"I don't know," I responded honestly, "but whatever happens, I'm here for you, ok? Mary too. I don't know how things will turn out, but you're not alone."
She nodded and tried to smile reassuringly at me. It broke my heart. Would she see either of her parents again? Would she even have a chance to say goodbye?
We'd find out soon enough.
* * *
My mom arrived about twenty minutes later. She barely had time to tell us that Mary would be home on the next flight before the doctor came out to see us. He looked tired and grim. He was however straightforward.
"Which one of you is the next of kin?"
It took me a moment to realize that at the moment, it was me. I stood up and shook his hand.
"I'm his son and her step-son. My older sister would technically be next of kin but won't arrive for a
