Paul stepped out of his house and headed to work. When he arrived, he went right to his office and opened up his email on his computer. As usual, it was just emails linked to work. Upcoming meetings and deadlines. He scrolled through all the emails and spotted one that had nothing to do with work. When he opened it and read it, he jumped out of his seat and went to find Vince.

Stephanie had woken up after a long rough night and took a long hot shower thinking about what she experienced just hours prior.

When she was finished, she got dressed and put on her skull cap. She walked over to see if Ryan was available but again, he wasn't in his room. It was very odd of him to not be around. She didn't let it bother her and went to the cafeteria in hopes of seeing him there since it was still breakfast hours.

After arriving, she scanned the room but still there was no sign of him anywhere. She went and got some breakfast but had a hard time eating. The only thing that was running through her mind was Ryan's whereabouts. She threw away her food and as she was walking out of the cafeteria, she asked several of the patients that she came across if they had seen Ryan. All of them had the same answer: no.

"Hey Vince. I need to speak you. It's urgent."

Vince, who was sitting at his desk and reading some papers that were in front of him, placed the papers down and went over to close the door.

"Is everything okay?"

"I need to book a flight to Switzerland. Tonight."

"What are you talking about? What's going on?"

Paul explained everything to Vince about communicating with a doctor in Europe in hopes of finding a cure for Stephanie. The doctor had responded back giving Paul the green light to bring Stephanie and try the new medication on her.

Without a moment to spare, Vince immediately called the airport and requested his plane be prepared for tonight en route to Switzerland. Paul went ahead and arranged a hotel for a few nights and spoke with the hotel manager explaining that he may need to book again due to a medical reason. The manager gladly arranged something for him in case his was needed to be extended.

After all was said and done, Paul looked at Vince and smiled at him.

"This could be it, Vince."

Vince hugged him and cried. "Just make sure my baby girl gets well soon."

Stephanie went over to the nurses desk and spotted Carol who was filing charting.

"Carol. Have you seen Ryan?"

Carol stopped what she was doing sighed. The look on her face was more than enough for Stephanie to realize what had happened. She shook her head and placed her hand over her mouth.

"No. No!"

She tried so hard to scream but there was nothing left in her. She dropped to the floor and Carol immediately rushed to her air and held her tightly in her arms. She then let out a scream and cried as Carol tried her best to calm her down. She hugged her and held her close to her body rock her back and forth but Stephanie continued to scream and cry in pain. The patients knew why she was crying and cried along with her. The atmosphere around the hospice suddenly changed as everyone began to mourn.

What seemed like forever, Stephanie stopped crying and sat back resting her head against the nurses table. She wiped away her tears and faced Carol.

"What happened?"

"He was groaning in pain and I went to check up on him. To see what was wrong. When I went to see him, he was pale as a ghost and sweating furiously. I called for help and after the doctors came to check up on him, that's when we called the ambulance. I learned early this morning he passed away."

Stephanie shook her head. "This isn't real. It can't be. It has to be another one of his jokes. He'll be back tonight, just watch. He's going to come and say it was a joke and that he's fine."

Carol held her hand and looked at Stephanie. She shook her head. Stephanie began to cry once more as she hugged Carol. Carol helped her get on her feet and walked her to her room.

Carol walked her over to her bed and sat beside her.

"This was left on his nightstand for you." She said after taking out an envelope from her pocket and handing it to Stephanie. Stephanie took it and opened it which contained a letter made out to her from Ryan. Carol knew this was not any of her business and left her alone.

The letter, which was about a page long, was folded neatly into thirds and hand written. Stephanie sat back with her pillow against the wall and leaning against it and read the letter to herself.

Dear Steph,

I really don't know how much more time I have but before I do leave, I have to write all this to you. There is no way I could say all that I have to say face to face to you so this is the best option. Please don't be upset that you had to learn everything from this letter and not from me.

I can't even describe how I feel right now about what you did for me. I never thought I'd ever get a chance to relive my high school years by going to my prom but you, even though you have your own life to worry about, managed to put everything aside for one night and do this one nice thing for me. I really don't know what to say but thank you. Thank you, Stephanie for making me a teenager again and allowing me to experience the one major event of a teenager's life.

About six months ago, who knew I would be telling people that I befriended Stephanie McMahon? Meeting you enough would have been a big thing for me but to become friends with you was something I never would have expected. Unfortunately I wish we had met under a different circumstance instead of meeting at a hospice, battling for our lives, but life has its way of working things, right? I remember the first day I saw you. You were so down and alone. You looked so vulnerable and I had to be the hero. Well, I also was a fan, but that's not important. I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable and miss your family so I walked over and insisted you come out with us and talk. I bet you're glad you did, huh? Who knew ice cream could be the reason to start a great friendship?

Over the next few months we both got to learn more about each other. We were constantly there for each other and confided in one another. We opened up and shared a lot of secrets and dreams. The one wish I had told you finally did come true.

On my birthday, you downloaded that app and had me blow out those virtual candles on the screen. Lame but cute, so thanks for that. I did wish for something and sort of mentioned it when we were up on the roof that one night looking at the stars. Remember? Well, I think now it's safe to say that I finally experienced love. Because I did fall in love with you. I know you're married. You have children. I would never tear you apart from your family. I know you love them unconditionally. I just mean that you made me fall in love. A feeling I never had before. Please don't be upset and wonder why I never told you. How could I? I know you wouldn't love me back the same exact way, which I wouldn't care but I wouldn't want our friendship to be awkward anymore. It was the only thing I ever wanted in life and what better way than to fall in love with such a great person? And that kiss… oh! I can now die a happy man.

Don't let my death stop you from going after your wishes and dreams. I know you and you're not the type to quit. You once told me you were afraid to die. Steph, I swear to you, you won't die. You never give up. So keep doing what you've been doing all this time. Stay strong and keep fighting your battle. Take life by its horns and conquer your fears. Don't disappoint me.

Till then, keep being your amazing self. Stay strong, stay beautiful, and keep on fighting not for my sake but for your family who love you so much. They're lucky to have you. I'll save you a seat when we see each other again and I'll play you one of my songs.

You're #1 fan and friend,

Ryan

Stephanie cried after reading the letter and buried her face in her hands.

Just then, Paul knocked on her door and walked in with a look on concern on her face.

"Steph? Everything ok?" he asked when he sat on her bed. Stephanie crawled over to him and rested her head on his shoulder. She continued crying and gave him the news about Ryan's death. Paul comforted her and calmed her down before he could give her the good news.

"Steph, listen to me. I got an email from the doctor this morning. You're in."

Stephanie wiped away her tears, lifted her head up and looked at him. "I'm in?"

Paul, smiling from ear to ear, nodded. "Yeah, baby. We're leaving for Switzerland tonight."

Stephanie smiled and hugged her husband. "I already spoke with the Director and explained everything to him. He said you will be released in a couple of hours. That gives you some time to get ready."

Stephanie kissed him and hugged him. She looked up and thought about Ryan, thanking him for everything.