Well, hello! It's good to see you again… I must admit, this chapter was a hard one to write because of many details I'm trying to include in here when I went through losing my father five years ago and having to recall what occurred in actions and words. It's like I went back into time when typing certain things because of how accurately I remembered the events.

Trippy, yes. Then again, it does help… even if it's been so long ago…

Alright, enough squawking. Enjoy !

...

Chapter 2

...

The entire graduation process seemed like an eternity to end for Cloud. He could give a care less about celebrating a new chapter in his life, but he didn't want to rain on anyone's parade as he posed for many, many pictures with his classmates and their parents. An invitation was extended to have dinner with a group of close friends by Tifa, but as Cloud was about to decline the offer, he felt his cellphone vibrate. Pulling the phone out of his pocket, he noticed a text had been sent his way. Flipping the top part of the phone, Cloud mentally read his mother's message.

If anyone invites you out after graduation, just go for it! Remember, your father wants you to be happy on this memorable day, and so do I! 3

"I know, I know," Cloud grumbled, shutting the phone and stuffing it back in his pocket.

"So, I take it as a yes?" Tifa asked anxiously, flashing Cloud a warm smile.

Cloud couldn't help but smile back at her. She really had a knack to bring him out a of a pending bad mood. "How could I say no? Of course I'll go!"

...

Cloud focused on the plate of Mezzaluna as he felt tried his best to not up and leave his favorite Italian restaurant, Carrabbas. The food was good, and it was a nice gesture of Tifa's mom to pay for everyone's meal, but the happiness around him brought on misery. Every now and again, one of his friends would snap him out of his funk by talking to him and bringing up high school memories, but eventually, their parents would want to hug their child and tell them how proud they were that their little one is now entering adulthood.

As Tifa's dad dinged a spoon against the class to get everyone's attention and began to say his speech, Cloud took a few bites of his food and wished that everything was going to be alright. Perhaps, by next week, he and his father would find this to be something to laugh about. Cloud made a face, actually agreeing that his dad was strange enough to laugh at his own mishaps.

"Everyone, please raise your glass and give a cheer to the graduating class of 2005!" Tifa's dad bellowed as the twenty some odd people in the party cheered.

Here's to you, Dad. If you come out of this alive, I'm going to kick your ass for scaring mom and myself like that! Cloud though, raising his glass of cola, clinking it with other glasses held within his reach, then downed the liquid as though he was having an alcoholic drink.

...

It had been three months since the accident, and Cloud was losing faith. The hospital had called to inform him and his mother that Cloud's dad's heart beat was pacing too fast, and, after rushing into the hospital to be by his father's side, Cloud wished to never see him in this state again.

Mouth agape, saliva from the top of his mouth reaching to the bottom almost giving him a snake like look. Face paler than usual, like a vampire. Cloud almost didn't recognize his own father as he moved a shaky hand up to his father's shoulder.

Suddenly, the unconscious body shook as though reacting to Cloud's touch. Was he trying to let Cloud know he felt his presence?

Cloud chocked back a cry as he gripped his father's shoulder firmly. "Dad? Can you hear me? Please, let me know you're somehow able to tell where you're at and that Mom and I are here with you!"

"It's no use, son," an elder man said walking into the room to check on his patient, "it may seem like he's reacting to your touch, but it's just a spasm his body is having. That's all."

Cloud's mom stood in the corner, both her hands covering her nose as if she was about to sneeze. She too had her hopes up that maybe, just maybe, her husband was going to snap back into reality. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stared at the now still figure.

The doctor sighed heavily, gesturing for the two of them to follow him out of the room and into a small empty lobby. The feeling was a cold one as Cloud and his mom sat next to each other while the doctor sat across from him.

"I don't think I've introduced myself. My name is Doctor Lance Martin, and I've been keeping a close watch on Mr. Strife. I know you both thought that by Cloud touching Mr. Strife that he would miraculously come to his senses and all would be well again, but I'm afraid it's not going to happen. When Mr. Strife hit his head, a blood clot formed. Our surgeons successfully removed it, but the damage has been done. Even if he were to snap out of it, he would become brain damaged due to the trauma."

Dr. Martin took in a deep breath as he looked at the two individuals before him then proceeded.

"It's been three months since he was admitted. Truth be told, I don't think it's a good idea to keep him on life support anymore. His condition's going to be the same, and no progress will be made. If his heart rate starts to act up like it did just moments ago, it could actually do even more damage to him. Now, I know you want to keep him around until that hopefully day comes that you'll get your husband and father back, but I can't lie to you. He's not going to pull out of it anytime soon."

Both the Strife's faces dropped as the remaining threads of hope disintegrated and were replaced with grief, sorrow, anger … all the ingredients in losing a loved one.

Cloud removed himself as Doctor Martin began to talk to his mother about family therapy. He didn't want to hear about seeing a psychiatrist who's just going to look at their watch every five minutes and play tic tac toe on their clipboard instead of taking down important notes during therapy as his mom coughed up a good chunk of money to the nutcase. He didn't want to believe that his father was gone mentally, emotionally. He returned to his father's side, kissed his cheek, and whispered for him to come back. Cloud tried to stay strong, for his mother's sake, but now that she wasn't present, he let it out all out. Three months of every emotion possible was built up inside of him, and Cloud shook the dam loose as tears flowed down his cheeks and cries came from deep within.

This was it. It was time to really say goodbye. Passerbys peaked in when they heard the cries, and Cloud looked up at them with bloodshot eyes, a red face and tears and snot coming down. He didn't care at this moment. His heart was broken. He put his head down and closed his eyes thinking about the good ol' days they shared.

"Cloud."

Cloud's head shot up as he looked at the doorway to see his mother and Doctor Martin coming back into the room.

"Doctor Martin and I talked. He's right. Keeping your father on life support isn't going to bring him back. He's gone, and I decided to let him pull the cord." It took a lot out of her to get the final bit out of her as she closed hers tightly and allowed herself to cry.

Cloud felt numb. All he could do was nod his head in agreement as Doctor Martin coolly made his was over to the ventilator and discontinued its function, ceasing any further assistance in Mr. Strife's breathing.

A sudden calm feeling came over Cloud as he heard his father snoring a bit. He couldn't help but smile, yet he knew it was just a reaction his body was doing to try and get air into his system. In reality, he was slowly dieing.

Cloud took his father's hand and gave it a tight squeeze.

"I'll miss you, Dad. Say hi to Grandma for me, and … save a place for myself and mom. If you manage to see a really cute angel, save her for me. You've got someone special here waiting to see you again." Cloud smiled softly at his mother who returned the gesture.

I wish you prepared me for what I'm supposed to do now that you're gone. I don't think I can make it without you, but for your sake, I'm going to try.

...

A shorty, but a goody! Man, I never felt like crying over something I personally wrote, but certain parts really had me on the verge. I hope you enjoyed reading this!