10 Family

Chelsea had few days left. She spent most of her time sleeping. The rest of the time was pain. Her parents were there all the time, though. One day, even though they lived in a different state, Aunt Aubry and Uncle Owen brought their family to visit. It was nice to see her cousins Jimmy, Jacob, and Jo.

Jacob brought a new comic for her to read. The last one she would ever read.

“This one is called ‘Claw of the Wild,’” he said, placing the comic in Chelsea’s hands.

She managed a smile. “Thanks, Jacob. I’m excited to read it.”

He moved back to give his little sister room. Jo handed Chelsea a photo of a sunset framed by shadowy trees.

“I thought of you when I took this,” Jo said. She had tears in her eyes, but she smiled.

“It’s beautiful,” Chelsea said, “thank you.”

Jo let Jimmy take up the spot next to Chelsea. He wrung his hands.

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“I don’t have anything to give you,” he said, “but I want you to know that I’ll miss you.”

Chelsea held his hand. He looked up at her.

“We’ll see each other again someday,” she assured him. “I know it.”

“How?” Jimmy asked, his eyes growing misty. “How do you know it?”

“It’s something I have to believe,” Chelsea said. “Otherwise, what’s the point?”

He searched her eyes for a moment, then backed away. Chelsea could tell he wasn’t convinced. Maybe one day he would believe like she did, but not today. Today, he was just sad.

Aunt Aubry and Uncle Owen were next. Uncle Owen had his arm around Aunt Aubry, and he squeezed her tightly. She reached out and took Chelsea’s hand.

“You’re a brave little girl,” Aunt Aubry said with a watery smile. “I believe you when you say we’ll meet again. It’s a beautiful sentiment.”

“I agree,” Uncle Owen said. His smile was soft.

The two adults stepped away, and Chelsea looked at the family spread around her. She didn’t want to cry, but tears welled in her eyes.

“I love you guys,” she said quietly.

“We love you, too,” Aunt Aubry said.