"Sir, it's okay.We're the ambulance crew.You've done amazing, but let us take care of her from here."
It takes every molecule of willpower to let go of her.The moment I do, two paramedics swoop in with practiced efficiency.The woman immediately presses something against the wound while her partner checks for a heartbeat.
"She has a pulse.It's weak, but it's there."
Relief hits me so hard I sway on my knees.
"Your quick handling made a tremendous difference, sir.Excellent work," the woman says, but her voice is tight with urgency.
The thrum of helicopter blades fills the air as the trauma team arrives.They rush over, a blur of movement and urgent voices.Medical terms I don't understand fly between them as they work on Alex.But my focus stays locked on her face.She's so pale, her skin almost translucent.They hook her to a heart monitor, and the steady beeping triggers a flood of memories – my father on the floor, that same terrible sound marking his final moments.The helplessness.The guilt.It crashes over me like a wave.
Then the beeping changes.Stutters.Stops.
The flatline tone pierces the air like a knife to my chest.
"Alex!"Her name rips from my soul.
I try to stand but my legs won't work.I watch, helpless, as they start compressions on her lifeless body.This isn't happening.This can't be happening.
A man squats beside me, his voice gentle but firm."Sir, my name is Ian.I'm a paramedic too."
"She can't leave me.Please."My hands are covered in her blood.I stare at them, seeing but not seeing."You need to save her."Tears stream down my face as they yell 'clear' and her body arches off the ground.
"Alex!"The word comes out as a broken sob."Don't give up.I can't lose you."
"Easy, sir."
My heart pounds faster and faster, vision tunneling.As I try to stand again, darkness rushes in like a tide, pulling me under.
Then nothing.
I open my eyes to the sweet sound of piano music drifting through the air.The piece is achingly familiar – one I used to play with Dad.God, I love that piece.
"Ah, you're awake."
I bolt upright, my heart stopping as I see the man sitting at the grand white piano.Overwhelmed, I can only stare.
* * *
Where am I?
He pats the space beside him on the bench, that familiar smile crinkling his eyes."Come sit with me."
I don't question it.Don't hesitate.I lift myself from the silver couch and move through the space that radiates peace.The notes flowing from the piano are transcendent, but they fade to silence as I close the distance between us.When his eyes – so like my own – meet mine, words pour out before I can stop them.
"I'm sorry, Dad.I'm sorry I walked away that night."
My father shakes his head, his fingers hovering over the keys."If anyone should say sorry, it's me.It's time you hear the truth."His voice carries the weight of years of regret."Your mother and I made mistakes in parenting.We were so focused on your gift that we forgot you were our dear son, who just wanted his parents' love and attention."
He plays a single, soft note that seems to hang in the air between us."Carmen was the one who saw it first – how unhappy you were becoming with all the pressure I put on you.She confronted me about it.We had heated discussions where she warned me that if I didn't stop pushing so hard, you would rebel against me one day."His hands fall still."But I was stubborn.Told her it was just a phase you were going through."
I sit in silence, my brain struggling to process his words.But he continues, each revelation striking like piano keys."Your mother never told you this because she didn't want you to hate me.To get my way, I put her in an impossible position, using our powerful love against her.I told her if she didn't support my dreams, she should leave – but if she did, I'd fight her to keep you with me."He shakes his head slowly, disgust clear in his voice."God, I turned into an obsessive, selfish bastard after my wrist injury.I'll regret it forever."
His hands rest in his lap, defeated."Your mom made mistakes, Cole, but she loves you.She always has and always will."He pats my leg, and the familiar gesture nearly breaks me."It's been too long since I heard that magical sound."
I release a shaky breath, staring at the music stand, unable to meet his eyes.
My dad leans close, his voice dropping to a whisper."Look at me, son."
