Prologue – Celestial navigation
They had met during a Caribbean voyage, right after his wife had told him she wanted a divorce. As he was without a room, the four sisters Julia, Angelica, Claudetta and Rionne quickly offered for him to stay one night in each of their cabins. Consequently, he spent 24 hours with each sister.
At the end of the trip, he had the choice of which sister to spend his last night on board with, but declined out of respect to not cause dissension among them.
After three months had passed since the cruise, Rionne contacted Joachim; inexplicably drawn to her and wishing for nothing more than to be close to her. Similarly, she felt the same way about him – though he was unaware that she had been diagnosed with cancer prior to their meeting. Despite this, they agreed to travel together all over the world for the next two years, creating moments that would last a lifetime.
Over the course of their two-year journey, Rionne and Joachim traversed the globe, visiting remote corners of the world and engaging in thrilling adventures. In the sun-soaked vineyards of Tuscany, they strolled hand-in-hand through rows of grapevines, pausing occasionally to kiss amidst the lush foliage. In a quaint Moroccan village, they spent an evening huddled together beneath a blanket of stars, relishing the silence that enveloped them like a cocoon.
She could hear the soft crashing of waves against the shoreline, and feel Joachim’s gentle touch as he stroked her hair and held her hand through the night. Her weakened body had found its final refuge in his ancestral seaside home, and with each laboured breath she could sense her strength slipping away.
She lay in her bed, a pale blue hospital blanket tucked up under her chin. Beside her, the leather bound travel journal with its scarred and faded cover was open to the page where she had last written her thoughts and feelings about the life they had shared together. In the fading light of dusk, she softly traced her finger over each word as if to etch it forever into her memory, knowing that soon she would have to leave this world and enter another.
“Remember the time we almost got lost in that dense Brazilian rainforest?” Rionne chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she glanced over at Joachim.
“Almost?” he retorted playfully, his arm wrapping around her waist protectively. “I’d say we were pretty darn lost. But it was worth every second, just to see that hidden waterfall.”
As they continued reminiscing about their remarkable journey, an unspoken heaviness hung in the air. Despite the life-affirming experiences they shared, Rionne’s health deteriorated swiftly and mercilessly. It began with subtle changes – a persistent cough, bouts of fatigue that left her drained, and an unusual pallor that seemed to cling to her once-rosy cheeks.
“Rionne, are you alright?” Joachim asked, his voice laced with concern as he noticed her struggling for breath after a short walk. “You seem...off lately.”
“I’m fine,” she replied dismissively, attempting to mask her discomfort with a weak smile. “Just a little tired, that’s all.”
But he had noticed it for weeks, Rione’s symptoms had worsened. Her once-lean figure had begun to wither away, muscles giving way to frailty. The vibrant, confident woman who had captivated Joachim’s heart was now a mere shadow of her former self, her energy sapped by an unseen force. She still pushed herself to join Joachim on their adventures, but he couldn’t help but notice her slowing pace and frequent need for rest.
“Rionne, please,” he implored one evening, as they sat by a crackling fire in a remote cabin. “Tell me what’s going on. I can’t bear to see you like this.”
Rionne hesitated, her eyes filling with unshed tears. She knew that her time was running out, but admitting it aloud would make it all too real. But as she looked into Joachim’s worried gaze, she realized that hiding the truth was no longer an option.
“Joachim,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’m getting sick. Really sick.”
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees surrounding the cozy cabin as Joachim carefully adjusted the pillows behind Rionne’s back, making sure she was comfortable. He had become her constant caretaker, ensuring she took her medication on time and assisting her with even the smallest tasks.
“Thank you,” Rionne whispered, her voice weak but filled with gratitude.
“Anything for you,” Joachim replied, his eyes full of love and concern. He knew their time together was running out, and he was determined to make every moment count.
Rionne reached for a pen and paper that lay on the bedside table, her hand shaking slightly from the effort. She began to write, her thoughts pouring onto the page in elegant cursive script. Joachim watched her intently, curious about what she was writing but not wanting to pry.
“Joachim,” Rionne said after some time, her voice barely audible. “I want you to have this.” She handed him the letter, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
He hesitated, unsure if he should read it now or wait until she was no longer with him. But Rione’s expression told him she wanted him to read it immediately.
“My Dear Joachim, my wonderful husband and my Love!
We created an astonishing world with our love!
A concealed area which no one was allowed to enter.
Do you still recall how it felt, like a mere fantasy,
now that it’s history.
Elusive flames have dissipated, the melodies faded,
You gave it your all, but it’s alright.
Now I’m giving you permission to go.
I pray that I will remain in your thoughts.
to live on in your memories forever.
Close your eyes and listen carefully, can you hear the echoes of our happy times together?
I hope you still believe that it was because of you that I am who I am today.
Believe me when I say this is true.
Perhaps what we believe is right, to never give up a fight!
If only I had the courage and bravery that you do.
And when my time has come, then know that your heart shines brightest when you Give!
