The cell phone rang in William's car, and he answered it with shaking hands as he sped off to the home he had once shared with his wife and son. Unbeknownst to him, Spencer could hear every word spoken on that call.
"Yes?"
"Will? You're alive?" His heart stopped at the sound of her voice.
"Diana." His voice cracked when he spoke her name.
"But he said that you were..." Her eyes widened in horror as she understood what was happening. "Oh, God."
"Show him no fear. No weakness. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Okay." She whispered.
"I'm so sorry. I should have never left in the first place."
"This isn't your fault. I know you left because you didn't think you could be the husband and father you thought Spencer and I deserved. I don't blame you. I never have. I forgave you a long time ago and I still love you."
"I love you too. So much."
"Will you do something for me, then?"
"Anything. Whatever you need."
"Promise me that you'll tell Spencer our story. About how we fell in love. He needs to know that things weren't always this way between us. He needs to know about the girl you fell in love with- before this illness took over my life. He needs to know that everything we had was real.
"I can do that."
"Swear to me that you'll get closer to him. I know he won't want to at first but he's going to need you. You have to show him how to deal with his emotions and the only way that'll happen is if you show him your own."
"I will. I swear."
"More than anything, promise me that you'll protect and take care of our baby. I know I can't save him from everything but this is important. Don't let him see what I will have become, please. I want him to remember me as I am now."
"You're not going anywhere. I'm going to get there and everything's going to be fine."
"You know that won't happen, Will." He could hear the gun being cocked and heard her breathing hitch.
"You gave me the best gift of all. You loved me. I'm so grateful for that. I never stopped loving you. And when Spencer finally gets here, tell him that Mommy loves him."
"I promise. I love you, Diana."
"I love you too."
There was only a beat of silence before the gun went off.