There is much trouble in Paradise

Chapter 25

The six entered and saw Garret lying on the bed. Max was sitting on a chair next to him and Simone was holding his hand.

"I'm sorry for keeping this secret. Guys, I betrayed you." Garret started.

"No, Garret! You never betrayed us. You always put the others first because you are such nice and gentle! Garret, you were my role model in so many things!" Doug was the first to speak.

"Yes! I am honored I met such a kind and honest man like you. You've been of great help to me and without you I don't know if I would've reach where I am now." Albert confessed.

"Garret, even if we've known each other for not long, you leave me nothing but the best impression. You're kind, too kind for us. Even with me, who was a total stranger, you acted like I'm your life friend." Shane was the next one.

"You are very strong and have a beautiful family. Congratulations to all your accomplishments in this life." It was Holly's turn to speak.

"Garret, you are one of the not many people I truly admire. Your children were very lucky with such a father and your wife had the best of it." Alisha spoke struggling not to cry.

"Brother, even if you wished to take after me, I've wanted nothing more than your life. I love you and I'm terribly sorry I couldn't do more." Robert said letting down a tear.

"Dad, thanks for everything!" Max spoke before quickly turning away.

Simone only squeezed his hand.

"Thank you, love, for everything you gave me. For these beautiful kids, for this amazing life, Garret, I wish you told me everything so you wouldn't have to carry this burden alone. We are in this together. Garret..." Cara finally spoke taking his other hand.

"I don't deserve this...you are all...way too great for me. Thanks! Thank you Cara, Max, Simone, Robert, Alisha, Shane, Doug, Holly, Albert...thanks to you all, for what you said, for being with me. Through my life, and the end of it. Thank you." Garret said before closing his eyes and drawing his last breath. The pulse lined as Garret was no longer among the mankind.

"Garret...Garret!" Cara shake his hand.

Robert exited to get a doctor as the men also left the room with the head down. Alisha gently took Simone and also escorted her out. Shane, seeing Simone, went to Max who had his eyes glued to the hospital bed.

"Max...what you are going through it's extremely painful. But you have to keep your head up and get over it. Don't worry. You can cry, shout, scream, but for you, it's not the end." He told the young boy as he lead him outside of the room.

Robert returned with some nurses and doctors.

"Cara...Cara, we must go." Robert took Cara's hands.

"Why...why didn't you told me..." she let tears run down her face. "Why..." she let herself dragged outside.