Vigo's Lament: A Dystopian Thriller (Age of End Book 3) (18 page)
Read Vigo's Lament: A Dystopian Thriller (Age of End Book 3) Online
Authors: Chris Yee
Tags: #adventure, #Dystopian, #Suspense, #fantasy, #Science Fiction, #supernatural, #action
Alan brought the tea to his lips and took a larger sip than he expected. The liquid scorched his tongue and throat. “Jeez, that’s hot!”
“You never learn,” Rupert said.
Alan lifted his mug with a nod. “And I never will.”
The front door swung open, and a tall woman walked in. Her golden hair shined with the sun as she flipped back her hood. Her skin was smooth and radiant. She took off her coat and hung it next to Alan’s. “Is he awake yet?”
“Not yet,” Rupert answered. “He’s still resting. Take a seat, Izzy.”
She walked across the room and pulled a chair next to Ella.
“Tea?” Rupert offered, holding up his mug.
“No, thank you.” She stared at Vince. At his face. His dry hair. His closed eyes. His wrinkled skin.
“Are you okay?” Ella asked.
Izzy sniffled. “Yes, I’m fine.”
Vince rolled his head to the side and slowly opened his eyes. He blinked as his dry pupils adjusted to the strong sunlight. A deep breath filled his lungs and released all at once. His cracked lips trembled with the slightest bit of movement. The four of them stood and gathered around the bed.
“Hey, Vince,” Alan said. “How are you feeling?”
Vince managed a smile at the sight of his friends. He opened his mouth, trying to speak, but his throat was too dry. He coughed and wheezed, and then spoke a single word. “Family,” he said. His voice was low and raspy.
“That’s right,” Alan said. “We’re all here. And there’s nowhere else we’d rather be.”
“Good,” he said. His voice got softer as he spoke. “I want to say something to each of you.”
They all leaned forward, waiting with patience. They did not want to interrupt what would likely be his last words.
“Rupert,” Vince whispered. “You’re a good man. You are genuine and kind. You have a warm soul. You were the first to welcome me into your community, and you’ve supported me along the way. Through every hardship, every difficult decision, you helped guide my way. I thank you for being a good leader, and a great friend.”
Rupert accepted his words with a stern nod.
“Ella.” His voice was even fainter now. “You are a strong woman. You always have been. And you have always valued family. That is something I admire. Your loved ones always come first. You put their needs ahead of your own. That kind of selflessness inspires me. It gives me hope that there are others like you out in the world. I have no doubt, your son will grow up to do great things.”
She flashed a sad smile.
“Alan. There’s so much good to say. You are the happiest man I have ever met. No matter how bad things get, you always manage to find a laugh. You lift people’s spirits when they are at their worst. Your presence spreads happiness. That is a valuable gift. Don’t ever give it up. The world needs people like you.”
A single tear ran down Alan’s cheek, and he quickly wiped it away.
“And Izzy.” Vince’s voice was so soft they could just barely hear him now. He waved her in to come closer. “You have grown up so much. You’re so mature now. So smart.”
She sniffled again, her face glazed with tears. “I got that all from you,” she said.
“And you will spread it to others.” He reached for her hand. She held it out and let him grip her fingers. “I am so proud of you. You’re like the daughter I never had.”
She gently shook her head. “No. I
am
your daughter.”
He grinned. “That’s right. I can no longer change the world. That is up to you now.”
“Tag team,” she whispered.
He nodded. “Tag team.” His voice trailed off and his eyes closed.
They all stood around the bed and watched an immortal man die. He was a man who had once feared death, but eventually learned to embrace his fate. Surrounded by family, Vince perished peacefully into the unknown, ready to join Saul and Charlotte, wherever they might be. His endless cycle was broken at last, and in his place, Izzy would rise.
THE END
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About The Author:
Chris Yee grew up in Needham, Massachusetts. As a young child, he had a wild imagination, thinking up stories of mystery and wonder. People would ask what he wanted to be when he grew up, and the answer was always the same. He wanted to be an author. As he grew older, educational interests pulled him away from the world of writing and into math and science. He attended Northeastern University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in civil engineering. He now works in Boston, full-time as an engineer. Despite his technical background, he never lost an interest in writing. He writes every day, to fulfill a passion that has never faded.
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