A/N: I realize I haven't written anything in a while, so how bout a new fanfic, eh? So basically, this one is about Cobb's death and last words, narrated by Phillipa. Enjoy!

On November 29, 2033, my father died. I was 28, without a job and living with my dad. James was in grad school at the time. Poor James, the last time he saw dad was 2 Christmases ago.

On November 23, dad was sick. The doctor said it was only a fever and that he would be fine. Well, that doctor lied. With each passing day, his conditions only got worse. I hate that doctor.
On November 25, dad sat me down and told me the truth about his job. I didn't understand it at first, and to be honest, I was angry he didn't tell me the truth earlier.

"So… you're a thief?" I asked.

"I realize… it's not exactly legal… but it was… necessary at the time…" he wheezed.

"I don't understand. What was so necessary about stealing people's thoughts that you had to abandon James and me?"

"Well… I came back, didn't I?"

"What if you didn't come back? It was already hard enough losing mom. What if we lost you forever too?"

"It's… you wouldn't understand it. I was… bound to this job…"

"Whatever."

I regret that conversation. I was angry and confused and I didn't have the right to yell at him like that. He was caught up in his job and he could have done better, but at least he still came back.

-
On November 27, Arthur and Ariadne visited dad. They used to be in the same business that dad was in, but those days were gone. I hadn't seen them since I was about 10. It came as a surprise to me when they just randomly showed up at the door, but somehow, dad knew they were coming. The trio conversed, speaking not even so loud as a whisper. As I passed by the room, I ducked behind the door and just barely peered inside. They continued talking for a few minutes and then Ariadne shoved something into dad's hand. I couldn't really tell what they were, but I soon found out that they were a chess piece and a loaded die- their totems.

Dad protested, trying to give it back to them, but Arthur simply shook his head and pushed dad's hand away.

"We don't need them anymore, Cobb- we're free," Ariadne explained.

And with that, they stepped out of our lives and I haven't seen them since then.

-
On November 29, dad knew it was coming- his death. He beckoned for me to come over and I sat by him. He stared at me with his sad blue eyes and gently grabbed my hand.

"Everyday, you look more and more like your mother. Your mother was a wonderful person. She would be so proud of you, were she here," he wheezed. I squeezed his hand tight. He lifted his body from the bed and placed his face by my ear.

"Don't ever stop dreaming, Phillipa," he whispered and then laid back down. As he exhaled his last breath, he just barely whispers something:

"I'm coming home, Mal."