Heartless People

TWENTY-SEVEN

The song is ended, but the melody lingers on

~ Irving Berlin

LAUREN.

DAY 7

It was dark out by the time we came home and my mother walked in with Lucas because of my shoulder. He was awake but all the screaming and crying he had done at the burial had tired him out. He could barely walk straight on his own.

We all walked into Ethans room and he just lay on the bed.

"I have something to tell you all,"  my mother said, sitting down beside Lucas as Elisa crawled into the middle. It was funny; they were almost teenagers, but whenever any of them were upset, they all stayed together.

"Before your mother passed she asked me to read you a letter." She reached into her purse and pulled out a piece of paper. My heart started to race.

All of them sat up.

"Can I read it now?" She looked at each of them, but they didn't answer.

"Please," I whispered, desperately wanting to hear it.

The paper crackled as she unfolded it, and she took a deep breath before reading.

"Le mie piccoli leoni" She paused. "Did I say that right?"

"It means my little lions." Ethan smiled. "And no you didn't, Nana, but its okay, keep reading."

"Yes, sir." She tapped his nose. "Le mie piccoli leoni, Im so sorry I am not with you. I can only imagine the pain in your hearts right now, how angry and confused, but most of all sad you are. Im sad too because if I was a better mom I could be with you all forever. Id watch Elisa grow and date and laugh as you boys and your mother became protective. I'd get to see your mother try and calm me down if a woman ever tried to replace me in your hearts, Ethan and Lucas. In my mind, there are so many happy dreams I wish were memories. I want to be with you all so badly. I never knew I could love anyone as much as I love the three of you. You all are my heart. The only moments of my life that I
regret are the days I didn't spend with you. I gave Nana many letters, letters I learned from your grandfather Michael to write. I have a couple for each of you and when the time is right, shell pass them along. No, Ethan, you can't read them now, and Lucas and Elisa, you won't be able to find them by yourself."

My mother paused to stare at their stunned faces. Those would be their reactions; if anyone knew them well, it would be Camila.

"Ethan, my first treasure, remember even on your worst days that you are my son and that means nothing is impossible for you. Yes, taking care of your siblings is important, even if Lucas annoys yo—

"Hey! Hes the one that annoys me. "He sulked, sounding like himself for the first time in days.

"Let her finish," Ethan snapped back at him.

"Yes, taking care of your siblings is important, even if Lucas annoys you, but you also need to take care of yourself. Your happiness is important too, and
yes, you should be happy. I don't want you all moping around; that will only make me sad. Lucas, my precious, remember you are just as good as your
brother and sister. Your mother has no favorites and you are important. Ethan needs his little brother, who else will watch his back? You always say Ethans a know-it-all—"

"I am not!" Ethan cut in this time and Lucas grinned, sticking his tongue out.

"Know-it-alls sometimes can't see the smaller picture, so help him see, Lucas. Lastly my Eli, the new queen of the castle, you have the most important job there because boys are idiots."