Last Breath Read Online Free PDF

he was trying to act professional, I could tell he felt more than dazzled to be in Rayne O’Connor’s presence. “I love your music. I’ve got all your CDs.”
    Mom managed a smile. “That’s great. Thanks.”
    Floor three was darkened and quiet, with a metallic, sterile smell. I walked with arms crossed and shoulders drawn in, hating the feel of the place. The two orderlies rolled Mom inside room 321. I looked around at two beds with mustard-yellow spreads, a couple of wooden chairs for visitors. On a rolling, high table pushed against the wall sat a small computer. A swiveling TV was mounted on the wall in the center of the room. Two curved steel rods ran across the ceiling between the beds, housing long blue curtains that could be pulled around for privacy. I swept both curtains all the way back to the wall.
    The window overlooked a street lit with lampposts that failed to chase away all the shadows. For a second I stared at the pavement, struck with the thought that the rest of the world was sleeping as if this was some ordinary night.
    â€œWhich bed?” the sandy-haired orderly asked.
    â€œHere by the window,” I told him. “Okay, Mom? It’s farther away from sounds in the hall.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œYou got it.” They lined up Mom’s gurney with her bed.
    â€œAll right, ready now?” The second orderly gave her a smile. “We’re just going to slide you over.”
    â€œOkay.” Mom’s voice was pinched, as if she knew it would hurt.
    He nodded. “One, two, three—go.” With one smooth motion, they slid her over. Mom groaned at the movement.
    A short, gray-haired nurse came in and introduced herself as Anne. She fussed with Mom’s adjustable bed, pushing the button until Mom could sit propped up on pillows. “You won’t be able to sleep lying down for awhile, hon,” she said. “Those injuries will just hurt too much for you to get up and down.”
    Mom grunted. “Tell me about it.”
    I stood back, hands to my mouth, wishing I could take my mother’s place.
    The orderlies left. Anne put a pitcher of water and a glass by Mom’s bedside. She showed me the button for calling a nurse, and how to move Mom’s bed up and down.
    Ross hustled in, carrying our purses. Mom managed to chuckle at the sight.
    â€œYeah.” Ross thumped them down on a chair in the corner. “Got some strange looks on the way up.”
    Mom’s smile faded. “You need to take care of Shaley.”
    â€œNo problem.”
    â€œI’m staying here, Mom,” I said. “I’ll be taking care of you .”
    â€œNo, Shaley, you can’t stay here. Go to the hotel and get a decent sleep. You can come back tomorrow.”
    I looked to Anne and shook my head. “This is a private room, right? I can stay if I want.”
    She tilted her head in a reluctant yes. “Nobody’s going to kick you out.”
    Ross considered me for a moment. “Rayne.” He pushed a strand of hair off her forehead. “It’ll be safe for Shaley to be here. We’ll have Wendell and Mick outside, around the clock. Besides, she wants to help look after you.”
    Mom’s eyelids fluttered. “I just … want …”
    Anne gave Mom’s arm a sympathetic pat. “The medication’s putting her to sleep. It’s the best thing for her.”
    â€œYeah.” I focused on Mom’s bruised forehead.
    After Anne left, Ross stayed another ten minutes until Mom was fully asleep. We turned off the lights, except for a small lamp hooked to my bed.
    â€œI’ll bring your suitcases in the morning.” He headed for the door.
    â€œRoss?”
    He turned back. “Yeah?”
    â€œThe tour’s totally done, isn’t it? I mean, no way she can sing before four weeks are over.”
    He blew out a sigh. “Afraid so.”
    I looked at the floor.
    â€œSee you