Lavinia smiled softly, running a hand through his dark locks.

"Luke...i'm not gonna be around forever...we already know that my days here are numbered...but sweetheart if there's one piece of advice I want to leave you with...its to always be confident with girls and the ones you love...it may hurt to tell someone you love them and find out those feelings arn't recipricated back...but its hurts more to wonder what kind of life you could have had but know you can't because you were too shy to do anything about it..."

Luke grew pale. "Don't talk like that Auntie...yer just sick...you'll feel better soon."

Lavinia smiled gently with a small sigh and nodded.

"Course sweetheart...just...remember that okay..."

"I promise," he said quietly before hugging her her words upsetting him a great deal.

Lavinia swallowed softly and cuddled Luke close, resting her head gently on top of his. She hated to think what the kids were going to act like when she was gone...

His love troubles were quickly set aside as a new heartache took over. He could sense that the day he dreaded was getting closer and claser. "I love you Auntie."

Lavinia bit her lip gently before answering softly.

"I love you too sweetheart..."

A sniff escaped him though he was trying hard not to cry.

Lavinia closed her tearing up eyes, pulling Luke closer until the 15 year old was sitting in her lap just like when he was a little kid.

"Oh come here Luke...my little boy..."

Luke hugged her close sobbing. "Don't die Auntie...please....don't die..."

Lavinia couldn't help it as tears slid down her cheeks at his words, her heart breaking a little for her nephew who had become more like a son to her.

"Luke...sweetheart....death is a part of life...I can't live forever..."

Luke clung to her, his heart breaking. "It ain't fair! I love you!"

More tears fell fast down her cheeks as she held him close, rocking him gently.

"I love you too Luke...I do...but the good lord decides when its peoples time and its my time soon...he's given me so many wonderful things in my time here...most importantly...he sent you to me...I've watched you do so many great things...I'm very proud of you..."

Luke sobbed against her clinging to her not wanting to let her go*

*Present Day*

Before Luke knew it, a nurse was lowering his foot down from traction in the morning, placing it onto a pillow.

Luke just watched her in silence.

"There we go sir...the doctor will be in to check on you a little later then you'll be discharged."

The nurse said kindly.

"Thank ya," returned Luke watching her leave.

The nurse nodded, before biting her lip a little and heading back into the room.

"Was that blonde guy here yesterday related to you?"

Luke nodded. "S'my cousin Bo..."

The nurse shifted a little before pulling out a small piece of paper.

"I'm gettin' off my shift this mornin'...could you...possibly...give him this..."

"Your phone number?" he asked with a small smile.

The nurse blushed a little and nodded.

Luke smiled. "I'll be sure he gets it."

She nodded again with a muttered thanks before slipping out the room and down to take care of the last few patients.