy and distant.

“Your sister is there, Branden.  I see her.  She’s safe and sound.  Don’t you worry, I’ll take care of her for you.”

Then, without pageantry or fanfare, the wisest and kindest woman the world has ever known closes her eyes.

I watch her chest shudder to a stop, and I know she’ll never open her eyes again.

She’s gone.

The world seems frozen as I drop my head into my hands and cry with abandon.  I hear the sobs of everyone else, then Nora’s hands are on my back, and Gabe’s voice breaks through my sorrow.

“Brand?”

I look up at him, my eyes red and hot.

“I never told Gran about your sister.”

The entire room is completely still, absolutely frozen, as they wait for my answer.

“Neither did I.”

Nora gasps and her eyes meet mine, and a strange peace suddenly filters down around me, like a blanket.

Like a shield.

I smile and pull my wife close. Looking out the window, I find that the sun is breaking through the clouds, shining for all the world like the angels are singing, welcoming Gran home.   

All is well.

The End