Chapter Eight

I continued to stroke Spencer’s hair as she calmed down from the surge of emotion that had overcome her just moments earlier. I heard a soft knock on the door and picked up my head as the door began to open. Mrs. C walked inside and gave me a very clouded expression as she stared at us.

“Sorry…” She said looking away. “I just wanted to see how you were doing sweetie.”

Spencer smiled at her mother weakly and Mrs. C made her way over to the bed. She sat down on the opposite side that I was currently occupying and held onto Spencer’s hand.

I slid off the bed to sit down in the chair next to her bed and never took my eyes off of Spencer as her mother tried to comfort her.

“Mom…” Spencer said softly. “Did you and Dad make arrangements for Clay?”

Mrs. C held back some tears as she nodded her head at her daughter. “The wake…the wake will be this Wednesday afternoon…and the funeral will be Thursday morning…”

Spencer nodded her head and bit her lip trying to hold back any tears. She cleared her throat and sat up taller against her backrest. “Will I be out of here by then?”

Mrs. C reached out and stroked Spencer’s hair softly and smiled. “Of course sweetie…you should be able to go home sometime tomorrow.”

My heart was certainly elated at the news that Spencer wouldn’t have to spend any more time in this sterile room but I wasn’t sure if Spencer was ready to face the world outside without her brother there. I reached for her hand and squeezed softly to let her know that I was still here.

She glanced my way and gave me a small smile. We sat there in silence for a few moments before the door opened and a nurse walked inside.

“Just wanted to let you know that visiting hours will be up shortly.” She said looking at me.

I started to panic because I really didn’t want to leave Spencer and I looked into her eyes to relay my concern. She reached out and stroked my face letting me know that it would be ok.