I looked around unsure of what was happening

Everyone i ever knew gathered around me

They gazed at me with such deep pity, their eyes brimming with tears, as if all hope had slipped away

Everything was starting to make sense. For the first time in forever i could tell where i was

I glanced around to get a better look at the people there

"Kris" i muttered slowly almost losing my breath. Everyone turned to me in sheer disbelief, as if they just witnessed a miracle

"Daddy!" Kris screamed as she ran, she hugged me so tight that i began to cough

"Sorry daddy, we miss you so much" she said as warm tears streamed down her cheeks.

I wanted to wipe them away, but my arms felt heavy, like i was bound in chains

"Bobby, we really don't know what to do" my brother said wearing a long face

I looked at my brother dead in the eye and it felt as if he understood what was coming next, he looked away immediately as he cried silently

On seeing his reaction my family looked at me confused and asked what was happeneing

I mustered what little strength i had to speak, trying not to stumble over my words.

"I know this is a really hard time, and i've not been here for a while now. I don't -" i broke down in tears

"Daddy, what do you mean?" Kris asked, her voice trembling

Before Bobby could say anything his brother held Kris' shoulder signaling her to allow him finish

Bobby continued "i n-never imagined that this d-day would c-come so soon" Bobby said, his voice trembling

"It f-feels like f-fate just had to s-speed things up. I p-promise i'll n-never forget any of you."

Just then Kris rushed to him, crying out "daddy, please don't leave me, you're all i have"

"oh my darling" Bobby said as he looked at his daughter

Again she hugged him so tight and swore to never let go

Bobby closed his eyes and whispered silently "i have to"

She didn't want to believe what she just heard. "just a little more time daddy, that's all i ask" her tears fell silently onto his hand

He looked up at her, his eyes clouded with pain and exhaustion. His lips moved, a faint whisper escaping them

Kris leaned closer, her heart pounding in her chest. "what is it daddy?" she asked, her voice trembling

"I..." he tried again but the words couldn't come

Kris held her breath, she felt this fear gripping her. She thought he was going to say "i love you" or maybe "i'm sorry"

But then his eyes fluttered closed, his hands went slack in hers

Kris held on, still holding him tight, wishing with all her might that he would just open his eyes again but he was gone

In that moment, the words he tried to utter remained unspoken, a silent promise that hung in the air