Last Monday I received a call from S., a dear friend and writing partner, one of the four who make up ‘Rhada McKai.’ He had what was probably the saddest news I’ve had in a very, very long time. One of our own, one of our four, had crossed the veil.

J2 – James – and I met a long time ago, through a mutual friend. We sorta had a thing very briefly, before I introduced him to Mel. He in turn introduced me to S. and it all became very intertwined for a while. In the end, except for Mel and J2 hiking out for parts western and getting combined (their words, not mine), we were all just damn good friends. Ours was a blend of brief in-person friendships/relationships fading into enduring long-distance chats and email sessions. While none of them were seeking a professional writing career, we threw in together and created Rhada McKai. The four of us had a snark blog (it’s still there, just no one ever snarks anymore – we’re just too damn busy!) and then the three of them supported my move into the ‘zine (and Belfire as well) by being our first investors.

I wanted to wait until I better knew the situation before I posted this, and it’s even harder now, than it would have been earlier on when I was still in shock. And really, I don’t know anything more yet.

Mel came home from work early Monday morning and discovered that James hadn’t left for work, and indeed hadn’t woken up. At this point all I know is that he was sleeping when he died. I don’t know if Mel has received any autopsy information or not yet, and I know she’ll let me know when she does.

Because really, how does a seemingly healthy 41 yr. old just die in his sleep?

I don’t know how Mel is holding up now, I only talked to her briefly on Monday and then again on Wednesday. At the time she was more worried about their commitments than herself or anything else. I did talk to S. on Friday and he’ll be there tomorrow for the service. James wanted to be cremated, and I assume that’s being done. I wish like hell I was out there with them, but financially and otherwise, I just can’t. I’m late with this, but as Watership Down was his favorite, I think this is appropriate:

My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today.

Rest in peace, sweetheart. Feel free to come visit through the mirror.