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When you're close to me
꧁----꧂
The murmurs of children saying their goodbyes to Norman filled the room. [Name], Don, and Gilda looked ahead with grief plastered upon their faces. Emma stood up with the support of her crutches, looking down at the floor.
Sherry sobbed, "Norman!"
Norman bent down to her level, "Sherry, please don't cry. You should say goodbye with a smile, okay?"
"Okay," Sherry smiled. Phil then stepped in with tears resting within his eyes.
"Norman..."
"Phil," Norman put his finger and put it on Phil's nose, "Do me a big favor and take care of Emma." Phil gave a weak hum.
Isabella looked around the room to see that Ray wasn't anywhere near her sight.
"[Name]," She called, "Where's Ray?"
"The infirmary," The girl weakly answered, "He said he didn't want to say goodbye."
"I see."
Norman stood up on both feet, "Don. Gilda. Take care of Emma, [Name], and Ray, okay?"
Don put a fist to his chest, "You got it. Leave it to us!"
"Emma," Norman called, "All the rest... is up to you." Emma didn't respond at all. Norman looked down and grabbed his suitcase.
"It's been fun everyone," He plastered that same bright and soft smile onto his face that made his eyes squint, "I'll miss you!"
All of the kids collectively said their goodbyes. Norman began to walk towards the door along with Isabella.
Emma immediately bounced her head back up and rushed over to the white-haired boy.
"Norman, wait!" In one motion, Emma threw off her crutches and jumped onto Norman, catching everyone off guard. Norman slowly turned to see the girl leaping onto him. She wrapped her arms around the top of his shoulders, allowing them both to fall onto the ground.
As they fell, Norman stammered, "Emma-"
She cut him off, "I'll distract Mom."
Norman's eyes widened as she realized what she was about to do. "So please, run away!" Emma pushed the device close to Norman's ear, but he then noticed that she was on the verge of slamming her injured foot onto the wooden floor. He instantly grabbed her waist and pulled her off at an angle that wouldn't worsen her leg injury. This didn't allow her enough time to properly use the device. All of the kids gasped at the sight as they heard the loud thud of the suitcase hitting the floor.
