Generations: The Long Game

Processing

TW: this chapter contains insinuations of potentially fatal illness. Please do not read if you will find it triggering or harmful to your wellbeing.

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of tests and procedures. Marjorie was exhausted but refused to take even a moment to process what was happening. If she wasn't at a doctor's appointment or the hospital she was at work. When she wasn't there, she spent every waking moment doting over Reece and the children.

When he woke that morning he reached for her, but her side of the bed was already empty and cool. She had been up and gone awhile. There was a dull ache in his chest at the realization. She was always up now. Always moving. Never resting.

He left the bedroom intending to look for her downstairs, but got the feeling he should try the nursery first. As he approached, he heard her talking. He didn't dare to get closer for fear of alerting her, so he stood, and he listened. "Rory, mum has a few things to say, and I know you won't remember them, so I will write them down for you later. I always want you to remember where you came from. I didn't have a good mum, but I will always try to be one to you. If I can't be here, I want you to look to the women in your life for guidance."

"Aunt Char will teach you how to be soft and kind. She will teach you how to figure out a puzzle or a person. She will help you find the best in people. That is important, Rory, because sometimes the smallest amount of good is all you need to love someone."

"Aunt Autie will teach you how to fight the good fight. She has never backed down when she had someone's best interests in mind. She has a big heart and a bigger mask, but don't be afraid to ask her for help. She will always be there."

"Aunt Siobhan and Vivian will teach you strength in the face of adversity. They fought for each other when it looked very bleak. Remember your Aunt Shibby is softer than she puts on. They both love you and that is what will matter even if they can be a little hot tempered."

"Carly will teach you joy. Even in her darkest times she has found a way to laugh. She will also teach you to dust yourself off and try again. She has made a lot of mistakes, but she always manages to make them right. Always make your mistakes right. Don't double down. You end up just as hurt in the end."

"Now, Rory, your Aunt Mia is a wildcard. That woman has been through more, done more, seen more and heard more than anyone I know. She has also said more, but that is another story. A wildcard is a good thing to have in your life. She will always tip the scales for you. Even while she is driving you crazy. She is more loyal than she lets on too. She will always have your back. Even if she makes it look like someone else's idea. When you get older, give her the fight of your life. She will miss our banter if I am not here."

"Remember to thank your Aunt Mia and Aunt Autie. They will be the reason you dad will know what to do. And speaking of your dad. Watch over him when you can. He will know what to do and he will get right down to the task, but he won't tell anyone how much he is hurting when..."

She didn't finish her sentence. He had fallen to his knees in the hallway. She
was processing. She had already given up.