Always & Forever (A 'The Last Of Us' Fanfic)

Chapter 39

Kathy couldn't believe the news. Don Logan had cancer. Joel was the first person she told and he rushed over to the hospital to see him. He had left Sarah in his mom's care. He wondered if Beth knew yet. He hoped she did so she'd come over and be at her dad's side. This was going to be hard for her. Her father was her life and then with her mom back in the picture, he was worried for her. Worried that she would have to carry all of this on her own. Mr. Logan had been such a big part of his life. He had to be at his side, showing that he was there for him. What else could he do for the man that taught him a lot more than his own father ever did?

When he got to the hospital, he went around and asked what room he was in. He opened up his door once he found out and saw Mrs. Logan there.

"Joel. How are you, son?" Don said looking over at him.

"My mom just told me...Mr. Logan...I have no words," Joel said.

"Please. There's no need for them. I'm glad you're here," he said.

Right when Joel was about to add something else, the door opened and he turned to the person who'd walked in.

"Joel?" she said, her eyes visibly puffy from crying so much.

"Beth. You're here," he said.

She went up to him and wrapped her arms tightly around him. She was so grateful to have him here at this moment. He held her tightly and reassured her that he was there for her. It had been three years since he last saw her and he couldn't believe she'd gotten even more beautiful. She parted from him and took his hand. She led him to her father's bedside.

"I'm wanting to get him out of here. He should be at home, you know," she said holding her father's hand.

"You're making a huge fuss out of this, sweetheart," he said.

"You're always one for dramatics," she retorted.

He chuckled slightly.

"That is true," he said.

She hadn't acknowledged her mother once since she walked through the door. She didn't want to argue and was afraid if she looked her mother's way, she'd end up doing just that. The doctor walked in and had Don sign his release papers. Within a couple of hours, Beth was taking her father back home.

Joel followed them from the hospital. He had to talk to her. He had to know what was going on in her head and if there was anything that he could do for her. He knew that she was in so much pain right now and that she was putting up a front for them all. It was only when the two of them were alone that she was completely open with how she felt. That could never change.

Beth got her dad home and both her and her mother helped him into the house.

"Can I get you anything, dad?" she asked once he was on the couch.

"No. Honey sit down. How long ago did you get here? Have you even had time to be still for a few seconds?" he asked growing concerned.

"I went to the hospital the second I landed," she said.

He reached his hand over to her and she took it, sitting down next to him.

"Dad...I don't...I can't believe this. You're a good person, why is this happening to you?" she asked in disbelief.

"Everything happens for a reason, honey. Know that I'm not afraid to die," he said.

Beth stood up automatically at the sound of that.

"Don't say that. Just don't," she said.

"Sweetheart. It's what's going to happen. I've accepted it," he said.