Unfolding Truths: KO x LMM

Twenty

Gracie woke up on Monday morning around 11:00. She hadn't remembered falling asleep the night before and slowly stood up, wanting food. When she walked out, she saw Lin on the couch, talking to someone on the phone. "Yeah, I'll let her know once she's up. I think she'd appreciate it, V. Alright. See you tonight." He said before hanging up.

"Morning." Gracie said quietly. Lin all but jumped, placing one hand to his chest.

"Jesus, Gracie, you gave me a near heart attack." The man said, turning to face her. "What do you want for breakfast?"

"Maybe a bowl of cereal. With the almond milk." Gracie responded, rubbing her eyes gently.

"Okay. Why don't you just relax and I'll get it for you. Then, we need to discuss something."

"Okay." The teen sat down.

Lin got his daughter a bowl of cereal and smiled sadly as he gave it to her. He sat on the couch next to her. "So, Vanessa suggested that we go to Matt's funeral. It's going to be on Friday in Boston. It would be you, Vanessa and myself. The boys would stay with my parents. We'd leave on Thursday." He paused. "Would you be up for going?"

"Yes please. I'd just have to get something from Mom's house first."

"Okay. That sounds good."

"Thank you." Gracie ate the bowl of cereal and took care of her dish. "I have school tomorrow, so I want to be up by 5:45 to get ready. And are you driving me or am I taking the train?"

"I'll be driving you, kiddo. I want to get first day of LaGuardia photos."

"Okay. Sounds good. Thanks, Lin."

"Of course, kiddo." He stood up. "Can I give you a hug?"

"Yes please, Lin." Gracie nodded, desperately wanting a hug. Lin walked to her and hugged her tightly. The gesture caused Gracie to burst into tears. Lin held his daughter tightly to him, kissing the top of her head.

"I'm here for you, mija. I am right here." Lin whispered.

"I don't wanna go to school tomorrow...I can't do it. I can't."

"It's okay. I didn't think you'd be up for it." Lin whispered. "I'll call the school tomorrow, I'm gonna keep you home for a couple weeks."

"Okay." Gracie nodded.

~*~

When Thursday came around, Vanessa was feeling sick and decided it was best for her to stay home rather than go to the funeral. Gracie told her to get better and she and Lin left for the airport.

For the first half of the flight, Gracie didn't pay any attention to Lin, just wanting to get the trip over with. But after about an hour, she turned to him. "Did you know Matt at all?"

"We worked a few workshops together." Lin smiled sadly. "He was a nice guy. And I know your mom loved him and he loved your mom very much. I also know he loved you very much. At one workshop, he told me all about you and Manuel. But I never put the pieces together that you were Karen's. He loved you so much, Gracie."

"I love him too..." Gracie turned to look out the window. Lin rubbed her shoulder comfortingly and sighed. "Do I stop loving him because he passed away?" She asked, cautiously.

"Of course not, Gracie. You never have to stop loving him. He was a father to you, mija. And you should continue to love him." Lin whispered, kissing her head gently.

"Lin, I'm nervous about the funeral. I don't know what to expect. I know I went to Manuel's funeral, but still."

"Well, there will be a service. That's where people will talk about him, people can go up to the coffin and say their goodbyes, and a sermon will take place too. Then the burial." Lin said gently. "I know it seems scary, but I'll be there with you the whole time. And your mom will be there too, mija."