Memory in the End

Chapter 20: Father

There my father lay. In the huge room, in the huge bed, with the covers drawn over the windows so that only a sliver of light couple leak out, my father was tucked under the covers sleeping.

    Michael and Owyne followed me into the room. They laid the guards on a chair in a far corner and closed the doors. They stood guard as I went over to Father.

    I slowly approached the bed. The room is silent, save for the ticking of the grandfather clock. There was a chair at the side of the bed, and took a seat in it and leaned over to peer closer at my father’s face.

Even in his sleep, his breathing was labored. There was a slight gurgling sound with every exhale. He had grown even skinnier than when I’d last saw him. His cheeks were sunken in, and his hands were shriveled. I was afraid to touch him, for fear that the slightest movement would break him. Still, I gingerly cupped his face with my hand. My stomach only sank further and further as I let this sight burn into my mind. I’m not quite sure what I was feeling at this moment. It was upsetting to see father in this horrible condition. But I was glad that he was at least still alive.

And then, the thought that Victor was the one responsible for this caused a burning in my chest. It made me angry and fueled my desire to defeat him once and for all. For every injustice that he has done to Father, to the Embertails, and to every innocent soul in this kingdom that he sacrificed for his selfish purposes, he will pay.

All of a sudden, Father’s eyes fluttered open. My eyes widened, not expecting him to wake up during my visit. A million thoughts raced through my mind. There was so much that I wanted to say to him; so much that I wanted to tell about.

“Father,” I said quietly, “I’m sorry that I was gone for so long.”.

He opened his mouth slightly, as if to say something. His lips were chapped and his mouth was dry. I heard him strain his voice.”A-Arrabella?” he managed to say, but his voice was raspy and soft.

Could he tell it was me, despite the effects of the charm?

“Arrabella? Is it really you?”

Wait, he recognizes me?!

I quickly look up and turn to the mirror on the vanity. Although there were still remnants of the red hair, there was no doubt that I was reverting back to my original looks. But the charm shouldn’t have worn off already. Is it because I only took half of it?

I looked over at Michael, who was already sending Owyne to guard the door outside. Once the doors were closed again, Michael looked at me and nodded.

“Don’t worry, take your time. I won’t let anything happen,” he said reassuringly.

I nodded in return, chasing away any feelings of urgency so that I could focus on Father again.

He spoke again, pausing at moments to catch his breath, “Victor is...behind everything that...has happened.”.

Father knows. He knew everything. “I couldn’t stop him, Father...not by myself.”.

“I know, Arrabella...This was...a great unforeseen enemy...you couldn’t have…been prepared for this…” his eyes glance elsewhere. Following his gaze, I see he is looking over at Michael, “My sight is failing me. Who is that over there?”.

Michael remained quiet and just stayed by the door.

“Oh, I brought him, Father,” I explained, “When I left the castle, I worked to gather people that could help the kingdom.” I suddenly grew excited at the thought of telling Father about my journey in finding the Magnificent Five, “Father, I actually managed to gather-”

But then he went into a fit of violent coughing. He covered his mouth with his hand, and when he pulled it back I could see blood.

“Father…” the graveness of his illness hit me.

He looked at his hand and then at me, “Please listen to me, mu dear daughter, Arrabella. I am... so proud of you; that even when everyone was against you….you never abandoned your duty as a princess,” he smiled, “You will make a great ruler, I know.”.

I put my hands on his shoulders and stared intently at him, “No, don’t talk like that, Father! You’ll still be king. I’m here now, and I’ve gotten stronger. I’ll stop Victor and make you well again!”

He ignored my cries and went on, touching my face with his other hand, “I am afraid...that my time is coming to an end. But at least...I was able...to see your face, one last time.”.

He breathing was growing even more ragged, and he was coughing more.

“No. No. No, Father. Please,” I begged, tears blurred my vision, “Please! Just give me time, I can save you!”. I placed both my hands on his that was on my cheek.

“Your mother and I...will always be watching over you...Know that..we love you.”

He smiled once last time, before taking a deep breath, and the hand I was holding fell limp.

I sat there, motionless, just holding that limp hand. This can’t be real. He just fell asleep, right? But...his chest isn’t rising anymore. Or is this all a bad dream? Yeah, that must be it. This is just a dream. We’re actually still in the forest. We haven’t entered the castle yet. Father...Father is still alive…

Michael came up behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

After a moment, I muttered, “Hey, Michael…”

He didn’t say anything.

“This is...such a realistic dream,” I let out a stiff laugh, “Every detail of the castle and Father was so real. But…” I turned and looked up at him, tears streaming down my face, “When will this nightmare end?”

Michael furrowed his brows and pulled me into him, wrapping his arms around me. My face was buried in his chest.

“Arrabella, I’m so sorry,” he whispered.

We stayed like that for what felt like ages. The only sound was my quiet sobbing, muffled by Michael’s shirt. He didn’t say anything else. He only held me as I wept.

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Hey guys! Whats up? Heres part 20!!! Enjoy and let us know what you think!

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