We'll Meet Again

63

The dramatic change in Tasha began around five o’clock. Barbara Colbert could see it actually happening.

For the past two days the nurses had not used the light makeup that gave a hint of color to her ashen complexion, but now a pinkish glow was becoming evident.

The rigidity of her limbs, which had been held at bay by constant massage, seemed to be relaxing spontaneously. Barbara did not need to see the nurse tiptoe away from the bedside or hear her murmur on the phone in the sitting room to know that she was summoning the doctor.

It’s better for Tasha this way, she tried to tell herself. Please, God, give me strength. And please let her live until her brothers are here. They want to be with her at the end.

Barbara got up from the chair and sat on the bed, taking care not to disturb the tangle of intravenous lines and oxygen equipment. She took both Tasha’s hands in hers. “Tasha, Tasha,” she murmured. “My only consolation is that you’re going to be with Dad, and he loved you as much as I do.”

The nurse was at the door. Barbara looked up. “I want to be alone with my daughter,” she said.

The nurse’s eyes were filled with tears. “I understand. I’m so sorry.”

Barbara nodded and turned back. For an instant she thought she saw Tasha move, thought she felt a pressure on her hands.

Tasha’s breathing quickened. Barbara felt her heart ripping as she waited for the final breath. “Tasha, Tasha.”

She was vaguely aware of a presence at the door. The doctor. Go away, she thought, but she didn’t dare turn away from this last moment of her daughter’s life.

Suddenly Tasha opened her eyes. Her lips curved into a familiar smile. “Dr. Lasch, it was so stupid,” she murmured, “I tripped on my shoelace and went flying.”

Barbara stared. “Tasha!”

Tasha turned her head. “Hi, Mom…”

Her eyes closed, slowly opened again. “Mom, help me…please.” Her last breath was a quiet sigh.

“Tasha!” Barbara shrieked. “Tasha!” She whirled around. Peter Black was standing motionless in the doorway. “Doctor, you heard her! She spoke to me. Don’t let her die! Do something!”

“Oh, my dear,” Dr. Black said soothingly, as the nurse rushed in. “Let our dear girl go. It is over.”

“She spoke to me!” Barbara Colbert screamed. “You heard her!”

Frantically she pulled Tasha’s body into her arms. “Tasha, don’t go. You’re getting better!”

Strong arms were embracing her, gently compelling her to release her daughter. “Mother, we’re here.”

Barbara looked up at her sons. “She talked to me,” she sobbed. “As God is my witness, before she died, she talked to me!”