Chapter 22: Shattered
I'm not sure how long I've been holding her, but when I hear footsteps approaching, I don't have to open my eyes to know who it is. The scent of earth and rosemary surround me before I feel his warm hand on my shoulder, stopping my constant rocking.
The gentleness in his movement says enough. I know he can feel what I'm feeling and he slowly moves closer, tenderly taking my arms away and replacing them with his. Slowly, he lays Aunt Kelly's body back down, silently pulling the white sheet back over her. I'm shaking all over and without a word, he scoops me in his arms, cradling me like a baby.
"It is time to go, my love," he says, his voice vibrating on my cheek. "I have you now."