ROLEPLAY HQ - my-best-friends-a-shadow-monster

It was a bright Tuesday evening, the sun was setting, and Octavius was sitting outside, quietly swinging whilst looking out into the distance. His chest felt tight, and it was harder for him to breath, even with the oxygen running through the tubes in his nostrils. A small gust of wind also blew but, allowing his seemingly soft brown hair flowing in it as he sighed quietly. Octavius knew that his time was coming to an end, and didn’t know how he could just, die. He didn’t want to be alone, and he didn’t know what happened after death, except for what his father had told him. Octavius then quietly stood up, walking over to a small tree with a headstone like object. On the stone had a name, and the date of the persons birth and death, his mother’s memorial grave. She had been dead for a few months now, and Octavius had been affected greatly by it. He quietly sat down besides it, a small sigh escaping his lips once more as he patted the ground. Octavius missed his mother, as she would’ve been calming him down and helping him with his illness. His father surely helped him, but not to the extent of his mother, as his father had picked up the responsibility of taking care of him after her death. So, he wasn’t too aware of how to handle this, only end of care techniques and such because that’s when his wife couldn’t take care of himself. However, as Octavius looked up from the grave, he noticed a shadow creature in the distance, it was slim, tall, and was appearing to stare right at Octavius. But, all that could be seen was a glowing mouth, and nothing more, his unique, purple eyes seemingly locking with it, causing a look of confusion.

Natalie woke up in the middle of the woods. Her head was pounding and she felt... lighter than before. What happened? She thought, standing up. She looked around, the trees surrounding her almost shielding her from the setting sun. These woods were familiar to her. These woods were on her property. She remembered playing with Octavius in these woods when he was a baby! "Octavius?" She called. Had...Had she actually survived her own illness? No... No this didn't seem right. Natalie began to walk towards her home, trying to recall anything she could about her passing. She had been in her home, her son and husband at her side as she shut her eyes for what she believed was the last time. But, now she was here! How could she be dead if she was here? Natalie went to touch her head, and when she did, she realized her hand and her arm were jet black. Natalie screamed, looking at her hands. Everything she saw was black. Jet black. Like a shadow. "N-No....NO way." She gasped. She had become some shadow monster! How this had happened was completely unknown to her. Quickly, she began to run towards her home. She had to get back and tell her husband and her son that she was alive! If that was even what she could call this. But, when she approached her yard, she saw her son, Octavius, swinging on his swing set. His oxygen tank hooked to his side. "Octavius!" His mother called, but, as she spoke, her words drifted away in the wind. She couldn't speak. She tried again, louder this time. Nothing. The words died as if she had never spoken at all. Angry tears stung her eyes. Why couldn't she call to her son?! Suddenly, Octavius turned to her. He saw her. His eyes were wide with confusion. Slowly, Natalie moved closer to him. What Octavius could see was a tall and slim figure with a glowing mouth and long inky black hair. Its eyes were pure white. There was no familiar facial features. Nothing to indicate it was human. Natalie approached Octavius and stood before him. Weakly, her voice managed to squeak, "Son." Before it died away again.

Octavius had barely heard what Natalie had said, his eyes lowering into a squint, attempting to make out any features. “H-Hello? What did you…s-say?” He asked softly, curiosity and confusion in his voice. Octavius was never known to shy away from people, he had slowly stood up, making his way towards this shadow creature carefully and cautiously. Following behind the boy was a tank of oxygen, needed for him to breathe somewhat normally and pain free. At that point in his illness, it had been painful from time to time, and with oxygen it usually helped. As he approached the shadow, Octavius stopped a few inches away, noticing that they weren’t indeed human. He immediately noticed the glowing mouth, and the long black inky hair, and then her eyes. “Are you…no, I can’t be there yet…” Octavius said to himself, looking down at his body before pointing a finger at himself. “Am I dead? Or are you taking me to die? Usually mommy said that angels take people with them, so that’s why I think that.” His voice had gotten lower, as after a few moments he let out a deep cough which made him groan in pain afterwards. Yet, he seemed to not be bothered by it, as he looked back up to Natalie, completely unaware it was his actual mother. From inside Jonathan watched Octavius from one of the kitchen windows as he prepared dinner. He had noticed that his son had been approaching nothing, which made him curious. However, he thought nothing of it since there wasn’t anyone around, and they were on their own yard. He sighed quietly to himself, looking back over to the table with three chairs, and a load of medical bills on top of it. “Oh Nat…I miss you terribly.” He said to himself, looking back down towards the stove. “What am I gonna do now? Octavius is dying, I’m losing all my money…would I be bad to say I want it over already?” He asked, sighing again before looking back out the window, watching his son.

