A Special Gift

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A/N: I was originally going to have this out during Christmas because of its message of giving, but things just got delayed. So, it's really an after Christmas gift. Happy New Year, everybody! Let's make 2021 a prosperous year! :)

Disclaimer: I, by all means, do not own Onward. It respectively belongs to the director, Dan Scanlon, and Disney/Pixar.

Wilden Lightfoot sat at the kitchen table, putting the finishing touches to his letter. It was past midnight. He usually wasn't the type of person who stays up this hour, being an early riser and all, but the man had to be awake. This was crucial, urgent, and time was ticking away. Lying down in bed would just waste that time; he couldn't spoil it when his life was possibly drawing to a close.

He had a terrible, terrible sickness that even he, a wizard, couldn't devise a spell to fix. The doctor sadly announced Wilden's diagnosis and elucidated the long-term effects of the disease, those, unfortunately, leading to an inevitable event, death. Of course, the doctor consistently prescribed him medicine to help with the ailment, and he took every chance to improve his health. He attempted various ways to compose a cure despite what the doctor had informed about cancer having no available cure. Alas, nothing worked, no matter how hard he tried. Battling lung cancer was difficult, to say the least, and a life-changer for both him and his family; it suddenly barged into their lives. He, Laurel, and little Barley prayed that he would be one of the lucky cancer survivors. But as the months zipped by, Wilden's illness was not getting any better, even with the treatment. That didn't hinder him, though. He gave it his all to stay strong for himself and his endearing family, and he remained happy.

Laurel and Barley meant the world to him. They kept him going, and they were the light of his life. They were the best things that could ever happen; it was impossible to imagine life without them. The three shared many miraculous and unforgettable memories, and Wilden was certainly ready to create more. His family pushed him through this tough cancer journey. Their love and support truly made things positive during cancer. Just having his devoting wife and son by his side was a greater cure than anyone were to come up with in the future. Lung cancer was just as new and frightening to them as it was to him, so they very much ensured that he was getting the most assistance that he needed. Due to Wilden's condition regressing, transporting him to the hospital may be sooner. The father feared hospital confinement so early and the fact of leaving his loved ones. He hoped he lasted longer than intended.

A loud, wheezing cough emitted from Wilden's mouth. Feeling defeated, he sighed. He was looking forward to many amazing moments, like taking Barley to preschool for the first time and witnessing the birth of his second child. Allegedly, cancer was coming close to victory. Wilden desired to meet the baby before his fate. Ecstatic about becoming a father again, he didn't let sickness bring him down. Participating in the duration of his baby boy's birth meant more to him than anything currently. Standing by Laurel's side while she delivers Ian was going to be worth every pain he had suffered. He deserved the tender and heartwarming feeling of holding his newborn in his arms. Only time would tell.

Wilden read over the letter before laying it down on the cloth, and then picked up the visitation spell. He held it dear to his chest, kissed it, and placed it with the letter, his special wizard's staff, and the shiny phoenix gem. He wrapped everything together and made his way upstairs to his bedroom. Upon quietly entering, he saw Laurel sleeping soundly in their bed. The husband smiled gently and ran a hand through her long hair. After changing into his pajamas, he heard Laurel waking up. He sneakily hid the bundle underneath the bed.

"Wil?" She rubbed her weary eyes and yawned. "What are you doing up?"

Wilden sat down. "Oh, honey. I had to do something really important."

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