He says"Hi."

Prologue 

Everything was different back then. We were happier, I felt normal. An abundance of love and warmth practically radiated from every person in my family. We were there for each other through everything. My life was perfect.

That was, until I turned ten years old. I did not expect so much to change, so terribly that day.

Bang!
Bang!
Bang!

Following those deafening sounds, the world seemed to slow down. Looking up, I saw my father's frame keel over in pain with a thud. My eyesight widened as I noticed a puddle of blood forming beneath him.

"Daddy!" I cried.

Rushing over to his side I struggled to turn him over. I heard him groan in pain as I did so but after what seemed like forever I was finally successful. Getting a good look at him, tears began to threatened to fall and my breathing quicken. There were three holes in his chest and stomach. His shirt was soaked in blood.

"Daddy..." I croaked.

His breathing was shallow and he struggled to open his eyes.

I shook him as I called for him again. He open his eyes and after looking at he gave a sad smile.

"Are you okay, babes?" He asked, in a breathy voice.

I choked back a sob. Despite his agony, my well-being was all that mattered to him. I attempted to compose myself and I nodded in response.

Daddy reached for me and placed his hand on my face. His face was still fixated on me and his smile was maintained. I leaned my head in his hand and clasped his wrist. We shared a bitter sweet contentment.

"Though I hate to see you cry, it's okay to, honey. E-especially in moments like these." His breathed.

"I just... sniff sniff... I just want to be strong for you, daddy. I don't want you to worry."

Tears started to form in his eyes. In response, I embraced my father. I nuzzled my face into his bloodied chest, not caring if any of it got on me. Hugging back, he coated the top of my head kisses.

"I love you, daddy." I whispered.

As if it were even possible, my grip around him tightened. His did as well, with what little strength he held left. Neither of us wanted to let go. It wasn't time. It was not time for daddy to go. Not now. I relaxed further into the embrace, savouring every little comforting stroke on back and every light kiss on my cheek and forehead.

Play song now

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine... You make me happy, when skies are grey. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away."

He struggled to breathe before he continued.

"T-the other night, dear, as I lay sleeping. I dreamt I held you, in my arms. When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken. So I hung my head and I cried."

There was no use in containing it anymore. I let the tears flow. Hitched breathing, pathetic sniffing, then intense sobs filled the open air.

And I finally noticed that it was only my voice within the open air. Sitting up I looked at my father and noticed his eyes were closed. His tear stained faces had a content smile. As if he were only asleep. I moved back down and placed a kiss on his cheek.

He was gone. The man who took care of me, who gave me nothing but love and protection throughout my entire life was gone forever. I couldn't accept it. I didn't want to accept it.

"Daddy, please don't go. Please don't leave me." I croaked.

Resting my forehead against his own, I tried again.

"Please... sniff... please." I begged, this time only coming out as a whisper.

Out of nowhere, I was alerted the sound of sirens. I turned towards where the sound was coming from. And in my view, a group of police cars were approaching. Along with an ambulance. The cars stopped.  Two officers approached me, while the others began surveying the areas. One them knelt down to my level while the other just observed.

My head hung as the officer gently placed his hand on my shoulder as a means to comfort me.

"Hey there sweetie. Are you hurt? What happened here?" He asked in an almost sympathetic tone.

I gave him a teary look, in response.

"I know this may not be the best time but you need to tell me what went on here." He continued.

I looked back at my father's body. "He's... was my dad. We were going for a walk and some guy stopped us and started pointing a gun..." I took a deep breath before I continued.

"He told my dad to give his wallet, or he'd shoot. Daddy did so. After, I heard three loud bangs and saw him fall forward. Everything happened so fast and I could not do anything." Tears ran down my face again.

"Hey, hey it's okay." He said whilst patting my back.

The other officer approached me. "What's your name babes?" She asked while looked down at me.

Taking a deep breath and replied. "Ana-Lia... Ana-Lia Lopez."

She then gently placed her hand on my head and positioned it upwards in order to keep eye contact with him.

"Listen Ana-Lia, you may not like what I am about to say but, there was nothing else you could have done."

This statement caused me to look at her with a scowl while at the same time tears began filling my eyes.

"You were in the heat of the moment and things were happening too fast for you to process it all."

My face softened as I continued to listen.

"Just know that none of this was your fault." She concluded.

My gaze shifted from the officer to my father. At that very second I began to feel cold. My body shook rapidly and every breath I took quickened in pace.

My surroundings were replaced by a sheet of black. The only thing I could see was my father's corpse. I felt my body leaving the ground, the distance between me and my dad increased. I immediately started to panic.

"No, please! Daddy please!" My cries echoed and faded.

I tried reaching towards him but there was no use. The distance only further increased. I continued to look onward still reaching for my father. As if my efforts would pay off. But they didn't.

As if by the flick of switch, reality finally set in. Daddy wasn't coming back. He wasn't gonna be waking me up for school on Monday morning. He wouldn't be telling me any bedtime stories that night. I wouldn't be in his arms while watching tv.

On the day, a piece of me died along with my father. The optimistic little girl I used to be was no longer there.

We were both gone.