Natalie dropped to her knees as Octavius began to cough. Despite her new form, she was still his mother. She immediately wrapped her arms around Octavius, drawing him into her. The form was cold and thin, and while she couldn't keep a good firm hold on him, she could still hold him enough to count. "Not...dead." Natalie spoke, her voice still raspy. She felt bad that his first thought was that he had died already! Natalie pulled back just a little, her eyes shining that same snow white color. She brushed some hair from Octavius's face, her black lips pulling into a smile. "Missed you....So much..." She whispered, nuzzling Octavius. She knew that telling him right off that she was his mother may be... hard to hear. But, she couldn't help it! This was her baby boy!!! Natalie stood up, taking Octavius's hand. She turned and pointed to the swing. Did he want to go back on it? She'd push him, just like old times, if she could! "Swing?" She asked, tilting her head, her inky black hair cascading down as she did.

Feeling the temperature drop around him as the creature wrapped their arms around him made Octavius a little scared. However, upon hearing her say “not dead” his eyes immediately widened. He could hear the raspy, yet hard to hear voice, and it sounded like his mother. “Mo-Mommy?” He asked innocently, tears pooling around his eyes as her eyes locked with his, and as she spoke again, a soft chuckle, nervous came from his lips. “Mommy! Mommy it’s really you!” He exclaimed happily, a large and bright smile appearing on his face as she nuzzled him. Octavius had been through the roof to know that this shadow creature was truly his mother, and couldn’t be more excited to tell her everything. As she stood up and took his hand, he giggled, happily pulling her along to the swing set. “I can’t wait to tell you about what’s been happening! It’s really been a lot…” Octavius said warmly, but with a hint of sadness as he turned his head and looked up to Natalie, before continuing on to the swings. He hummed softly, his vivid gaining raspiness over time as he had to cough again, but tried to suppress it. However, after reach the swings, Octavius coughed a few times, before hopping onto the swing. Jonathan watched quietly, noticing that Octavius was seemingly holding onto nothing, whilst also pulling on nothing. Curious, Jonathan watched with a raised eyebrow, and upon hearing him call out to Natalie, he sighed and moved to open the window. “Octavius! You know what your doctor said, please stop talking about mommy! Or at least try to.” Jonathan called out sweetly. Octavius looked over to Jonathan and nodded in agreement, before looking up to Natalie and frowning. “Are you real? If you are we can show daddy and he’ll be happy for once. It’s been a while, and he needs a bit of joy.” Jonathan hadn’t been the best at hiding his emotions, ever since Natalie’s passing. He was very verbal towards doctors and other nurses, and rarely, his own son. However, in recent weeks with the boys declining health it appeared Jonathan was growing exhausted more and more, wanting it to just end already.

Natalie frowned as she watched Octavius cough more. His coughing was getting worse. This is exactly what she had feared. His illness was only getting worse... As he hopped onto the swings, she began to push him on the swings, watching him go up and down. He said that a lot had been happening. She could only imagine. She smiled sadly as she kept pushing, just happy to see him smile a little. Suddenly, she heard Jonathan's voice. Jonathan. Her husband, the love of her life... She could hear the pain in his voice and it broke her heart. Octavius asked her to show him. Then...he'd be happy for once. Natalie nodded, but ducked down and hugged him tight (well, as much as she could). She stood and glided over to the house. She slipped through the walls of the door easily, to her own surprise! She stood in her kitchen, the window above the sink over looking the back yard. She could see Octavius on the swing, looking back into the kitchen. Jonathan was over the sink. He looked so exhausted and sad. Hesitantly, Natalie reached out for him. Her fingers landed on his shoulder, the cold feeling spreading over his shoulder. "John..." Natalie whispered. "John... I'm here. I'm....I'm so sorry." She felt sadness welling up within her chest. She stepped closer to him and wrapped her arms around John, pressing her head against his back. "I missed you so much, my love." Her voice was weak and raspy, and it sounded like a monster, but it was still her voice.

