His final words.

Terry leaned in closer. His father’s voice was faint and coarse. With all the machines plugged in it seemed as if there were tubes everywhere. Despite his condition, his father had still managed to grab Terry’s hand, even as he struggled to breathe.

Terry held what felt like bones wrapped in translucent skin and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Sorry dad I couldn’t hear that.” Terry prompted quietly ,his face right next to him.

This would be the last conversation they would ever have, so Terry choked back the tears and tried to savour the moment. His eyes locked intently on his father’s thin and withdrawn face. He could hear the effort it took for his dad to breathe, mustering the effort to speak was completely draining what was left of his energy and Terry was half wishing he would stop.

“War eye...” He repeated weakly. Terry squeezed his hand again and told him to rest.

The hospice nurse standing at the bedside was understanding and patient.

“He hasn’t got long left now I’m afraid.” She had said half an hour ago, and for the past 30 minutes his father had drifted in and out of consciousness, desperately trying to say his last words.

Terry was heartbroken. Just last week his father, 85 years and counting, was strong, steady on his feet and in full control of his faculties. He was old no doubt about it and showing all the usual health issues associated with old age, but he was still active and able-bodied, with a steely determination to keep going.

Just one fall had taken that all away.

“War eye knee.” He breathed. Then stopped. The machines beeped and screeched. Doctors rushed to the bedside and the nurse kindly ushered Terry to one side as they busied themselves tending to his father.

“Don’t worry they often speak gibberish at the end. He wasn’t really aware, and he wasn’t in any pain.” She offered kindly.

Terry was in shock. The machines flatlined out and the doctors stepped back gravely giving him some space.

“That was the first time he’d ever said that.” Terry whispered, tears welling in his eyes.

“Said what dear? War eye knee?”

Terry nodded still staring incredulously at his father.

“My dad was half Chinese.” He explained ”‘Wo ai ni’ is Mandarin for ‘I love you’.”