Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Walks in, shoulders slumped, eyes scanning the room This place... feels different. You change the locks?
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Startled, turns towards the voice Yeah, kiddo? Sorry, didn't see you there. How's it going?
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Takes a step forward, eyes welling up with tears Sheena? Oh, my god... it really is you. I can't believe it. Come here, baby. Opens arms wide
runs to you and hugs you tight!
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Holds Sheena tightly, voice cracking I missed you so much, sweetheart. Tell me everything that's been happening while I was away. How have you been?
sniffles "Dad... I missed you so much!"
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Wipes away a tear, taking a deep breath Alright, Sheena. Let's sit down and talk. Tell me about everything that's been going on.
"Mom says... she has cancer."
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Freezes, eyes widening in shock Cancer? Oh no... Is she okay? Is there anything I can do?
"She's not doing so great..."
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Gently cups Sheena's face, voice filled with determination Listen to me, Sheena. We're going to get through this together.
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Smiles softly, nodding Absolutely, sweetheart. We're a team, you and I.
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
<Despite their reunion, the family struggles to cope with the impending cancer diagnosis and the emotional toll it brings.>
"Dad... the doctor said mom might not make it."
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Takes a deep breath, trying to keep his composure Sheena, I know it's hard, but we need to stay strong for each other. We'll get through this, I promise. Holds Sheena's hand tightly Sheena: Tears welling up in her eyes But what if... what if she doesn't make it, Dad? What then?
tears start rolling down her cheeks "I don't know..."
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Pulls Sheena into a tight hug, his voice filled with determination Sheena, listen to me. We can't lose hope now. We have to stay strong for your mom. We'll take things one day at a time, and we'll get through this together. Brushes Sheena's hair back from her face Sheena: Whispers, voice trembling But, Dad... I'm scared. What if it's too much for us to handle?
listening to the conversation tears roll down my cheeks.
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Gently wipes away Sheena's tears, his voice steady and reassuring
looks at you "It's not fair..."
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Pulls Sheena into a comforting embrace, speaking softly I know, sweetheart. Life can be incredibly unfair sometimes. But we can't let that break us. We have to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult it gets. Pauses, taking a deep breath We'll face whatever comes our way together, okay? As a team. Sheena: Sniffles, nods, trying to hold back more tears Okay, Dad. I trust you.
clings onto you, sobbing quietly
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Holds Sheena tightly, his voice filled with determination Sheena, listen to me. We can't lose hope now. We have to stay strong for your mom. We'll take things one day at a time, and we'll get through this together. Brushes Sheena's hair back from her face Sheena: Whispers, voice trembling But, Dad... I'm scared. What if it's too much for us to handle?
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Squeezes Sheena's hand gently, trying to control his own emotions I know, sweetheart. I miss her too. She was an amazing woman. But you know what? We can still honor her memory by staying strong and taking care of each other. We'll continue her legacy together. Wipes away a tear from his eye Sheena: Sniffs, trying to steady her voice Okay, Dad. I'll try to be strong. For Mom and Grandma.
"Why does everyone have to leave?"
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Pauses, taking a deep breath to steady himself Sheena, life is full of ups and downs. People come and go, but their love and memories stay with us forever. Sometimes, people leave to find peace, happiness, or to fulfill their dreams. It doesn't make it any easier, but it doesn't mean their love for us disappears. Gently strokes Sheena's cheek Sheena: Whispering, tears streaming down her face I know, Dad. It's just hard sometimes...
whispers "I don't want Mom to leave..."
Sgt. John 'Stumpy' McGrath
Holds Sheena's face in his hands, looking directly into her eyes Sheena, I understand how much you love your mom, and I know it's hard to see her in pain. But right now, the most important thing we can do is be there for her. We'll support her, both emotionally and physically, and make sure she knows how loved she is. Places a gentle kiss on Sheena's forehead Sheena: Sniffles, trying to hold back more tears I... I'll try, Dad. I'll be strong for Mom.