CHAPTER 6: LAST REQUEST

Two years had passed, and Caleb had reached the age of 17 while Tristan was now 21. Mr. Watson's health had declined, and he found himself approaching his final days.

Summoning the two boys, Mr. Watson asked them to fetch the newspaper. Opening it, he revealed a headline announcing the search for new recruits to work on the grand new ship of the White Star Line—the Titanic.

However, Caleb and Tristan rather hesitated. They couldn't bear to leave Mr. Watson alone in his frail condition.

With wisdom and love, Mr. Watson addressed them, "I am growing old and time slips away quickly. You both have so much to live for, so many dreams to chase after. The new world presents golden opportunities for you to turn those dreams, to shape them into reality."

Tristan, his voice filled with emotion, whispered, "Dad... I can't leave you behind. I'll stay by your side until your last breath. I owe you so much, and I simply can't abandon you."Caleb added, "Tristan is right. We are family, and family never leaves anyone behind, even in the most challenging circumstances. Remember what you said… Ohana means family, family means no one gets left behind… or forgotten"

Mr. Watson replied to his sons, "Only time will tell when I will soon vanish from this world. My beloved sons, I love you more than words can express, and I only wish the best for your future. I want you both to flourish and achieve your dreams... Can you do that for me? Well, I am going to rest for a bit..."

Mr. Watson drifted off to sleep, and Caleb and Tristan spent time together, discussing the weighty decision before them and weighing its consequences and benefits.

Caleb broke the silence, saying, "You know, I think Mr. Watson is right. But a part of me can't bear to leave him behind."

Tristan nodded in agreement. "I feel the same way. He has been there for me since I was a child. He is the best father anyone could hope for."

A few hours later, Mr. Watson summoned the boys once again.

The room was heavy with sorrow, escorted by a deep sense of grief. Mr. Watson, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and acceptance, uttered his final words, "I believe it is time... We have shared many wonderful moments together. Take care of each other, and never leave one another behind. I love you both."

Caleb and Tristan's tears flowed freely as they clasped Mr. Watson's hands, realizing they were bidding farewell to their loving father figure.

In mourning, they wept and mourned, their tears blending with the rain pouring outside. Tristan tenderly covered Mr. Watson's face with a blanket, and together, they grieved for hours.

"He was so good... I will miss you, Dad. You saved me," Tristan whispered through his tears.

Days later, they laid Mr. Watson to rest in London Memorial Park. Each of them brought a token of remembrance. Tristan placed Mr. Watson's favorite hat and a single rose upon the grave, saying, "This was your cherished hat, worn every day to work. Now that you are gone, no one else will wear it. It belongs to you forever."

Caleb placed the scarf Mr. Watson had given him and a few pieces of silver by the gravesite. "This scarf saved me from the cold that night. Now I return it to you, so you may find warmth whenever you need it."

Both of them paid their respects, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Watson.

"You welcomed me into your home as your own. You never hesitated to embrace me. As we part ways, may the Lord extend the same love and acceptance to you. May He wholeheartedly accept you as you did me. The values and lessons you taught me will be cherished forever. Rest in peace..."

Caleb Danis

"I don't even know where to begin. You have done so much for me, and I am eternally grateful. Just as you did for me, I will do for others. I promise to take care of my brother. I am sorry for my foolishness in the past... But you always taught me to live without regrets, and for that, I thank you. Rest in peace... Dad."

Tristan Danis

After the burial, the two brothers resolved to follow Mr. Watson's wishes. They made their way to Liverpool, ready to contribute to the new project of the White Star Line—the RMS Titanic. They packed their belongings and sold the house to provide additional funds, fetching a price of two thousand pounds. Once the sale was complete, they prepared to move to Liverpool, ready to embark on this new chapter and help bring the grand ship to life.

As they locked the front door, Tristan and Caleb made their way to the train station. It was at this moment that something unexpected occurred. Caleb inadvertently dropped his pen, watching as it rolled a meter away, only to be halted by a familiar face—the face of Nicollette, Caleb's old friend from the orphanage.