She was only whispering, unable to raise her voice at all, and her entire face was fervent with hope. Please.... please.... please..... let it work..... just let it work. Harrison closed his eyes tightly, screwing them shut, his little boy's face alight with focus and concentration. None of them dared move or speak, or even breathe. The octuplets were all asleep, unaware. Only they 2 watched. Only they 2 waited. Slowly, agonisingly, a figure began to appear and thicken, sending thrills down Lleucu's spine. Her heart was thundering.
Tan? she whispered.
The figure turned to face her, an apology on its lips, pain in its eyes. Even before her, the figure began to bleed out, began to crumple. Soon it had vanished, without even leaving ashes.