Hold On I Still Need You

-The Farewell-

*Song: "Stuff We Did" From UP

A/N: 😢

Keefe's POV: 

The steady beeping of the machines is the only sound in the room, a reminder of how fragile Sophie's state has become. The soft morning light filters through the blinds, casting a pale glow across her pale face. I sit there, my hand gripping hers so tightly it's almost painful, but I can't bring myself to let go. My eyes trace every line of her features, searching for some sign of the girl I know—the one who always smiled, always fought.

But now, her breaths are shallow, each one more labored than the last. It's harder to watch, harder to breathe myself as I try to convince myself she's still there, still fighting. The exhaustion clings to my bones, but I can't leave her. Not now. Not ever.

"I love you, Sophie," I whisper, my voice breaking as I struggle to hold back the tears. "Remember the time we... No, no, we'll make more memories, I swear."

But even I know that time is running out.

Sophie's breathing grows more erratic, shallow, each one like a fragile thread that might snap at any moment. My heart pounds in my chest, faster, harder, as if it could outrun the inevitable. I grip her hand tighter, my knuckles aching, but I can't bring myself to let go. "Stay with me, Sophie," I whisper, my voice cracking. "You don't have to go yet. You're strong. You can fight this. Just a little longer."

But she's not fighting anymore. I know that, deep down. Her eyes flutter open, just a sliver, and she looks at me—so faint, so tired, but there's that same spark in her gaze that always made me believe she could conquer anything.

Her lips move, and I lean in close, hanging on every word. "I love you," she whispers, the words barely a breath, but they hit me like a wave. "I'm not afraid. I'm ready to go. I'm at peace. I know you'll keep your promise."

A sob catches in my throat, and I shake my head, my heart breaking. "I'm not ready, Sophie. I can't... I can't do this without you. You're everything to me. Please, don't go."

Her hand tightens around mine, but then it goes limp, and the soft beep of the machines begins to stutter. It's like the air itself is suffocating me. My breath catches as I look down at her, her chest no longer rising, her hand no longer holding mine the way it used to.

"No... Foster. Please." My voice trembles as I shake her, my heart beating so loudly I can't hear anything else. "Wake up. Please! Sophie!"

But it's too late. The monitors flatline, the beep that once gave me hope now a cruel reminder that I've lost her.

The room goes silent. My world goes silent. And I'm left here, drowning in the unbearable weight of the reality I didn't want to face. She's gone.

I don't know how long I sit there, shaking her, pleading with her, but nothing works. "Foster! Please hold on! I still need you. Come back! Please, my love, please!" My voice cracks with each word, desperation clawing at my throat. I can feel the tears coming, hot and relentless, streaming down my face, but I don't care. I just need her back.

My forehead pressed against hers, the coolness of her skin a cruel contrast to the warmth of the love I once felt. "Please, don't leave me. I need you. I can't live without you."

But she doesn't answer. She won't.

The nurse enters, her face soft with sympathy, but I don't look at her. I don't care. Her presence means nothing at this moment. Sophie is all that matters. I hold her hand, my grip tightening as if by sheer force I can make her come back to me.