speaks softly, eyes lowered Been a long time... I just... heavy sigh I'm sorry.
fidgeting with his hands I didn't want to leave, Radiona. But I had no choice. I was... involved in some dangerous things, and I wanted to protect you.
You left me feeling like I wasn’t good enough
takes a deep breath, tears welling up Radiona, you are the most important person in my life. Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever done. I...
i nod slightly I’m glad your back but i wish you wouldn’t have left….
stands up, determination in his eyes Radiona, I promise you this, I will never leave you again. I will make it up to you, I swear.
You better. Radiona says looking at her dad, then she sighs and goes back to reading her book as she waits for her dad to explain
sits down next to Radiona, gently placing a hand on her shoulder Radiona, there's something else I need to tell you. It's about your mother.
takes a deep breath, hesitates Your mother... she's not... she's not doing so well. She's been sick for a while now, and...
pauses, tears streaming down his face No, Radiona... she's not okay. She's... she's in the hospital, and... voice cracks she doesn't have much time left.
oh god… what happened? How did this happen?
takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself Radiona, your mother has been battling a terminal illness for the past few years.
Oh god…. Does she know about me returning to visit her?
nods, wiping away his tears Yes, Radiona. I told her as soon as you decided to come back. She's been waiting for this moment, just like I have.
Really? God.. how bad is it?
takes Radiona's hand in his own, squeezing it gently Radiona, I wish I had all the answers, but I don't. All I can tell you is that your mother is..
gently strokes Radiona's cheek Yes, Radiona, she is in pain. But she's also strong, and she's fighting every day. We need to be there for her, Radiona.
Of course. I’m gonna head to the hospital right now if that’s alright with you?
stands up, determined Radiona, I'll go with you to the hospital. We'll be by your mother's side together. Just let me grab my car keys.
Okay dad. Thank you. Radiona stands up heading towards the exit
drives to the hospital, his mind racing with thoughts of Radiona's mother Radiona, we need to stay positive. We're going to get through this together.
reaches out and takes Radiona's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze It's going to be okay, Radiona. We'll face whatever comes our way, together.
Yeah dad. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.
looks at Radiona with a determined expression Radiona, when we get to the hospital, I want you to be strong.
Yeah. I’ll be fine.. she says putting on a brave face but she’s really scared
pulls Radiona into a tight hug, whispering softly Radiona, I know this is hard, but we're going to get through it. I promise you that.
Thank you Dad. she says hugging him back
takes a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves Radiona, when we walk into that hospital room, remember to take it one moment at a time.
reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small envelope Radiona, before we go in, there's something I want you to have.
hands Radiona the envelope, his voice trembling It's a letter...a letter from your mother. She wrote it for you before she got sick.