Long Distance Love Letters

The Sourest Lemon

"I can't believe he said that to you!" Gilbert repeated for about the fifth time, his blood beyond boiling.

He could feel Anne's eyes on him as he paced back and forth in the living room of Green Gables. The mere thought of anyone treating Anne the way that man did made him want to punch a wall.

"We'll just get a new banker," Anne suggested tiredly.

"We should do even more than that!" he yelled. "We could report him, we could-"

"Gilbert, please," she sighed. Gilbert looked at her and he realized how drained she seemed.

He sighed, his pulse settling. "I just wish I could do something for you."

She gave him a sad smile and stood up, walking over and wrapping her arms around him.

He immediately hugged her back, his heart breaking for his wife. He gently placed a kiss on the top of her head.

She pulled away a moment later.

"How's Matthew?" she asked.

As Gilbert stared at her, his heart sank even further as he remembered his father-in-law upstairs.

He hated telling her this, but he couldn't lie to her.

"He's getting worse, Anne," he admitted, despising every word. "Weaker."

Confusion took over her expression. "Is he going to be alright?"

Gilbert's shoulders slumped. "The doctor Carmody is coming to check on him tomorrow, but...I can't see him improving."

"You think he's going to die?" his wife whispered hoarsely.

Gilbert didn't, couldn't, say anything.

That was an answer all on its own.

•••

The next five days were predominantly spent by Matthew's side. Gilbert left on rare occasions to retrieve necessities, but Anne and Marilla had not left the house since Carmody's doctor's diagnosis.

Matthew was going to die.

When Anne wasn't with Matthew, Gilbert held her as she cried. He hated that he couldn't do anything more for her.

One night, Anne was reading to him when he reached over and covered her hand with his.

"Anne," he whispered, his eyes closed.

Anne, Gilbert, and Marilla turned to him. Anne immediately closed her book.

"Can I get you anything?" she asked worriedly.

Despite his weakened state, he managed to shake his head.

"Anne," he repeated. "I am...so grateful for you. You are one of the greatest things...that has ever happened to me. I love you so much."

Through her tears, Anne smiled. "I love you, dad."

Gilbert's heart sank. Matthew knew what was about to happen.

Matthew and Marilla had a sweet exchange before beckoning their son-in-law over.

Gilbert walked over to Matthew and held his hand, putting his other arm around Anne.

"Son," he breathed. "I need you to promise me something."

Gilbert nodded. "Of course. Anything."

Matthew managed a smile and glanced at Anne for a moment before returning his gaze.

"Never let her lose her light," he said weakly.

The sentiment made Gilbert's heart warm as it broke. "I promise."

Matthew nodded before looking at the three of them.

He smiled. "My family."

Later that night, Matthew died.

———
AN: i'm so sorry guys i really did not want to kill matthew, he is my softest bean, but i knew it was essential to the story so i had to 😭😭😭

also i got the inspiration for the chapter title from this is us (no one cares i know)