"What?" Roxanne murmured in shock, pained eyes looking at Jack as she spoke. She didn't like what she was hearing, and she wished she'd wake up from this nightmare already. And go back to the beginning, where everything wasn't this hell she was in...

"We couldn't sa- save him, I'm sorry." Jack quietly replied , glancing away. He hated that he had to be the one to do this. To break the news to his mum...

"I don't believe you, you're lying." She choked, hastily wiping her eyes as she got up. The door slamming behind as she left. Heading down to the surgery. She had to see for herself...
****
She made it down to the surgery, running into Soracha. The doctor gave her one pained look before making an exit. A lit pipe in her hands as she made her escape.

Roxanne gave a gulp as she left, body shaking as she hesitantly pulled back the curtain. Her eyes widened and knees began to buckle. When she saw Teague's still, lifeless figure. Laying on the cot.

Sobs came from her throat as she threw herself down. Hugging his bare chest. "Why Eddie, why?" She cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Why?"

She sat like this for awhile till someone came in. Though she didn't care, or want to compose herself. Arms wrapped gently around her but she brushed them away. Keeping hers tightly around Teague.

They wrapped around her yet again, and she turned . Sobbing into them. "Mum." Jack croaked, tears streaming down his own face as he hugged her tight. Burying his head in her hair.

Nothing would be alright, or the same again....

                                         *****

"Jack?" Cora said timidly and softly. Seeing him sit silently in the chair, glancing dully at the wall. He'd been like this for days and it seemed there was nothing she could do to help.

"Jack?".... She said again when he didn't answer.

He gestured her over silently, making a motion for her to sit on his lap. She came over, sitting down.

Arms were put around her and she felt her shoulder get wet by his tears. Cora buried her head against his, running a hand through his hair. Doing her best to quietly comfort him.

They stayed like this for awhile, until the door creaked and Diana came in. While Nara stood in the doorway.

"Soracha said you're needed by the lake. Grandma wants you there too"... Di murmured, sneaking in-between their hug.

Jack didn't reply for a moment, then gave a nod. Slowly getting up. And shrugged on a black coat, buttoning it up, as well as put on his hat.

"Come on." He murmured, gesturing for them all to follow as they went out of the house. "All Sparrows need to stay together. Especially now, with mum- gran needing us.. Jus' as much as we need her."

The four of them headed out by the lake at the back of the cottage. Meeting with the others who were already standing there.

Roxanne stood alone, quiet and solemn as she glanced down. Fingering a gold ring hanging about her neck on a chain. She wiped an tear away before being embraced into a hug by one of her younger grandchildren.

She hugged them back tightly, walking slowly to join the others. She did her best not to cry, as she knew they needed the support as much as she did.

Plus, she didn't want them to see her tears. The only one who allowed to see her in that state was Teague.
And he wasn't here....

*****

"I'm going back to the Islands." Nara announced in a murmur after it was over. And everyone had gathered inside. "Maybe Madagascar Or Shipwreck's Cove. I dunno "....

"What? Why, I thought you wanted to stay here an' take a place in the court ." Jack argued.

She shook her head. "I'm tired of the constant danger, everyone dying... I want to settle down. Maybe take a place with Charles."

He shook his head. "No, you're staying here. It's not safe for ye to go by yourself." He snapped.

"Why? Cause I have a brand? I think I can manage. You did." Nara retorted, crossing her arms.

"Yes, barely." Jack snapped again. "Ye know how many times I almost got killed!? More times than I told ye."

"Enough!!" Roxanne cried. Causing both their heads to turn in her direction. "This is not a time to be arguing and you both know that." She spoke between tears. "Jackie, you least of all. I highly recall the same argument between you and your father not too long ago. And he agreed with your decision and let you go. No matter how much it hurt to say so."

"Sorry." Jack murmured shamefully, the both of them hanging their heads silently. He glanced from Roxanne, to Nara. "The reason I don't want ye to go is because I worry is all. I worry that something will happen, or you won't come back. But it's your choice, an' yours to decide to stay or go."

Nara gave a nod, staying quiet. Now she was conflicted. And didn't know what to decide . "I'll let ye know what I decide in the morning." She finally said after awhile, getting up. "Night." She added , giving her grandmother a hug. "I'll stop by tomorrow."

Roxanne nodded, returning the hug. "Better, I want to see you before you head off." She said with a slight, small smile.

"Don't worry, I will." Nara replied, waving her hat as she went back next door to her parents place and headed to bed.

"As much as I appreciate your company it's probably best the rest of you pop off too. It's getting late." Roxanne said.

"Alright ." Jack replied , giving her a hug before they left.

Roxanne watched them go, then sat down in Teague's old arm and put her head in her hands hands as the tears began to fall again.

She missed her husband, missed him greatly. But there was no way to bring him back. And it'd be awhile till she got to see him again. And even then.
It wouldn't be the same....

A/N
Here you go LucyBoal
1026 words
And tons of cups of tea. 😈