Johnathan looked around the room after feeling a cold sensation on his shoulder. He couldn’t see her unfortunately, but Jonathan knew that something was there, and upon hearing a whisper, John looked behind him, and then around, before hearing Natalie whisper. “Na-Nat?” Jonathans voice sounded a bit more light, a small smile creeping onto his face as he felt the cold wrap around him. He then felt a small pressure on his back, and tears began to pool in his eyes. As Natalie continued, he looked back with his head, and began to sob, almost uncontrollably. “Holy…shit, I mi-miss you so much.” He admitted, before turning around and clenching his hair. “It’s been so much. I thought Octavius would’ve been a breeze to treat and raise. But, I’ve been in so much debt because of him, and I’m growing tired.” He admitted, sighing quietly. “I’ve tried so hard, and he doesn’t have much time left.” There was then an awkward pause, before he walked into the living room and returning with a house phone. Putting the phone on speaker, there was a voicemail from the doctor, revealing that Octavius had declined more, and his time span for his death had shortened to just two weeks. “That was almost a week ago, and I don’t know what to do. I’ve been making him as comfortable as possible bu-“ Jonathan then paused again, sighing and looking out the window and shaking his head. “I don’t want to seem like a bad person…but, can it just end already? I’m so, so tired…” He then looked out the window, noticing Octavius had been fixated on a butterfly, and soon began to chase it. The boy was so sweet, yet was causing so much emotion to come out of his father, and reveal some true colors.

Natalie listened to the voicemail and covered her 'mouth'. Her son was going to die... soon! It hurt to hear, but she also knew that his time was coming, and it was coming quickly... Natalia touched Jonathan's back again, smiling sadly as he explained how he felt. "I....know. I was scared to die... and I wanted more than anything, for it to come quickly, so it would end. I know how you feel." Wishing that their child would die was extremely sad, but Natalie knew how terrible it could be to just wait for someone to die. The expense of it all, the fear, the sorrow, all of it. Sometimes it was just too much to bear. She knew that Jonathan didn't want Octavius to die, but if it was going to happen, it made sense that he would want it to come quickly so he could grieve. Natalie looked out the window and smiled sadly. "He is happy now... and he will be happy when he goes. He knows you love him. Spend all the time you can with him. I wish I could have spent more time with him." She whispered, her voice weak. She felt sadness building within her. She had missed her son so much, and her husband. She wished that things could have been different...

Jonathan nodded in agreement. “Yeah, for someone who’s gonna die soon, they sure are happy.” He then sighed, walking over to the stove and turning off the burner. “He knows I love him. Octavius knows that. I’ve spent the last two weeks of his life with him, and I’ll continue to do so until he’s gone.” Jonathan then sighed, shaking his head slowly. “I already got the casket, you know? It’s purple, his favorite color, and a picture of you and him. You were both always so close.” He then turned, realizing that he couldn’t see Natalie like Octavius could, which made him frown. “Why don’t you go back at there with him? I’m sure he has a whirlwind of emotions too.” Jonathan then looked out the window, noticing that Octavius had been back under the tree, the butterfly on his finger. It was a beautiful Monarch Butterfly, and it seemingly enjoyed being on the child’s finger. However, a small coughing fit caused it to flutter away, which made the boy frown a little bit, before smiling and waving out on the sidewalk as an old couple passed by. “He’s so friendly. Everyone loves him here, they all send him cards and such, it’s nice.” Jonathan then took the pan off the stove, placing it onto the counter quietly. “He can’t eat very much anymore either, only soup. But, thankfully I can make chicken noodle soup well enough to keep it down for him.” It seemed he was trying to use humor to cope with the fact that his dead wife had been communicating with him, and that his son was dying. Jonathan thought this had all been a dream, yet he knew it wasn’t, which made it worse. “Can I be honest with you? The way he’s declining, I don’t expect him to last more than until Sunday. His coughing has been getting worse, his organs have been shutting down. It’s just getting harder for him, and there’s nothing I can do.” Jonathan then opened the window a little bit to call Octavius. “Octavius! Dinner time little man! It’s your favorite!” With that the little boy stood up, slowly making his way towards the house. The running around to chase the butterfly has tightened his chest, which caused him to wheeze. Octavius was also exhaled since his body was working overtime, and as he entered the house he almost collapsed. He then quickly caught himself, smiling with a nervous, wheezy chuckle before looking up to Natalie, and then walking to the table and sitting down. Jonathan then poured some chicken soup into a small bowl, smiling and ruffling the boys hair. He then grabbed him a spoon, before handing it to him and watching Octavius begin to eat. “So little guy, tomorrow we gotta head to the hospital for your check ups, and talks with the doctors.” Jonathan explained, to which Octavius nodded, glancing over to Natalie. “Is that what you had to do mommy? I remember you always in bed before you went…how come I have to go to hospitals?” He asked curiously, putting the spoonful of soup into his mouth.

