rough from weeping

but stronger than before.

Others gather around,

in twos and threes.

Mickey takes requests,

but mostly he plays

our old favorites.

For once, I carry the harmony

instead of the melody,

since Krista's are the only ears

that hear me.

Siobhan and Connor appear,

fiddle and guitar in hand,

summoned by a text from Mickey.

And now it's like

a Keeley Brothers

acoustic reunion gig.

Perfect.

But after a while,

I fall silent

and just watch

my brother and sister

sing without me

smile without me

live without me.

They'll be okay.

Without me.

I give Krista a soft "Thanks"

and brush her shoulder

with a hand she can't feel.

She watches

as I stand and turn away.

I'm pretty sure