/Rionne”
As he read through the letter, memories of their adventures flooded back: the exhilarating motorcycle ride along the winding roads of Italy; the night they danced under the stars in Paris, laughter bubbling up from deep within their souls; the breathtaking view from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, where they held hands and marvelled at the world below.
Tears streamed down Joachim’s face as he folded the letter, clutching it tightly to his chest. He looked at Rionne, who lay frail and pale in the bed, her breathing laboured. Her once vibrant eyes still held a spark of life, and he knew she was fighting with every ounce of strength she had left.
“Rionne,” he choked out through his tears, “I love you too, more than words can express. And I promise you, I will carry our memories with me for the rest of my days.”
“Thank you,” Rionne whispered, reaching for his hand and giving it a weak squeeze. The simple action filled Joachim’s heart with warmth, reminding him that even in her darkest moments, Rionne was still capable of showing love.
Joachim’s chest tightened, his eyes glistening with unshed tears as he read Rionne’s confession.
Rionne sighed heavily, drawing Joachim’s attention back to her. Her breathing had become more laboured, but determination still burned brightly in her eyes. “Call Claudette, Angelica, and Julia,” she said, her voice soft yet insistent. “I want them here with us. It’s time for a family meeting!”
“Of course,” Joachim replied gently, wiping away his tears before heading to the living room. He dialled each sister’s number in succession, relaying Rionne’s request, then returned to her side. “They’ll be here soon,” he promised, taking her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“Thank you,” Rionne whispered, her gaze drifting to the window, where the sun was setting in a brilliant display of oranges and reds. The colours seemed to reflect the warmth of the memories they had shared, the passion that still burned between them despite the encroaching darkness.
“Joachim,” she began hesitantly, “my time is running out, and there are things I need to say to you and my sisters. I want to leave this world knowing that I have expressed my love for each of you, and that you understand how much you all mean to me.”
“Rionne, you don’t have to worry,” Joachim said softly, his voice filled with emotion. “We know how much you love us, and we’ll always carry that love in our hearts.” He paused, struggling to find the right words. “But if it brings you peace to say those things, then we will listen to every word.”
As they spoke, Rionne’s sisters arrived one by one, their faces etched with concern and love. They gathered around her bedside, hands clasped together as Rionne began to speak. Her words were heartfelt and honest, a testament to the deep bond she shared with each of them.
“I whish you wouldn’t remember me like this, that you would only remember the good times,” Rionne urged, her voice growing weaker but no less determined. “Let those memories be your strength when sadness threatens to overwhelm you. And know that, even as I face the end, my love for you all remains as constant and unyielding as the tide.”
Tears flowed freely from the eyes of her sisters and Joachim, their hearts breaking even as they marvelled at Rionne’s unwavering courage. And in that moment, as the sun dipped below the horizon and darkness began to claim the sky, they held onto each other, bound by their love for the extraordinary woman who had touched each of their lives so deeply.
Rionne’s gaze wandered over her sisters, who had gathered around her as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on their faces. She marvelled at how different they were from each other and yet bound by the same love and loyalty.
Claudette stood tall, her fiery red hair cascading down her shoulders like molten lava. Her dark brown eyes were filled with a quiet strength that Rionne had always admired. Despite her own struggles, Claudette had been there for her without fail, providing unwavering support.
“Remember the time we danced under the stars on that beach in Bali?” Rionne asked, her voice soft but filled with warmth. “You taught me to not be afraid of letting go, of embracing the moment.”
A bittersweet smile flitted across Claudette’s lips. “I’ll never forget it,” she replied, her own voice thick with emotion.
Angelica stood slightly apart from the others, her short blond spikes giving her an air of defiance even in this most tender of moments. Beneath the tattoos that adorned her pale skin and the brash confidence she displayed onstage, Rionne knew that Angelica struggled with self-doubt and sought validation from those she loved.
“Angie, you’ve always been my rockstar,” Rionne said, reaching for her sister’s hand. “When we sang together in that tiny karaoke bar in Tokyo, I saw a side of you that I wish you could see more often. You’re so talented, and your music has touched so many lives, including mine.”
Tears welled up in Angelica’s deep blue eyes, and for once, she didn’t try to hide them. “Thank you, Ri,” she murmured, squeezing her sister’s hand tightly.
Lastly, there was Julia, the youngest sister with long blonde locks and bewitching green eyes. Driven and ambitious, she had built an empire of her own, but Rionne knew that Julia’s impulsive nature sometimes led her into trouble.
“Jules,” Rionne began, a hint of amusement in her voice, “do you remember when we went skydiving in New Zealand? You were so terrified, and yet you jumped anyway. That’s what I love about you – your courage to face the unknown head-on.”
Julia laughed through her tears, nodding as she recalled the exhilarating memory. “I’ll never forget that feeling, Ri – the freedom, the rush of adrenaline. It was incredible.”
As Rionne shared these cherished memories with her sisters, she could see the impact they had on each of them. Their faces softened, smiles breaking through the veil of sadness as they were reminded of the joy they had experienced together.
