Derek was now in his early 70s. Meredith was in her late 60s. All of the kids were either still in college or med school.
Meredith was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 7 years ago. The two of them were enjoying the last of their time together everyday.
Derek was heartbroken that Meredith was going to die. But he was also relieved, in a way. She wouldn't have to feel any more pain. She would be at peace.
Meredith was now at the point where she couldn't remember anything. Her kids understood it. Derek explained it to them thoroughly. But that didn't make it hurt less.
Derek promised, though. He would take care of her until the very end. And he was.
Today, Meredith had a big chance of passing. Her body was completely shutting down. But the interesting thing was, was that she was lucid.
"Can we-can we call the kids?" Meredith rasped, her chest and lungs burning. "Sure." Derek replied, rubbing his arms up and down her tiny, skinny body that was currently laying in his arms. The kids all said their goodbyes just a week ago during spring break.
Derek dialed Zolas number first. "Hey dad. What's up?" Zolas cheery voice called out. "Hey Zo. It's me and your mom." Derek replied.
"Hi Zo." Meredith said, making her voice as strong as possible. "Hi mom! How are you doing?" Zola asked. "Zo....it's not.....I'm...." Meredith tried.
"Zo, mom doesn't have much longer. She's going to die today." Derek stepped in gently. "No...." Zola breathed into her phone.
"I wanted....to say goodbye." Meredith forced out. Every minute it was getting harder and harder to speak and function, and she knew it And Derek knew it too.
"Oh, mom." Their daughter breathed. "I love you.....so much, Zola. Keep being the awesome....awesome woman I know. Don't let an-anyone stop you. Be extra-extraordinary." Meredith said, tears streaming down her face.
"I love you so much mom. I love you." Zola said, her voice cracking. "We're going to call your other siblings. I'll call you after, Zo." Derek said, clearing his throat. Seeing your wife say goodbye to your daughter was the most painful thing to watch.
The next up was Bailey. Derek explained that Meredith was saying goodbye. "I love you more than anything, baby boy. You'll-youll always be mamas house. Bay, You keep being the best-best man I know. You're just like dad. Always remember I love you." Meredith whispered.
"I love you, mom. You're gonna be okay." Bailey said into the phone. His mom. The love of his life. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he was a mamas boy. And now she was going to die.
The final call they had to make was to Ellis. Their baby girl. The youngest. "Ellie. You live up to your grandmas name, okay? I'll-ill always remember you. I love you." Meredith said. "I love you too mommy." Ellis whispered.
They hung up the phone and that's when Meredith burst into heart wrenching sobs. "You have to take-" she started, stopping when a sharp pain in her chest came.
"You have to take care of them. Don't let them-don't let them be like me." Meredith said, leaning into her husbands arms.
"I want them to be like you. And I'll take care of them and I won't let them ever forget you. You-you've been the best mother to them." Derek whispered, stroking the hair out of her face.
"Derek..." Meredith winced, her breaths coming shorter. "Just rest, Mer. Deep breaths. You have been the best wife. You're the love of my life and I love you more than anything. Don't meet anyone else while you're up there, okay? wait for me." Derek said, his voice cracking too.
"I don't want you to be-be alone." Meredith gasped. "I won't be. I have the kids. And you aren't leaving me. You may not be with me in person, but you'll always be in my heart."
"It hurts." Meredith whispered. "I know. Just relax. Close your eyes. I love you so much." Derek soothed. "I-I love....." Meredith trailed off, her eyes closing and her chest rising and falling once more.
"110." Derek whispered, a single tear falling off his face as he held his wife in his arms and gave her one last kiss on the head.
Hey guys. This was really fucking sad to write but I'm kinda sad so it's fitting. Hope u all enjoyed or cried. Whatever one.
