"M-mom..."

Gempa internally flinched when her son's eyes landed on her. His face was gaunt and his cerulean blue eyes carried an exhausted look in them. She went back to what the doctor had said about her son and steeled herself as she sat down beside the hospital bed. She would not break down. Not now. Her son needed her.

"Mom?" Taufan's voice was weak, but he managed to smile as he looked at his mother. "Is that you?"

"Yes dear," Gempa said, smiling. "How are you feeling?"

Taufan's eyes had a dazed look into them. "I feel like we're moving. Like in a car. Are we in a car?"

"No sweetie," Gempa told him softly.

"Oh..." Taufan's voice trailed off as he focused his eyes on her mother's hands. "How are you feeling, mom?"

Gempa tried not to cry in front of him. But it was hard, knowing that Taufan was still looking out on her even at his deathbed. "I'm doing fine, hun. I just ate some dinner. Would you like me to get you some?"

Taufan's face scrunched up at the thought of food and he paled. "I-I think I'm okay, mom."

There was a moment of silence as Gempa just continued to hold her son's hand.

"Mom... I'm scared," Taufan whispered, not looking at his mother in the eye.

"Hush love," Gempa whispered, stroking her son's balding head. "I'll always be here for you."

"B-but mom..."

"...who's gonna be there for you?"

Gempa looked away from the piercing eyes of his son. "Don't worry about me, love. I'll be alright."

"B-but mom... with dad gone... it's only just the two of us," Taufan whispered softly.

"And now, I'm gonna leave you too."

Taufan's eyes were brimmed with tears. "I-I can't. I d-don't wanna leave you, mom. I-I promised you t-that I'll t-take care of you w-when you're o-old and g-graying."

"M-mom, I-I don't want you to be a-alone."

"Taufan," Gempa whispered, tears gathering in her golden yellow eyes as she held her sobbing son. "I-It's okay. I got you."

Gempa continued to whisper comforting words in his ear and Taufan sagged against her, suddenly drained of energy. She helped him lay back down on his bed and kissed his forehead.

"Mom... I'm tired," Taufan murmured softly.

Gempa swallowed. This was what she feared. But Taufan was nearing his end. Tears started to gather from her eyes but she tried to hold them in.

She has so much to say, but too little time to say them all.

"Can you sing me a lullaby?" a whisper came out of Taufan. Gempa smiled softly and started to sing.

Close your eyes, it is time

For you to tell the world goodnight

It might be dark inside

But there are still stars shining in the sky

"Mom," Taufan whispered, making her stop singing for a moment.

"Yes, love?"

"You're my hero."

Gempa couldn't hold it in as tears started flowing from her eyes. Taufan reached out a shaking hand and wiped them from her face. Gempa's voice were shaking as she continued to sing.

Close your eyes, I'll be here

And everything will be alright

I'll be right here by your side

As we go walking through the night

Taufan managed a weak smile as he looked at his mother. "Promise me you'll be strong for me?"

"I promise." Gempa leaned down and kissed his forehead, her lips pressing through the cold skin for a long time.

"I love you mom," Taufan whispered, closing his eyes.

"I love you too."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Song is Mori no Kokoro No.5 from the game Rakuen.