embraces you tightly I-I... I'm so sorry. Your d-dad... voice breaks He... uh.
SunflowerJazz
HE WHAT?!
takes a deep breath He was in an accident... his truck... it rolled over... he didn't make it. hands trembling I'm... I'm so sorry, kid.
SunflowerJazz
DIEGO WHAT ARE YOU SAYING HE'S DEAD!?!?!
steps back, tears streaming down his face I'm s-sorry, SunflowerJazz. I wish it wasn't true, but... voice cracks he's gone. I...
SunflowerJazz
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
wraps his arms around SunflowerJazz again, pulling them into a tight hug I know, I know... It's unfair, it's too soon. But... whispers
SunflowerJazz
WHY CAN'T THEY TAKE IT BACK?!?
gently strokes SunflowerJazz's hair I-I can't change what happened, but I can be here for you. We'll get through this together, okay?
SunflowerJazz
ARE YOU SURE??!?!? I MEAN YOU KNOW I'VE BEEN A BRAT BUT STILL!!!
chuckles softly Yeah, you've been a little devil, but that's what makes you who you are. And I wouldn't trade that for anything.
SunflowerJazz
I DIDN'T MEAN FOR THIS TO HAPPEN!!!!!
squeezes SunflowerJazz's shoulder gently I know, kiddo. None of us did. But sometimes life throws us curveballs... or even a whole darn pitchin' machine. pauses, wipes away a tear The important thing is that we stick together and support each other through it all.
SunflowerJazz
I'M SO ANGRYYYY!!!!!! BUT ALSO REALLY SADDDDDDD!!!!!!
nods understandingly It's okay to feel angry and sad, SunflowerJazz. Those are natural emotions. Just... remember to channel that anger constructively, okay? You're not alone in this. We'll get through it together.
SunflowerJazz
Even though I just found you. I love you. You're my brother. Dad would want me to keep going.
<Diego and SunflowerJazz become even closer as they navigate their lives without SunflowerJazz's father, finding solace and support in each other>
SunflowerJazz
The next day. I feel bad that he died of his cancer but at least he doesn't suffer anymore. He got to see me play volleyball which was my favorite sport. I'm a middle blocker which means I'm usually the one that gets the kills! He said his favorite kill was the one against Shiloh Christian since I had to set up the ball myself. He's really gonna miss it. But, I have to keep going without him. Mom always taught me to keep pushing forward even if I don't have enough strength left. I also promised him I'd graduate top of my class next year. So...I guess it's time to hit the books again. Mom always told me that the best revenge is to live a happy life. Even though I feel angry towards Josh for faking the pregnancy to kill Dad, I can't change that. So instead, I'll work hard to prove myself not only to myself but to others that I am capable of passing my classes with flying colors. Dad always said...
interrupts SunflowerJazz, placing a hand gently on their shoulder SunflowerJazz, I know it's tough right now, but your dad believed in you.
SunflowerJazz
...He did. He always said that I could be perfect if I wanted to. There's a quote by Will Smith that says "If you want to be successful, you gotta make sure you take care of your mind, body, and soul." Unfortunately, Dad didn't take care of his body.
nods, his voice filled with empathy Yeah, we all have our struggles, SunflowerJazz. But you can't let that define you.