"Thank you Hedrick. I'm happy we could talk like this after so long."

"So am I, but I should have come sooner. I'm sorry Helena, for everything we have done."

My brother hangs his head in shame. I'm now resting in bed, as my body is quickly losing strength. It feels as if each step leaves more than just footprints.

I'm overjoyed he came for my sake, but he is making the air heavier by the moment.

"Please Hedrick, do not mourn for me just yet. There will be plenty of chances once I'm gone. Instead, I want to spend the rest of my time with a smile."

"Yes, of course. Forgive me for saying such things."

"The first step is to stop apologising for everything. I see you're just as dreary as ever."

"And you're as sharp-tongued as ever, Helen."

We spend most of the day exchanging idle chatter. I feel a familiar warmth return from a long lost memory. I can almost see my father by the fire and my mother tending to my bedridden form. For some reason I keep glancing to the door, hoping to include him in my private daydream.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"It's getting dark Hedrick."

"So it is. Please Helena, let me stay until... the end."

"But Jana is due to give birth. Shouldn't you be by her side?"

"What am I to do? My wife told me to stay with you."

"Ahahaha... It would be nice if I could see my newborn niece."

"Indeed. By the way Helena, tomorrow Anna, Kyle and Joel will be visiting you."

Oh dear. No matter how I envision it, I can only see their crying faces, along with mine. I hope I won't collapse in front of them. Once I fulfil my final duty as a teacher, I'll have no more regrets. Thank you for giving my life meaning... especially you, Tyler. Please come back soon.

"Thank you Hedrick. It's fortunate you delivered these beforehand."

"Indeed, though I must say there is clear favouritism."

"Well, to me he is not just a student. He's a very determined yet thick-skulled companion."