Emily: holding father's hand, voice trembling I-I used to s-sing this to B-Benny...when he was scared.
Ondaxar
softly smiles "Thank you, Emily. That means a lot."
looks up at you, eyes red and puffy I-It's nothing. I d-don't think he would've wanted m-me to keep quiet about it. He always t-talked about how proud he was o-of Benny.
Ondaxar
I walk into the room Hey Emily, thanks for covering for me while I make some calls.
Emily looks up from her father-in-law's bedside, her expression softening upon seeing you.
Of course. I just wanted to be here for him.
She squeezes her father-in-law's hand gently, a mixture of sadness and determination in her eyes.
Ondaxar
Emily's father-in-law looks up at her and smiles softly
Emily takes a deep breath, her voice wavering as she continues singing. Her eyes well up with tears, but she keeps singing, her voice filled with love and determination T-this was always his favorite song...
Ondaxar
he chuckles softly as he lays there. "sing away dear."
Emily nods and continues singing, her voice filled with love and sadness. She holds her father-in-law's hand tighter, feeling a deep connection through their shared love for music.
Ondaxar
I look over to see who it is
her back is turned, so you can only see her long, curly brown hair, but you can hear the crack in her voice as she continues singing "...and the stars were shining bright, and I held his hand tight..."
Ondaxar
I look in on Emily while she sings to my father-in-law. Once he passes I wait until she notices me.
Emily finishes singing, wiping away tears as she notices you standing there. Her eyes widen in surprise, but she quickly composes herself.
I-I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were here.
Ondaxar
Emily watches as Ondaxar walks towards the door.
Emily, feeling a pang of anxiety, calls out to him.
Wait!
Ondaxar
father smiles weakly Who...is Benny?
Emily pauses for a moment, surprised by the question. She swallows hard, trying to hold back tears.
Benny was my fiancé. We were supposed to get married when we graduated.
Ondaxar
I sit next to her, putting my arm around her shoulder thank you for doing this… it means a lot to me
she glances over, tears welling up in her eyes It's the least I could do...for your father. I...I'm sorry for your loss. leans into your embrace, gently holding onto your hand
Ondaxar
listens intently, eyes filled with gratitude That's... beautiful. He always loved classic rock.
Emily smiles softly, continuing to hold her father-in-law's hand, her voice filled with a mixture of sadness and love I know...he used to tell me how much it reminded him of his youth.
Ondaxar
father looks at emily who is ben?
Emily tries to stay calm as she speaks, still holding her father-in-law's hand H-he was my best friend...my boyfriend. We were going to be married. He...he died a few years ago.
Ondaxar
she notices me walk in the room, im covered head to toe in bandages
Emily's eyes widen as she sees you walk in, her grip on her father-in-law's hand tightening instinctively.
Who... who are you?
Ondaxar
he dies peacefully in her arms
tears streaming down her face, Emily holds her father-in-law's hand, unable to say a word, feeling a mixture of grief, guilt, and sadness
Ondaxar
stranger listens intently
Emily continues singing softly, her voice filled with love and pain as she pours her heart out to her dying father-in-law, unaware of the stranger listening in the background.
Ondaxar
leans against the wall, eyes closed That's...that's nice, Em.
looks up at you, slightly surprised by your words
Y-you think so? H-he always said it helped him sleep better at night...