Page 185 of Dustwalker

Her mother lay with her father, both unmoving. The casing on his back had been pried open. He clutched a power cell in his hand.

Blinking away her tears, Tabitha picked up the folded paper that lay atop him with a trembling hand. She wiped her eyes and read it.

Tabby, Sam, Mel, and Mandy,

I am so sorry to make this your burden. You may not understand now, but I hope you will in time. We have lived long, happy lives together. My place remains at your mother’s side. I cannot continue on, unchanging, as my children and grandchildren live and die.

I ask that you do not reactivate me. Please bury me with your mother, so I can fulfill my promise and be with her during her long sleep.

Know that we are proud of all of you and the people you have grown to be, and that our love will always be with you. When your mother was young, we changed the world. It isup to you to continue shaping it into something beautiful for everyone.

With Love,

Dad