heartbeat on a high line

Phoebe Steadman I've dropped out, burned up Fought my way back from the dead No one had really survived after the deaths of those at the last Fiat Lux. Not in full anyways. "But you're still the one to make the final decision." she said softly, finishing his sentence. She looked at him, brown eyes wide but lips set in a slight frown. "When I was still an apprentice, my teacher told me something that helped me cope a little better when I lost patients." she said, closing her eyes briefly to help her recount her words. "One of your most important tasks is not so much to prevent death, but to be a comforting presence so they don't die alone and afraid." she said, opening her eyes again as she slumped back in her chair. "That you are with these people when they die is truly a great mercy." Phoebe nodded, eyes looking down at the table. "Twice. Once, after the Palmer's were murdered. And once after I miscarried." she said quietly. She knew Remi did not recognize that loss as...a loss, really. But she still carried it with her every day, and she always kept a small candle lit for that little one. "They turned a stuffed rabbit I had made for my baby into a little spirit bunny that roams the Greatwood and comforted me. The boys..." she paused, focusing on keeping her composure. She had not talked about her nephews in a long time, and she did not want to cry in front of Remi. "They had a puzzle box they would fill with treats and leave on the window sill. Ludo would take it and return it open and empty." "I believe more than anyone, Ludo embraces the mercy that is death in the wake of lives that can be far too cruel or short. Perhaps that is why this is the task they have given you." she added softly.