HOMERUN

Prologue

A/N-Trigger warning, this chapter includes death and cancer. If either of these topics trigger you, or make you uncomfortable, this may not be the chapter for you. Otherwise, enjoy!

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The piercing sounds of sirens from the ambulance disrupt the neighbourhoods as it speeds past houses in the dead of the night. In a tattered living room, a young boy is being cradled in the arms of a 10-year-old girl, next to a fallen wheelchair. Adults are howling into the phone, as a mother cries, collapsed on the kitchen tiles. A part of her had known this moment would come, but can a parent ever be prepared to lose their child?

The ambulance comes to a screeching halt, and paramedics rush to the entrance, where they are met with a middle-aged man, with blotchy tears streaming down his face. They pick up the boy, placing him carefully into a stretcher, while the young girl is thrashing hysterically in the grasp of her mother, reluctant to abandon him. The young boy is rushed off to hospital leaving the girl in a panicked frenzy.

The married couple are restless in the waiting room. With bags under their eyes, they wait for what seems like an eternal night, the blinding hospital lights being a complete contrast from the darkness outside. They wearily watch the sunrise from the uncomfortable blue plastic chairs, as a doctor dressed in a pristine white coat called their names in a calm manner.

"Mr and Mrs Florentino, may I speak to you in private?" The couple follow the doctor into a neat looking office, with stickers of cartoon characters strategically stuck to the wall. The couple give each other a worried glance "I have some unfortunate news." The parent's hearts start to race with fear.

They knew this moment was coming but didn't realise how soon. Their hands clench into a fist as the doctor continues "Your son, unfortunately, passed away last night due to his kidney cancer, as well as complications regarding his spinal cord injury. Due to his condition, it was very unlikely he would survive, once again we are very sorry for your loss" At the mention of their son's death, time came to a halt. They broke down, it felt as though their hearts were being ripped out of their chests.

Later that night, the mother was hesitant in telling her daughter the devastating news, as she knew it would destroy her. The young girl looks up to her mom with hope shining in her eyes, hoping, praying that the boy is okay. The young girl is told the devastating news and her mom watches the hope disappear in the young girl's eyes within seconds. The young girl feels like she can't breathe, as on this very night she has lost her cousin, her best friend. She has no idea how she is going to cope without him by her side. They were meant to take on the world together.

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A/N-Hope you enjoyed the first chapter of our story! Let us know what you think in the comments. Much love, Chris and Angie