Say Goodbye

Say Goodbye

Goose had given his heart to Midge decades ago and she had taken it with her when she passed. Paul knew his pseudo-father had lost all will to live the moment she died and so it was no surprise that he found himself sitting in a hospital by his bedside a week after Midge was buried.

He knew he would be losing him too.

Paul was drowning in regret knowing he allowed his resentment toward George Worthington overshadow what truly mattered, and thus, he allowed his pride to rob him of the last fifteen years with people that loved him unconditionally, whom he loved in return.

Serena stopped by a few times a day to check on both him and Goose. She would bring food from the tea shop, or she would sit by Goose while Paul went back to the inn for a shower and a fresh change of clothes. Paul tried not to stay away longer than necessary as a feeble attempt to make up for lost time that he knew was running out.

At night, he would lie on the visitor's sofa by the window staring up at the white ceiling, pretending to be asleep when the night nurse came to check on Goose. Paul was riddled with sadness, unable to sleep. Thoughts of Goose reuniting with Midge both broke his heart and comforted him.

As soon as daylight broke, he would sit next to Goose's bed, holding his hand and praying for a smooth transition.

On the fifth day, Goose opened his eyes and smiled at Paul.

"Don't look so sad, my boy," Goose spoke softly. "You well know death comes for all of us," he covered Paul's hand with his own. "At least he was merciful with me and let me live a long life with my love."

Paul stared sadly at the old man. "I never should have left you and Midge," he lamented as a tear rolled down his face. "I should have stayed for you."

Goose waved his hand in front of Paul. "None of that, my boy! Life is too short to regret the past and keep carrying it around like a boulder on your back. Promise me you'll stop that." Goose tried to sit up but was too weak to do it on his own. "Help me up," he reached to Paul for assistance.

Paul grabbed Goose's outreached hand but also pressed the control on the bed that would facilitate the action.

"Do you want anything? I can ask a nurse-"

Goose shook his head. "I just want to talk to you before I go," he said nonchalantly. "The five years you worked with us our hearts expanded. For five years, you were the closest thing Midge and I had to a son, and I feel that gives me the right to give you advice."

Paul stared at his father figure with too much respect to even think about denying him.

Goose continued. "Stop being angry. Whatever time you have left on God's green Earth should be spent filling your days with love and not anger and hatred," he smacked Paul's hand weakly. "George's penance was knowing he would never have your mother's love, and believe me, that man has loved her so much all this time that there could be no greater pain for him."

Paul was about to say something, but Goose stopped him. "Forgive him if only to stop giving him power over your own happiness. As for your mother, she has carried the past with her all these years just as you have," Goose place his hand over Paul's and shook it as if trying to shake some sense into him. "Look at what the burden has done to her already, my boy. Set her guilt free. Promise me you will."

These words hit home. Despite the resentment he had toward her, he remembered the pain he felt seeing his mother in the hospital and he never wanted to see her there again. He looked at Goose's eyes and slowly nodded his head. "I promise."

The vow gave cause for a smile from the old man.

"In the end, all that matters is love, my boy." Goose looked toward the door- his eyes began to shine. "Love will always overpower the worst in any day. Midge always saw the bond between you and Serena, you know. She always thought it would be lovely if you two grew up and got married at the inn and raised a family in Apple Bay." He sighed turning toward Paul, grabbing his hand. "I love you, my boy."

Those would be the last word Goose ever uttered.

He closed his eyes without warning never to open them again.