“Promise me that you’ll carry these memories with you,” Rionne whispered, her strength beginning to wane. “And when times get tough, remind each other of the love we share, a love that will endure long after I’m gone.”
Her sisters nodded, their eyes glistening with unshed tears, as they made that solemn vow. And in those final moments, as darkness embraced the world outside, Rionne held onto the love of her family and found solace in the knowledge that her legacy would live on in their hearts.
“Please, don’t be sad for me,” Rionne implored her sisters, the fatigue in her voice evident. “Instead, remember all the good times we’ve shared.”
Silence fell upon the room as Claudette, Angelica, and Julia looked at each other, uncertain of how to respond. They could see the determination in Rionne’s eyes, even as she struggled to find the energy to speak. It was that same determination that had always bound them together as sisters.
“Alright, Ri,” Claudette finally said, grasping Rionne’s hand firmly in her own. “We’ll do our best to remember the happiness we’ve shared.”
“Thank you,” Rionne whispered, a weak smile gracing her lips.
“Ri, I won’t leave your side,” Angelica declared, her voice wavering with emotion. “I’ll be here for you every step of the way, just as you’ve always been there for us.”
“Me too,” Julia chimed in, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Neither am I,” Claudette added, her stoic facade cracking as her voice trembled. “We’re in this together, as always.”
As the hours passed, Rionne’s sisters took turns caring for her, attending to her every need with devotion and love. Claudette meticulously researched Rionne’s illness, ensuring they were doing everything possible to keep her comfortable. Angelica spent hours sitting by Rionne’s side, holding her hand and talking about their fondest memories. And Julia, ever the nurturer, made sure Rionne had enough to eat and drink, even though her appetite had dwindled to nothing.
Throughout it all, Rionne remained grateful for her sisters’ unwavering support. Though her body grew weaker, her spirit drew strength from the love that surrounded her. Her thoughts often wandered to the adventures they had shared, and she found herself lost in the memories of laughter and camaraderie.
“Remember that time we took the impromptu road trip to the coast?” Rionne mused one day, her voice barely a whisper. “We sang so loudly the whole way, I’m surprised we didn’t scare away all the wildlife.”
“Or the time we entered that salsa dancing competition,” Angelica recalled, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. “We were so terrible, but we laughed so hard.”
“Yes,” Rionne agreed, her eyes shining with the memory. “That’s what I want you to remember – the laughter, the love. Promise me you’ll never forget those moments.”
“We promise, Ri,” Julia whispered, her hands gripping Rionne’s tightly.
As Rionne’s condition worsened, her sisters continued to care for her tenderly. And though their hearts ached with the knowledge that they would soon lose her, they found solace in the bond they shared, a bond forged from years of love, laughter, and adventure.
Over the next seven hours, Rionne’s physical decline became alarmingly evident. Her breathing grew more laboured, each inhale and exhale a Herculean effort that left her gasping for air. Her once strong and toned muscles seemed to wither away before their eyes, leaving her frail and fragile like a wilting flower.
“Ri, do you want some water?” Claudette asked gently, her voice cracking with emotion as she held out a glass with a trembling hand.
“Thank- you,” Rionne rasped, struggling to swallow even the smallest sip. She shared a pained smile with her sister, a silent expression of gratitude for the simple act of kindness.
“Is there anything we can do to make you more comfortable?” Joachim inquired, his eyes never leaving Rionne’s face, searching for any signs of distress or discomfort.
“Stay- with me,” Rionne whispered, her words barely audible. “All of you...just stay with me.”
As the hours ticked by, Rionne’s sisters and Joachim took turns holding her hand, whispering words of love and encouragement into her ear. Though they knew it was unlikely Rionne would recover from this rapid decline, they continued to hope and pray for a miracle, unable to accept the reality of losing her.
“Remember when we were kids, and we used to sneak into the kitchen late at night to eat cookies?” Julia reminisced, her voice choked with tears. “You always made sure we didn’t get caught.”
“Best- sister ever,” Rionne mustered a weak smile, her gaze flickering to each of her beloved siblings. “I love- you all.”
“Rionne,” Joachim began, his voice thick with emotion, “I need you to know how much I love you. You’ve given me so much joy, happiness, and purpose in my life. I’ll carry you with me, always.”
“Joachim- my love,” Rionne’s voice was barely a breath now, her eyes locked on his as if trying to convey the depths of her feelings without words. “You- made me- so happy- don’t forget- my letter!”
As the final moments approached, Rionne’s breathing grew even shallower, each ragged inhale taking longer to draw in than the last. Her sisters and Joachim huddled close around her, their hands clasped together in an unbreakable circle of love.
Rionne murmured something no one could understand, her eyes drifting closed,
with one last shuddering breath, Rionne slipped away, her body finally at peace. The room was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the quiet sobs of her heartbroken family.
“Goodbye, Ri,” Claudette whispered, pressing a tender kiss to her sister’s forehead. “We love you.”
“Always,” Angelica added, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clung to Julia for support.
“Forever,” Joachim choked out, his eyes never leaving Rionne’s face, etching her serene expression into his memory for eternity.
