Best Part

PART 23

HER POV (Play When I Met You)

"Ma, I have one favor. Can you and Papa just smile and be happy every time you visit me here? Please don't be sad because of me... or because of my situation?" I said while looking into Mama's eyes. The sadness was evident as she also looked back at me.

"Emily, you know we can't avoid that, right? You're our child, it's natural for us to hurt because of what's happening to you." She caressed my cheeks. Mama's look seemed to indicate that she was tired.

I just want them to be happy while I'm still here. I'm about to die, and I don't want to leave them sad. I just want them to be grateful while I'm alive.

"Ma, we both know... I don't have much time left, right? It wouldn't be so bad if in my remaining time... we make happy memories, right?"

"Emily," Papa warned.

I sighed and smiled at them.

"We can't control our own ending, Pa. If it's already your time... it's your time. All you have to do is be ready for your death. Accept it as if you're more than willing, because it will be your permanent rest." Mama held my hand and looked at Papa.

Just seeing them suffer because of my situation hurts me. How much more when the time comes and my body finally gives up?

I can't die knowing my parents will die emotionally.

"Please, Ma? Pa?" Mama slowly agreed, even though I knew it was against her will. I just smiled at them in return.

"Emily, p-promise me... you'll fight. Promise us, your Papa and I, that you will fight, okay?" I acknowledged my head.

"I promise to try." But I can't be sure if my body will survive.

"We love you, Emily." They both kissed my forehead.

We stayed quiet until Papa decided to leave. I know he's hurting. I know he's trying hard to stay strong despite everything we've been through and are still going through.

"We'll go home for now, Emily... okay?" I just agreed. I heard the door close, and I stared at the ceiling.

I really hate hospitals. I'm getting bored. I'm trapped in this white room. I have no one to talk to. All I see are the window, the ceiling, and the table.

"Why is Travis taking so long?"

I was about to get up when the door suddenly opened. I saw Papa holding a sunflower. My favorite flower.

"Thank you, Pa." I smiled as Papa handed me the sunflower. My father really knows what I love.

"Emily, I'm sorry for my mistakes. Sorry for not being able to fulfill my duty as your father."

"Dad..." He just smiled and moved for me to be quiet. I just stared at him while he stood in front of me.

"Let me speak first, Emily." I agreed.

"I'm sorry if... I was always away from home. I hope you understand that I was always working. I'm sorry for not being there for dinner, for not helping you with your stuff... for not dancing with you or bonding with you. I'm sorry if I tied myself to work. I didn't realize that I gave so much attention to my job without realizing my daughter needed me more."

I understand all that. I know he works to provide for Mama and me. I'm not mad at him for being absent when I needed him.

But sometimes, I just want to talk to Papa. I want to be with him, even if only for a little while. I miss the old days when Papa could still manage to talk to me even though he was so busy.