Learn to Fly

A few weeks later...

"...And when she tried to blast it out of the way, she tripped and landed in the birdbath!"

Severus chuckled lightly as Alora retold her childhood memories for him.

I can't believe I feel like this. Being a father is great!

He and Alora were still on first name terms, but they certainly got along.

Severus had been coming back everyday to talk with Jesika and catch up with Alora. He found it exhausting, but he enjoyed it all the same.

Jesika was getting worse by the day; she couldn't even leave her bed. Severus was glad to give Alora something else to think about.

He was wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes, when he spotted Healer Lochet striding down the hall. One look and Severus knew something was wrong.

Severus stood up to meet him.

"What's wrong?"

The healer took Severus by the arm and led him down the hall, out of Alora's hearing range.

"I'm afraid she's taken a turn for the worst. She's only got about half an hour left."

Severus felt faint, but turned to see Alora watching him. He'd have to be strong, for her sake.

"Can we see her?"

Mr. Lochet nodded.

"She's been asking for you both."

Severus nodded and headed back to Alora.

"Ally, your mum's asking to see us."

Alora looked confused.

"Why? Visiting time's not for another half hour."

Severus gave her a small smile.

"Come on. Let's not keep her waiting."

They headed to room 24 for the last time.

*

The room was dark when they entered. Jesika lay on the bed, pale as death itself. She opened her eyes when they approached the bed.

"Ally, come here darling."

Alora pulled a chair to her mother's bedside and rested her head on her stomach.

Jesika smiled.

"Ally, you know I won't always be here. But I want you to know I'll be watching you from heaven."

Realization coursed through Alora's veins. She sat up and stared at her mother.

Jesika turned her eyes to Severus.

"Make sure you look after her."

Severus nodded solemnly, his heart tearing in his chest.

"I will."

Alora let out a loud sob.

Jesika turned to her daughter and pulled her into a hug.

"Honey, it's Okay. I love you. I love you so, so much."

"I love you too, mum."

Alora laid her head on her mother's chest.

Jesika softly sang as she stroked Alora's hair:

"If you need to find a way back,

Feel you're on the wrong track,

Give it time, learn to fly.

Tomorrow is a new day,

You will find your own way,

You'll be stronger with each day that you cry,

Then you'll learn to fly."

Jesika then dropped off into a deep sleep. Severus and Alora watched as her breaths became less and less frequent. Then they stopped all together.

Tears continued to pour down Alora's face as Severus led her away from the body.

Outside the room, Alora buried her face into Severus' robes.

"I don't want her to be gone," she sobbed.

Severus held her close and whispered, "Me neither."

Song Quote: Shannon Noll, "Learn to Fly"