When Hanley who had weighed heavily on Mary was finally lifted and Leanne found herself walking away from the Richardson family, her lingering attachments dissipated into thin air. "After you left, Mary's health went downhill. She's been in and out of the hospital these past few months. We didn't want to worry you," Jennifer said, pausing to stifle a sob. "Leanne, please, come see her."
By the time Leanne arrived at the hospital, Mary had been moved out of the ICU.
It wasn't that her condition had improved. Rather, the doctors had done all they could. Now, it was time for the family to say their goodbyes.
The atmosphere in the hospital room was heavy and tense. Maddox and Phillip stood by the bed in silence, their faces a grim mask of sorrow, which Mary immediately scolded.
"Don't look so glum. I'm not gone yet. Save your mourning for when I'm gone."
Jennifer's eyes were swollen from tears as she tucked the blanket around Mary. "I've called Leanne. Just hold on a little longer."
"Ah, why did you bother Anne? I've got no face to see her. And look at me, a sight for sore eyes, I don't want her remembering me like this."
Despite her words, when the door creaked open, she couldn't help but look up eagerly.
A flash of disappointment crossed her eyes when Mary saw it was just a nurse.
"She won't come," Mary sighed, settling back down. "She's still angry with me." "Leanne," Jennifer suddenly called out.
Mary whipped her head back towards the door. When she saw Leanne walking in behind the nurse, her lips quivered and her eyes brimmed with tears, much like a child caught in a misdeed.
At the sight of Mary lying there, a shadow of her former self, with a feeding tube in her nose and her frail body barely making a dent in the bed, Leanne's eyes welled up with tears.
"Say something to Mary," prompted Jennifer as the others left the room, closing the door behind them.
Mary held out her frail hand. Leanne clutched it, burying her face into its weathered surface.
Leanne's tears flowed freely and Mary tenderly cleaned them, her voice nothing more than a soothing murmur., "My dear, don't cry. I've lived a long life. It's time I paid back for your parents." The words struck Leanne deeply, "Don't say that. It wasn't your fault."
"Have you forgiven me?"
"I can't forgive on behalf of my parents, nor can I hold on to hate," Leanne said. "After they were gone, you were the one who cared for me the most."
Tears fell from Mary's eyes, soaking into the pillow. "Blame me, it's my fault. But don't blame Curtis. He's suffered enough because of our mistakes. It's all on us. Don't let it weigh on you two. Without me, there would be no one to fuss over you, and that thought alone makes me restless. Promise me, you and Curtis will take care of each other."
Holding onto Mary's weathered hand, Leanne nodded, tears streaming, "I promise."
Mary cried and laughed, "My dear, in the next life, be sure to come back as my granddaughter again. I'll take good care of you."
Leanne couldn't hold back her sobs, gripping her hand tightly, pleading, "Mary, please don't leave me. Stay a bit longer, embrace your great-granddaughter."
For a moment, Mary paused, then her eyes twinkled, "I knew it. I've been dreaming of a little baby reaching out for me. How wonderful!"
She repeated softly, "How wonderful!"
When Curtis entered, Leanne was beside herself with grief, leaning over the bed.
Mary, with her IV-marked hand, stroked her head. At the sight of Curtis, she pulled his hand towards Leanne's.
"Take good care of each other." With her final concern addressed, Mary seemed at peace, motioning for Curtis to lead Leanne out.
Curtis bent down, kissed her wrinkled forehead, and gently touched her thinning white hair, whispering, "Farewell."
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