Page 144 of Kai
Woman-up, Astor. You always took care of yourself, and you’ve always tackled your problems alone. Why would your death be any different?
A light shone through my closed eyelids. My oxygen-hungry body spasmed again. My eyes opened. A faint glimmer formed before me. The point of light was a gorgeous tone of green, almost emerald. To my shock, pixels of black and red speckled the center of the circle. And then, because my brain was working on emergency power and my life had just flashed before my eyes, the circle in the center widened to show me… what else?
The picture on the photo box. The one of my family and me. Was this a last gift from the universe?
The light gathered around Nix’s form. At first, I couldn’t hear anything, but then I made out Nix’s soft voice whispering in my ear.
Cece, do something,he whispered in my head.You’re dying.
Don’t I know it, brother.I wasn’t surprised he’d be the one to come to me in my last moments.Are you here to welcomeme?
Welcome you where?he asked, his voice impatient but also curious.
Heaven, Hell, Nirvana, Valhalla, wherever you are. That’s where I want to go.
Don’t even think about joining me,he spat tersely.
Why not?I gave a mental shrug. If I’m going to die, I might as well be dead with you.
What the fuck do you think you’re doing?he snapped.Didn’t we talk about this?
We did, but I promise, this time around, I did it for all the right reasons.
Cece, youmustlive,he growled like the grump he could be at times.Ineedyou to survive.
Sorry, brother. Not looking good at the moment.
Cece!He barked.Don’t you give up on me.
I can’t swim, Nix. Remember? You’re not around. I’m done this time.
Fuck that. You’re a fighter, for fuck’s sake. You don’t give up. The fight is far from over.
What do you mean?
They’re coming,he whispered.
Who’s coming?
You made me a promise, he ground out. Ineedyou to keep it.
But—
He taught you how to swim.He spoke quickly now, with urgency. I saw it.
Are you spying on me from wherever?I deadpanned.
I’m serious, Cece. He loves you. I saw that too. Will you give him up without a fight? Will you give me up?
It’s different this time—
It’s not. You’re giving up. I’m tired, Cece. I can’t—Hisvoice grew distant, and I couldn’t make out what he was saying.
Don’t go!I called out in my mind.Don’t leave me alone, please.
I can’t be there.His voice flickered. Think of him. What did he teach you?
Love. Hope. How to swim a little.
