Page 96 of Claimed By Ruin

But this was different.

I told myself to be strong.

I would be strong, because that was who he taught me to be.

The front door was open. We liked to keep it that way now—opened the curtains and doors to let air, light—life—into the house whenever we could. I spotted Jack in the front yard. He must have sensed me. He looked up, catching my eye.

I held Jack’s gaze for a moment, then turned, focusing on the door, the inevitability that lay behind it.

This room was dark, stifling.

The window was tiny, but I pulled the curtain open anyway. Looked at Uncle Levi where he lay, even smaller now than he was before, fading away bit by bit.

He wore a pair of too-big flannel pajamas and fur-lined slippers, a teacup on the side table untouched. Now and forever.

Every slow exhale lingered. My vision was blurred as I went to him. I grabbed his hand—warm, but just barely—and squeezed it as hard as I dared. He shifted his head a fraction.

Enough.

And when I saw him, I couldn’t hold back the tears.

“I love you,” I whispered, not bothering to wipe the tears away.

He didn’t blink. Just lifted his mouth in a smile, his eyes saying everything his body no longer could.

I held his hand.

Watched his eyes drift closed.

Saw the final rise and collapse of his chest.

Heard Miles outside tending the animals. Levi screaming through his tummy time. Heard heavy steps that I knew were only heavy for my benefit.

Sensed Jack’s presence behind me.

Looked at Uncle Levi one more time, then stood. Found myself in Jack’s arms. And even through the pain, I knew that somehow, it would all be okay.

THIRTY-SEVEN

Three Weeks Later

Asia

“Someone’s coming!”

Miles’s voice was urgent over the walkie-talkie.

“Stay put,” Jack said as he jumped out of bed and grabbed his rifle.

It had been months since we had hostiles come to the farm. The town was mostly abandoned, with a couple dozen brave souls trying to hold it together. Lourdes and I were convinced we didn’t have anything to worry about, at least from them.

Jack wasn’t so sure.

Levi was in his crib, looking so peaceful it made my heart ache. That was all I ever wanted for him.

I hoped it lasted.

I looked at Jack, who had his hand on the doorknob.