"True Love Has Power"~ A Greenflame Story

Chapter Seven: Lloyd's Goodbye

Kai's Point of View~
The ambulance arrived in a matter of seconds and Lloyd was rushed straight to the Emergency Room. Me and the rest of us waited outside the room. I held my head in my hands and tears streamed down my face. A memory of Lloyd singing instantly came back in my head and replayed itself over and over.

{In The Flashback~}

"Such a feeling is coming over me. There is wonder in most everything I see. Not a cloud in the sky, got the sun in my eyes. And I won't be surprised if it's a dream. Everything I want the world to be. Is now coming true, especially for me. And the reason is clear, it's because you are here. You're the nearest thing to Heaven that I've seen. I'm on the top of the world looking down on creation. And the only explanation I can find is the love that I've loved, ever since you've been around. Your love's put me at the top of the world. Something in the wind has learned my name and it's telling me that things are not the same. In the leaves on the trees and the touch of the breeze, there's a pleasing sense of happiness for me. There is only one wish on my mind. When this day is through, I hope that I will find that tomorrow will be just the same for you and me. All I need will be mine if you are here. I'm on the top of the world looking down on creation. And the only explanation I can find is the love that I've found ever since you've been around. Your love's put me at the top of the world. I'm on the top, top of the world looking down on creation. And the only explanation I can find is the love that I've found ever since you've been around. Your love's put me at the top of the world."

{Back to the Present~}

I was shakily breathing as I cried. "I'm so sorry, Lloyd. I broke my promise to you. I'm very sorry." I said quietly. Then I heard one of the nurses call our names. I immediately got out of my seat and walked up to her. "How's Lloyd? Is he gonna be alright?" I asked. The nurse was silent for a moment and had a sorry expression on her face before saying, "The doctor tried everything he could, but it was no use. We couldn't save him. I'm afraid that Lloyd only has a short time left to live. Follow me if you want to say your goodbyes." When she said that, my heart shattered. I felt more tears form and a lump grow in my throat. The nurse escorted us to Lloyd's room and opened the door. When I saw him, lying there, I couldn't take it. I began to sob. Lloyd slowly opened his eyes and said weakly, "Guys? You're all here. I'm happy I get to see you again." I walked over to him and held his hand tight. "I'm so sorry, Lloyd. I made a promise to you, to keep you safe. And now, I broke it." I said. "Don't be. It's like you said before, we can't always save everyone. You tried your very best and I'm extremely thankful for that." Lloyd said as a tiny smile formed on his face. "Do...do you remember the first time we met, Kai? I was still a kid, going in the wrong direction in life, making bad decisions. Until I met you. You took me in and taught me how to be strong, brave, and most importantly, how to be good. I'm very grateful for that." He said. "Lloyd..." I began to say. "I...I can see it. I can see me and you, walking up the steps to the monastery. I'm right behind you. And there, right at the gateway...are my parents, smiling. Everyone, everyone's there, smiling and calling for me. They're waiting for me." He continued. "Don't go, Lloyd, please. You don't have to strain yourself anymore. We're all here for you." I said hugging him. As I held Lloyd in my arms, I felt one of his hands being placed on my back. "Lloyd, don't go. Stay here with us, stay here with me. We need you. I need you." I said softly. Then, I heard him whisper, "Kai, I love you. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me." Then, Lloyd's hand slid off my back and landed on the bed. And then, a flatline echoed throughout the room.