Afterwards

[first lines]

Tracey:
[beckoning] Swannie... Come over here... Come to me... Nice, swan.

Kay:
You know, Nathan, the dying have taught me one thing - that you can look death in the face and go on living. Our mission is to keep company with those about to die, so that they can depart in peace.

Mother in law:
It's not a mother's job to bury her daughter!

Kay:
No it is not. But you have to let the dead lay with the dead. You have to.

Tracey:
When we die they put us into the ground, and slugs eat us, of course, and then we disappear. And then we don't exist any more.

Nathan:
Nobody can be sure of that either. But you know, I believe one thing. Want me to tell you?

Tracey:
Mm-hmm.

Nathan:
I think just because we die, doesn't mean we don't exist anymore. Maybe we exist someplace else. And you know why I think that?

Tracey:
[no]

Nathan:
When you see a boat vanish - have you ever seen a boat vanish on the horizon? When a boat disappears in the distance, it vanishes. But does that mean it doesn't exist anymore?

Tracey:
No.

Nathan:
Right. I believe dying is like that. It's like a boat vanishing on the horizon. Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Nathan:
[writing a letter] Someone once told me, the wonder of life is in the here and now. I'm going to die soon. And yet, I'm no longer dominated by fear. Life is full of riches - the gestures, the laughter, the joy we shared. I remember it all. I remember you breathing too, when you slept in the car. Mommy's face when she saw us. We did a lot of things together. Lots and lots of things. I've learned a lot. I've met some wonderful people.

Nathan:
Cherish your happiness. Savor every instant. And above all, don't get upset if you think of me. Don't be sad. And one day, if you want to talk to me, if you really want to, pick a spot you like. A spot were we used to go together. You'll be able to talk to me - you'll see. Because I'll be there. And remember, don't be ashamed to tell people you care about that you love them. I love you both. Very much.

[last lines]

Claire:
We thought you left us. That you'd, um... We were worried.

Nathan:
I know. But don't be scared. I'm here now. I'll never leave you again. I'm here.