The doctor handed me a tiny bottle. “This is the medication they used. Mr. Yule gave it to Mrs. Yule first… then took it himself.”

My hands tightened around the bottle as I read the label, my throat like sandpaper. “They must’ve been in so much pain to make a choice like that,” I whispered.

Uncle Damien had hinted at something like this before, but I thought it was just a “what-if “plan. Never in a million years did I think he’d actually go through with it. The idea of him sparing Aunt Abby from suffering and then following her… It didn’t feel real. “This is the letter Mr. Yule left for you,” the doctor added, offering me an envelope.

I unfolded it, my heart sinking as Uncle Damien’s handwriting filled my vision:

***

Rea,

I’m sorry I can’t stay to take care of you anymore. Ever since Narelle passed, I decided this would be the way I’d go. Abby and I agreed-it was what we wanted.