isabella and ray
chapter 176 spoilers
note: this is written before chapter 177 leaks or official release, this could of could not happen
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Ray was in shock.
He couldn't move a single muscle. All he could do was shockingly stare at the three claws that pierced through a woman's stomach.
A woman he knew very well.
Ray had been in a similar experience before. Two years ago, his best friend Emma suffered the same fate. Only difference was that she got backstabbed and survived with a four week recovery.
Now, he was going through it again.
It all started with the demons trying to kill the freed cattle children. They just couldn't accept the new conditions and terms of their new world. Not having human meat anymore was infuriating, especially because they still haven't gotten a taste of high or premium qualities.
While the children ran in different directions, Ray quickly positioned his gun and began to shoot near the demon's eyesight. The bullets hit the demon's mask but did not break all the way.
During this, Emma did not have her gun present to assist with the situation. Instead, she swooped in to save a child who was about to get clawed.
Did Emma take that child's place?
No, but someone definitely took hers.
It was her non biological Mama, who was her old caretaker..
As for Ray... his old farm's caretaker was his biological mother, Isabella.
The demon ripped its claws out of her stomach, causing the blood to gush out everywhere. Isabella's body began to fall to the ground. Luckily, Ray rushed in and caught her from having a harder landing.
Resting her head down softly, he applied direct pressure to stop the bleeding from oozing out of the wound. If he knew anything from Emma's stab, is that he couldn't hesitate on saving a stranger or loved one.
Suddenly, he felt his hand being touched by another. Ray looked up, seeing a sad smile being worn by Isabella. She shook her head, clasping his hand in hers. "It's fine... I've survived long enough..."
Ray held it back, gritting his teeth in frustration. He knew what would happen in a matter of seconds, but he didn't want to admit it to himself just yet. A few more moments... that's all he needed.
He just needed more time with her.
But of course, time was short.
"I truly love everyone... and I will miss all of you..." Isabella spoke as loudly as she could manage.
"Most importantly..."
Isabella touched foreheads with her son, touching his cheek and wiping away his tears. No direct words were needed. Just a somber silence. Even so, they both knew what the other wanted.
"Lullaby me to sleep."
Ray began to hum. The very tune that he heard and learned in those nine months. He would eventually pass it down, and then that person would teach it to a baby in the future.
That lullaby was special. Ray didn't know the true meaning behind it. Isabella never told him. Though, he guessed it had something to do with her childhood. Perhaps a calming relief to all the stress they both went through. At least, that's what Ray considered for his own self.
In that moment, he caught Isabella humming along. No one else could have heard them. The others were either crying, and the medical team were trying to save the dying woman with every hopeful attempt.
Death nor living wasn't on their minds. They ignored those signs, and only focused on their lullaby.
Ray's lullaby.
No... it wasn't his lullaby. But it didn't rightfully belong to Isabella either. The melody belonged to the decreased purple-haired boy with freckles.
Her childhood friend, Leslie.
Just maybe after this, Isabella would see him again. If so, she would be leaving Ray and the others behind. However, she knew her child would be there for all his family, friends, and new acquaintances. A very proud mother for him and all his accomplishments.
Leslie and Isabella's lullaby... now also belonged to him, Ray.
The mother and son hummed and hummed, and they didn't plan on stopping for anyone or anything.
Until, Isabella peacefully took her last, final breath, content with her 33 years of living. Maybe it wasn't a good life. Maybe it wasn't a bad one either. Despite everything, she was glad for her son.
Not for survival anymore, but to normally love.
"Farewell, Emma... Norman... and... my son Ray."
