Always and Forever

Chapter 23

Cara's POV:

WILDFLOWER - BILLIE EILISH

It has officialy hit one week until me and my friends leave for UMiami. The last couple of days have been super stressful, considering I still haven't finished packing up, I still have many things I need to buy for my dorm, and most importantly, I still don't know what to do about my dad. He can't walk around on his own, meaning he can't do anything by himself. But, I need to leave to go to UMiami this week in order to be there in time for Orientation.

Which only leaves me with one question, who will take care of my dad while I'm gone?

A long sigh fell from my lips, opening up the still empty suitcase, which I flung unto my bed. I stared deeply at it, as if we were communicating in a way. I glanced between my closest, my room, and the suitcase again, hoping it would inspire me with some sort of idea as to what to pack. Yet, still nothing. I angrily flipped the suitcase over, it landing onto the floor of my bedroom with a bang.

I left my room suddenly, walking toward to the familiar bedroom next to mine. I walked under the doorframe of the room, staring back at the hospital bed that my dad was currently sitting in.

"Hey, whats up?" He asks, his croaky voice asks, before letting out a couple of muffled coughs.

"I don't know what to pack." I say, getting closer to his bed, sitting down on the side of it. I lay my elbows against my knees, throwing my face into my hands in defeat.

"Hey, its okay carebear, you will figure it out, just like you always do." He speaks, his hand gently rubbing up and down my back, soothing my anxiousness.

"No, Dad, its different this time. I dont know what to bring. I want to bring everything, but nothing at the same time." I say, sighing into my hands, as I let out a shaky breath.

"Well, you have to bring whats important to you, and what you need." He says, chuckling a bit, causing him to croak out a few more chalky coughs. I turn to face him, worry coating my face.

"Dad, are your sure your okay? Your symptoms have been coming back more lately." I say, analyzing his body for any more symptoms.

"Yes, Im alright, throat is just hurting a bit today." He speaks, his voice now lower, quieter. I hum in response, anxiousness still consuming every little bit of me.

"Hey, listen to me, alright?" He asks me, causing me to raise my head at his words.

"Yeah, what is it?" I ask, lifting my body up from the bed slightly, turning to fully face him.

"You bring anything you want. Remember, this is YOUR journey, nobody elses. If you want to bring something stupid? Go for it. If you want to leave something behind that you might need? Sure. My advice, the only thing you truly need to bring, is yourself. Just, remember where you came from, and stay close to what your heart truly desires. I just ask you to do one thing." He says, putting emphasis on his last sentence, as he lets out a shaky breath.

"Of course, what?" I ask, anxiously awaiting his answer.

"Don't forget about your old man. I know its hard, and I know your growing up, but all I ask is that you remember me when im gone." He speaks, staring me now directly into my eyes, nothing but sweetness fully swallowing his eyes.

"Dad, I  couldnt ever forget you. Your my dad, the best dad ever at that. I couldnt ever forget you, not even if I tried." I say, tears coating my eyes slightly, as I gently pull him into a hug.

It wasnt a gentle hug, but it also wasn't a rough one. No, it was one made out of pure love. It was a bear-crushing hug, the type you can only get from your dad. Its the hugs that bring pure comfort, knowing that you will forever be safe in their hold.

As I was hugging him tighter, I slowly started to feel his grip on me loosen, causing me to open my eyes immediately. I pulled back from the man, watching as his eyes slowly closed, his body slowly starting to tremble in my hands.

"Dad?" Dad, are you okay?" I ask, worrdily, my mind filling with anxiousness as my dad's eyes rolled closed, his body shaking even more, as foam slowly started to come out of his mouth.

"Dad! Dad, its gonna be okay!" I scream, tears blurring my eyes as I held his trembling body in my hands. The only sounds that were heard in the room was my breaths, and his heart monitor beeping, as it slowly started decreasing.

I immediately grabbed my phone, dialing 911, holding the phone to my ear.

"I need an ambulance! My dad is having a seizure, he needs help..please!" I begged through the phone, my sobs coming out faster than ever.

"Units are on the way to your location, they will arrive shortly. I need you to stay on the line with me until the units get there." The woman on the other side of the phone spoke, as I rapidly nodded my head, the only thing now being heard was my sobs.

Just like any other person, I was always scared of the dark, and huge, scary spiders. I thought they were my biggest fear. And yet, I never expected the sound of a quiet heart monitor to be what scares me the most.

A/N: HEYY!! Its been forever oh my gosh. I hope everyone is doing okay! I haven't posted in here since maybe September or October, so its been a LONG time.

I also wanted to say that since its Mental Health Awareness Month. my DM's are ALWAYS open. If you need someone to talk to, or someone to vent to, I'm always here. You can reach me through my tiktok here:

@lustndlove

Please feel free to reach out, you are not alone.

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and ill see you next week!

-S