The Whispers of the Fallen Star

Chapter 1 Pt. 3

I blink my eyes; our walk has almost concluded. I am not on the outskirts of my front yard. I look over to Kael, with those icy blue eyes, staring at me.

"Why don't you join me and dad for dinner?"

"I couldn't, I don't want to impose."

"Don't be ridiculous."

I walk the rest of the way to the house to see Kael following me. I knew he would come; he can't pass up a home cooked meal. I enter through the front door and take off my coat and shoes.

"You know the drill, clean up before dinner. You look like a mess."

Kael goes to say something, but before he can I push him towards the washroom. He begrudgingly walks in and shuts the door. I look around to see my father laying on the couch. He is asleep.

I walk over and see the thin gleam of sweat coating his forehead, the pale skin, the shaking, and the waste bin lying beside him. I raise my hand to see that he is burning with fever. SIGH. I stare at my father, for another instant, before I head towards my bedroom to change. After I am changed, and somewhat presentable, I head back towards the kitchen.

As I'm walking through the doorway, I can see Kael working in the kitchen. He looks so awkward leaning over the small sink, preparing the herbs and vegetables. This shouldn't surprise me, Kael has always offered a helping hand, since dads' illness. The sight of it brings a smile to my face. I guess I was staring longer than intended, I can hear Kael start to chuckle.

"Do you plan to watch me do all the work?"

"it's good to see you finally have some use around here."

I jest. Kael gives me a wry chuckle before leaning back over the sink. I take my place beside him and start cooking.

The food is now finished in the oven, it just needed cut and served.

'Will you prepare the plates, while I get dad up?

Kael gives me a nod and I head for the den. Dad is still laying on the couch, but he is awake now.

By now, dad knows the drill. I help him up, I walk him to the dining room table, I try to feed him, his body rejects it, I take him to bed, but that doesn't stop him from trying to get up on his own and falling. I rush to catch him, nearly taking us both down in the process. He gives me an apologetic nod and we hobble to the dining room. Kael has already laid out the plates, and stands beside his own chair, waiting for me and dad.

"It looks delicious."

Father says, as he then looks to Kael.

"It's nice to see you here, son."

"Thank you, sir."

Kael says. Only after he's sat down do I see the smile spread across his face.

After dinner, I take dad to his room, where I lay him on the bed and place the deposit bin beside him.

"Lyra, honey."

Dad says and I look towards him.

"Come and sit with your old man."

As I go to sit on the edge of the quilt, he takes my hands and looks at me with watery eyes.

"You know I appreciate all you have done for me, but honey... I can't keep burdening you. You deserve more than this."

"Wha- NO! What are you trying to say dad?"

"I'm saying, you need to leave me be, and start living your own life, making good memories, and being happy; instead of- instead of this."

"What? This is crazy dad, I am fine."

"But you're not Lyra! Look at yourself... You look like you haven't eaten in months, you look worn down, but most importantly you look so sad; and honey, that's not you. You deserve to be happy."

I look down to see that one of my favorite dresses now hangs loose around me, my once tan skin is now pale and dry, my long hair now frail and brittle, and I can feel the exhaustion. BUT if I can just keep going, to heal my dad would make it all worth it. I can't give up now.

"Lyra, nothing is working. I may not have much time left, and I want our last memories together to be happy. I want to watch you fall in love and do amazing things."

At this I give him a weird questioning look,

"Fall in love? Dad, come on."

"Don't play coy with me; I see how you and Kael look at each other."

I look away.

"Honey, for me. I just want to see you happy in my last moments."

I look my father and give him a kiss on the head.

"We will talk more on this, at a later time, Goodnight dad."

I leave him and walk back down the stairs to see Kael putting up the dishes.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Kael startles a little at my voice, setting down the last plate.

"Doing my share, you seemed- well, busy."

"O please!"

I say as I walk up and grab the last plate to put in the pantry.

"You're our guest, you shouldn't be putting up the dishes."

"It was no big deal, Lyra, I'm glad to help."

Kael gives me a sheepish smile, and side steps letting me walk past him to the living room.

"You should stay, it's getting late. You can sleep on the couch."

I say with a smile, hoping that he will accept. It's freezing outside, and I know he would rather stay.

"No, it's ok. I need to get home to help mom with some things before dad gets back from his trip."

He gives a downcast look, before quickly planting a fake smile. If I didn't know him any better, I may have missed it. I give him a polite nod,

"Then let me walk you out."

I say while motioning him to the door. As we walk out, Kael grabs my arm turning me towards him.

"You know Lyra, the star could fix all of this."

"Again, about the star Kael! You know how dangerous it is, we can't do it."

"But Lyra think about it..."

"No Kael, dad needs a real treatment. Not me wishing on stars."

I give him a knowing look, which he responds to with a curt nod. Conversation Over. Kael gives me a squeeze on the shoulder before heading off down the driveway. I wait till he is no longer in sight before I close the door behind me and make my way upstairs. It's been a long day...