Page 161 of Bone Year

I reach out and hold Cael’s hand. He doesn’t move.

“Cael, it’s me. It’s Maelis.”

His eyelids flutter but don’t open.

“Don’t go yet, old man.”

His brow twitches.

“Who are you calling old man?” he rasps, and I laugh as one of his eyes opens and finds me. But his lungs sound so bad. The wet, crackling sound of death.

“Cael.”

I move closer. Both his eyes open. His gaze drifts along the ceiling, and then lands on me.

“Girl, you came.” Every word is an effort.

“Of course I came. I should have come sooner. I’m sorry.”

“You came when you were supposed to.”

I’ve decided I’m not going to cry until after he’s gone, and I am holding to that decision. I will not unravel now.

“You should drink some water.”

“No, I’m past that part.”

“Is there anything you want me to do? To tell anyone?”

He’s quiet for a moment. “Tell that little raccoon of yours she’s welcome to my dinner tin.”

I let out a sound that is half a laugh and half a sob.

“She knows.”

“Good.”

His eyes close again. His chest rises and falls, and the rattle in his lungs grows stronger, but I stand there holding his hand.

“Girl.”

I look up. His eyes are open again.

“Yes, I’m still here.” I squeeze his hand. It’s so cold and lifeless already.

“Senna.”

I go very still.

“Cael, what did you say?”

He coughs and rasps again. “Senna.”

I search his face.

“Senna the blood lead died months ago.”

He doesn’t seem to hear me. He is staring off near the window.