Calvin gripped the edge of the bed as if it was the only thing keeping him upright.
"Darren, you've got to hang in there, man. This family can't lose you."
"Darren, it's all my fault. Just open your eyes, and whatever you want to do to me, I will take it like a man!"
"Your words are prettier than a song," Eunice stepped forward, her gaze icy as it swept over them.
"If you're really looking to make amends with your lives, why don't you just go bash your heads against the wall and be done with it? Why waste breath on empty talk?"
Calvin and Arlen were speechless.
"Arlen, I will remember what you said. If Dad wakes up, you better not chicken out when it's time to face the music."
The color drained from Arlen and Calvin's faces at her words.
"Aunt Eunice, you and Uncle Bard should go back and get some rest. Grandpa won't be waking up anytime soon — probably not till tomorrow morning at the earliest."
