Laf stepped into Herc's room after the funeral. His eyes were red and puffy from crying. "Why did you leave? WHY?" He screamed as tears ran down his face. "I loved you and you left me!"
He sunk to the floor. "Why? I didn't hate you...I didn't want you to leave…"
He glanced up, taking everything in. The sun was filtering through the window onto the desk, on which Laf could see multiple drawings still scattered over it, as if Herc would come back at any moment to finish up another design.
He continued looking over the room until his eyes landed on a small box at the floor of the bed. There was a letter set on top of it, with his name written in Herc's handwriting. Wiping the tears out his eyes, he gingerly picked up the note and opened it, his hands shaking.
Hi Laf. I'm starting off right away by telling you this isn't your fault. Don't ever think that it is, and don't let anyone else make you think that. I do t want you to ever worry about being hurt by me again. I couldn't stand it when I saw that fearful look in your eyes. It's not your fault for giving me that look, it's mine for doing something that would make you look at me that way. As for the box,you can have what's inside of it. It's what I want you to have, but if you don't want it, feel free to get rid of it.
I love you, always and forever,
-Herc M.
Laf set the letter down and looked at the box. It wasn't much wider than the letter itself, and Laf was curious as to what was in it. He pulled it open and realized what it was immediately. Herc's beanie? He-he gave it to me? Laf thought as he pulled it out of the box. This...this is it...he's really gone… he finally accepted as he tugged the beanie onto his head. I'll wear it for you, Herc. Always and forever.