She hadn't heard him enter. Didn't know when he'd arrived. But he was there now, his hand on her shoulder, his ancient power a wall between her desperate attempt and Margaret's fading life.
"Stop," he said again, more gently. "You can't heal this. The cancer is too advanced. Her body is too tired. All you'll do is trap her in pain."
"I can try," Eve sobbed. "I have to try...."
"She's ready to go," Raphael said quietly, and there was profound sorrow in his voice. "Look at her, Evangeline. Really look."
Eve did.
Margaret's face had relaxed completely, the pain lines smoothed away. Her breathing was barely perceptible now, each breath coming further apart than the last. But her expression was peaceful....more peaceful than Eve had seen in months.
"She's not suffering," Raphael said. "She's letting go. And the most loving thing you can do is let her go with dignity."
The monitors flatlined with a long, steady tone that seemed to stretch into eternity.
