"Licia, let's do something special tonight. How about we camp in the backyard and count the stars together?

" Dad's voice was always a beacon of warmth and comfort.,

"Licia, come on, sweetheart. Take your medicine for me, okay?

" Mom's gentle coaxing was a familiar tune in our home.,

"Licia...

",

"Dad, Mom...

" I reached out for them, a desperate plea on my lips, but my hands got gently restrained. The familiar voice that had been a constant in my life sounded,

"Licia, come on, wake up. Please wake up...', As the voice continued, a pair of hands cradled my face., I saw Ernest's worried expression, his thumbs caressing my cheeks.

"Licia, it's me. Ernest.

", It was Ernest. Reality crashed over me, pulling me from the depths of my sorrowful dream. But the clearer my mind became, the sharper the pain. I bit down on my lip hard, fighting the tears, the grief. The next moment, Ernest gently pried my mouth open.

"Licia, let go. Don't hurt yourself. Please listen to me...

", Hearing Ernest call my name, memories of my parents flickered through my mind. I couldn't hold back the scream that tore from my throat., Ernest wrapped his arms around me instantly, pulling me into his embrace. I sobbed into his shoulder, my fists pounding against him. No one could understand my grief, the unbearable pain of loss., My parents, the most loving and kind souls, why did they have to leave this world in such a way? I couldn't accept it. The more I cried, the more intense the pain became, a feeling of helplessness that made me wish I could tear myself apart., But Ernest held me tight, preventing any self-harm. In frustration, I bit hard on his shoulder., I passed out again in the throes of my emotions, and this time, I dreamt of nothing. When I awoke, the soft glow of a lamp filled the room, and Ernest was there, slumping over beside the bed. Memories of what had happened before I fainted flooded back, and I closed my eyes, drained. Though the pain lingered, my emotions had settled. I decided to bury the pain deep within my heart.

"Do you want some water?

" Ernest's voice was soft, filled with concern, even though he was barely awake., I nodded, not wanting to cause him more worry., Ernest helped me sit up, bringing a glass of water to my lips.,

"I can do it myself,

" I insisted, though my attempt to show strength was clearly in vain. My hands trembled, barely able to grip the glass.,

"Here, drink,

" Ernest said, steadying the glass for me., After a few sips, water dribbled down my chin, and Ernest gently wiped it away., Looking at his exhausted face and then out the window into the night, I asked,

"What time is it?

",

"It's ten in the evening today,

" Ernest answered, understanding my confusion., I wanted to say more, but Ernest's hand soothingly stroked my head.

"Hungry?

", Not really., But seeing Ernest like that, I knew he must have skipped meals, too., I nodded.

"I'd like some chicken noodle soup.

",

"Got it,

" he agreed.

"Anything else you want?

", What else?, Flashes of Mom's homemade cornbread crossed my mind, and I voiced my craving.,

"Okay,

" Ernest agreed again.

"Anything more?

", I shook my head.

"No, that's it.

", Then, remembering Ernest's preferences, I added,

"And whatever you like for the side.

", He smiled gently, ruffling my hair.

"Okay, give me a moment. I'll get someone to bring it over.

", He reached for his phone to send a message. I wasn't sure who he was contacting and didn't have the energy to ask., I lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling, feeling disconnected., The phone buzzed. Ernest picked up my phone, glanced at it, and said,

"It's from Dustin.

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