SPENCER GERALD

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We watched, Alan's mother crying at my shoulder, as Alan's life slipped away. Jaden's face was blank and confused, just as it had been after I called the police. I thought about grabbing her hand again, but quickly decided against it. Alan's eyes, always so familiar, now lolled back in his head, lifeless and blank. Finally, hearing a limp and strangled cry from Jaden, I finally did grab her hand ; it was warm and soft. I squeezed it, and I felt her squeeze back, another cry escaping from her mouth. "Hey, hey. It's ok. It's ok," I whispered, not sure if I was talking to Alan's mom, or Jaden, or me. Or even Alan.

I'll miss you, buddy.