The Boy With Open Eyes.

Epilogue

Cooper's P.O.V.

It's been years since then. We've all grown up and been with each other for years. I worked things out with Linnie, and we ended up married. We have a kid together, and things couldn't have been better in other circumstances. I've fallen ill as of late. That cough from all those years ago, when I decided to change, was no ordinary symptom of a common cold. I had worked out things with those around me, and Cole and I grew closer after I gave him his time to work his issues out.

Greed and Wrath grew closer and in love. Those two are preparing for their wedding after Wrath's proposal to Greed, we all helped plan that day, and I remember us all stressing about Greed's answer. I keep getting sidetracked by the memories of it all. Maybe it's because I know my end is near. I never thought I'd die in my early twenties and leave my spouse to raise our child alone. I don't want to close my eyes shut and never see the world around me again. I don't want to fall into the plane of nonexistence where I'm of no help to my kid, my dad left us, and I remember how much worse everything was. I want to see him grow up for a little longer. These days have been a blur. I went to the Librarian for an explanation. It was all too clear to him when he saw my condition.

"Why, Cooper, your expiration date came quicker than I thought. It's a shame. The magic you unlocked all those years ago in your comatose isn't a friend but merely a creature that feeds off anything that isn't its original host, your dad. You lasted longer thanks to having some relation, but did you think you could use all this dark magic without a price? You haven't read any fairytales as a kid. I can tell." I didn't have time to hear this.

"How much time would I have with this illness?" The Librarian hummed as he heard how serious I was.

"Less than what it took for Nick to die. You won't be able to get out of bed soon. Hopefully, it isn't too painful." I decided to try my best to spend time with Linnie and Seth.

Linnie tried his best to stay cheerful as we spent our last few days together, I may not speak much, but the thing about Linnie was that he never minded. The shock collar rendered my throat to be sore and burned. The simple act of talking made it turn on, so I decided not to speak another word. Not unless needed. Now I lie here on my deathbed surrounded by my family and friends, my siblings present with my father as they showed no remorse.

I wouldn't expect anything else. I learned that expecting anything from my siblings or father was a fatal mistake, so I didn't care much otherwise. I could hear some crying. My eyes couldn't concentrate on anything around me as they felt heavy. Nothing made sense as I was trying to figure out who was in the room. I realized who the closest person was when they began to sob loudly. I am willing to guess it was Linnie.

I fought hard to keep my eyes open, they felt so heavy, and my eyes became teary-eyed as I refused to blink. I felt chills as I felt a hand on my shoulder. That familiar voice from all those years ago in my coma came in.

"It looks like your body can't continue to pay the price for my help. I've tried extending it longer, but you aren't my true master. You only hold a fraction of him inside you, not enough to live longer though you held a good run compared to those before you." I felt helpless.

I learned more through these years but would it matter when I made a fatal mistake all those years back? If I hadn't let my frustration and anger kick in during that coma, I could have rejected the idea of revenge on my siblings. If only I knew better. I thought I knew better at the time. I shouldn't have let it trick me out of desperation for comfort.

"Your body is shutting down, Cooper. Why are you fighting to keep those eyes of yours open? The less you fight, the better it is for you. It's time you know that you lost this fight. Close those eyes, and rest. You couldn't make anyone else open their eyes. It's okay to join them. You won't even know who's judging you for it." He might be right.