It was just too much. Dad's eyes closed a moment later, energy gone, back to a sleep he might never rise from.

Mom appeared as if she knew somehow it was done. Meira stayed where she was, but I had to go, had to leave, to get away from them, from this tragedy, this loss.

I'd only just now learned to truly love my father and he was leaving me.

My moment of weakness was bound to have consequences. But hopefully the family had seen enough they wouldn't judge me for ...