Constance shook her head, walked back to the table and sighed heavily as she plopped down into the chair. She sank her chin into the palms of her hands and gave a big yawn.

Kate?

The kids looked at one another.

Kate? Are you there?

It's Dad! Constance thrilled as they dashed to the bedroom with smiles gleaming on their faces.

Dad! Gabriel said as he sat on the bed. You're awake!

Where is your mother? Bruce asked confused. She was just here singing to me.

The kids looked at one another.

Constance said, Dad, mom's been gone for a long time.

Nonsense, he said perturbed. She was just here singing to me. Where did she go? Where am I?

You're at home, Dad, Constance assured him putting her hand on his arm. He looked at it.

He propped his head up as if to get a better look but dropped it back onto the pillow for lack of strength. He sighed deeply. I feel very tired. I'm so thirsty.

Gabriel helped him to the glass of water by his bedside.

How long have I been sleeping? he asked.

A week, Gabriel told him.

A week! he looked at Gabriel in shock. That isn't possible. He looked around the room as if it were a stranger to him. Where's Kate's picture?

Right here, Constance grabbed it from the dresser and handed it to her father. He stared at the photograph for the longest time. The kids watched in silence.

I was just with her, he said confused. She was singing to me.

He tried to reposition himself with little success. Constance arranged some pillows behind his back as Gabriel helped him lean forward.

Thank you, he responded with a tired but honest smile. Come closer to me and sit down on the bed, he instructed Constance. I have a lot to say and very little time to tell. Come on, then. She did as told.

Are you hungry, Dad? Constance hoped.

He shook his head and grimaced at the thought of food.

I don't know how to tell you this, he spoke slowly and so faintly the kids had to strain to hear. Your mother and Nann are not dead. I don't think, anyway. I don't know for sure.

Gabriel and Constance looked astonished.

What? Constance asked in disbelief.

They weren't in a plane crash as I told you, he sadly shook his head in despair. It

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