The hospital was quiet in the mornings. John enjoyed the stillness, it was relaxing. He waited for Kate to arrive, he hadn't seen her in a month but felt it was time. Dr. Winnington approached.
"Excuse me sir who are you waiting for"?
"Kate Sherman " John said.
"She's already been here ". John was confused , he suddenly saw Cameron approaching.
"I didn't know Kate already been here I wanted to talk to her ".
"Yes she wanted to take care of something... John she wanted me to give you this" Cameron said giving him a piece of paper that read " Letting Go". John looked at Cameron , they both understood.
"She's at the lake I'll drive get in" Cameron said. They left the hospital immediately heading for the lake house.
Kate was standing at the edge of the lake, her gaze focused straight ahead. John and Cameron got out to meet her.
"Kate ..... Kate sweetheart listen I know this is difficult for you but you can't stay here" Cameron said. She didn't reply. John watched on as Cameron continued.
"Kate I also understand what happened to Riley was an accident I wish I could go back ".
"Go back and do what "? She said. Cameron signed placing his hands to his right temple.
"I'm just as heartbroken about our baby girl .... there's hasn't been a day when I haven't thought about her".
"We should have been watching her ....., we let her drown in this lake" Kate said her voice raising.
"We can't change what happened Kate ..... no matter how much we want to". Kate turned to look at them.
"I hate myself for what happened to Riley .... and now Ruth I can't ..."
"What are you afraid of Kate "? John asked. She looked at him , she wanted so desperately to answer but was lost for words.
"I'm terribly sorry about Riley .... but standing here hating yourself won't bring her back ". John continued.
"What do you know about loss John "? She snapped.
"I understand your guilt and your sorrow.... but Ruth needs you now ". Kate collapsed to the ground weeping. Cameron held her as John watched.
The three of them returned to the hospital to find Ruth wide awake. That made John smile as he entered the room with flowers.
"John"! Ruth said excitedly as they embraced one another.
"It's been awhile young lady how are you feeling "?
"The doctors say I'm sick I've been here for a while ".
"Your mom and dad told me ... are you comfortable "? John asked.
"Yes some days I am others I'm not " . "I want you to know something Ruth .... it's okay to be afraid ".
"I am John but dad tells me to be brave for mom".
"That's right " John said smiling.
"John .... did mom tell you about my sister Riley?"
"Yes she told me .... I'm sorry Ruth".
" I never got to see her but mom and dad tell me how beautiful she was ". John tried to fight back tears, but he couldn't anymore. He hugged Ruth weeping as Kate and Cameron watched .
Extraordinary Gifts Of John Kelsing