CH28. His death

And this confirms her worries. Yeah, her dad is going. He is leaving for good. Her dad is dying!

For the three months that he has been sick, she has been reading so much about medicine. She was hoping that she would help him.

And she once came across something that described the signs of a dying person.

It had said that the person would appear so calm and maybe a bit happier.

Isn't that what her dad has been today? 

It had also said that at last, they would request for something to send away all the people they loved. And water was the example the book had used.

That it was almost true that people like dying in the absence of those they loved.

"Xiao Xiao," Ye Jin Hong calls again when he sees her in a trance and tears pouring from her eyes.

Ye Xiao Xiao hugs him immediately. "Dad, don't die. Don't leave me alone..."

"I want water honey," he says to stop her from speaking. "Go bring it for me."

"No," Xiao Xiao says. "I have water for you here," she says and hands him the water bottle.

But to her shock, the man drinks all the water and hands her the bottle. "I want more..."

"No...dad,you are dying? No...don't...I will call a doctor," she says and opens her mouth to call for a doctor.

But her dad covers her mouth and stops her. "No need for that honey...they can't do anything. I am happy dying now..."

And these are the words that break her most. "Dad..."

"I am sorry dear. I can't keep you company anymore... I know you will be fine."

He never wanted her to know that he was going. But she has been cleverer that he thought.

"Dad... Dad...don't..."

"I will be watching over you dear. This can't be prevented..."

"No... Let's stay for a few more minutes then. I want you to hug me..."

Knowing that is it really inevitable, she chooses to use her last time with him well.

"Okay..." The man nods. "Let us listen to our song one last time."

Xiao Xiao knows the song he is asking for and plays it on her phone.

She squeezes herself on the bed and hugs her dad tightly, her tears wetting his clothes. But they don't care about all this now.

She sobs continuously as the song plays.

And for the love of our family

Our small but loving family

We shall dance together

We shall play in the rain

And run in the snow

We shall laugh out loud

And play like there is no tomorrow

Love comes from the heart

And can never be forced

And since our own is genuine

Love for a good family

We shall rejoice

Our small family...

When the song nears the end, the man hugs her daughter tightly. "Good bye my love...and our small family..."

"Dad..." Xiao Xiao says and cries out a little louder.

But the man says nothing more. She looks at him as his eyes close and his hands around her loosen. It is over...