Natalie felt her stomach becoming gutted with each word that fell from her husbands lips. While she completely understood everything he said, it was painful to hear. She reached out and touched his arm again, nodding as she listened to him. He needed to vent these feelings, that much was clear. When Octavius ran inside and began to eat, he questioned why he had to go to the hospital. Natalie bit her lip, hesitant to answer. “To check on your progress.” she said softly, standing beside him. She brushed her hand over his hair, only managing to push several of the locks to the side. “I will be with you the entire time. We can play some games and tell each other stories. How does that sound, my love?” she asked, tilting her head slightly. Her son was so gaunt now. His skin was pale and sickly colored… Tears ran down her cheeks. Her son was dying. He was experiencing the same thing she had recently…

Jonathan watched quietly, his stomach also becoming gutted at the question. Thankfully, Natalie had answered just in time, as he was about to tell him the truth. They were going to the hospital so his doctors could not only run more tests, but to tell the boy he had a week left. This last week they were going to offer hospice care as well, the same thing Natalie received before she had died. “After that, we’ll get some ice cream. I know how much you love mint chocolate chip.” Jonathan added sweetly, moving the rest of his hair away from his face. “I love you little man.” Jonathan said with a shaky voice, kissing Octavius on the head gently. Octavius responded with a small giggle and weak smile, continuing to eat his soup quietly whilst his two parents watched on. After a few minutes, Octavius pushed the bowl away from himself. It hadn’t even been half empty, but his stomach hadn’t allowed him eat another bite. “I’m full…” Octavius mumbled, looking back up to Natalie, a frown on his face before looking towards the door. “Mommy? Can we go outside?” He then hopped down from his chair, taking her black, inky hand gently. He didn’t even wait for her to answer, and soon the two had been back outdoors. Instead of the swings, Octavius walked over to the tree, sitting down on the opposite side of where the grave had been. He didn’t know if Natalie would want to see that, and so didn’t show her the location. He sat down, a small sigh coming from him as he looked towards the horizon. Thankfully, living in a more rural area, Octavius could enjoy the sunset, a small inhale was hear, before a raspy exhale was then heard. “M-Mommy? Am I go-gonna be with you when I die?” He asked curiously, looking over to her with a straight face, wanting to know more of what was to come.

Natalie frowned as Octavius pushed the half full bowl away from himself, mumbling that he was full. It only reminded her of how painful it was to die. The desperation to continue living, but knowing your body was refusing to continue. Natalie nodded as Octavius requested to go outside. She gave a small sad smile to her husband before she floated after her son. They approached the tree in their back yard, and Natalie felt a familiar pull to the opposite side. She glided around and realized why. Her grave marker was there... Sadly, Natalie knew why it felt familiar here. She had woken here. She and her family had spent so much time together here... Octavius's small voice rang out, asking if she would be with him when he died. Natalie glided down so that she sat beside her son. She wrapped her arms around him and nodded, leaning down and nuzzling him with her cold head. "Yes, my sweet boy. I will always be with you. Always." She whispered, kissing his head. Oh Gods, she felt the same wish Jonathan had expressed tugging at her. She wanted Octavius to die... so that she could be with him again. She felt like the worst mother in the world!!! Tears stung her eyes and she felt her shoulders shake with sorrow. "I'll be with you the whole time, Octavius. I'll never leave your side. Okay?" She knew the words wouldn't help tremendously, but it was probably nice to hear. She had been surrounded by her family when she passed, and it definitely made things easier. Natalie gently stroked Octavius's hair.

There was a long pause after she finished speaking. Octavius sighed quietly and nodded in agreement. “I know that I’m going to die soon. Daddy said it was a few weeks away, but I know that it isn’t.” Octavius looked up, locking eyes with Natalie before looking back towards the house. “I’m so…tired. Everyday, I get sleepier and sleepier. Daddy helps me stay awake, but it’s just been so…hard.” Hearing a child talk about death wasn’t easy, and yet here Natalie was listening yo her son talk about it. Octavius seemed to have a better understanding than most children, after all he did experience the death of his mother already. “Dying is scary. But, knowing that I won’t die alone, and I’ll be with my mommy is really nice.” Octavius then let out a small giggle, looking back as the sun had finally set over to horizon. “Mommy? What does it feel like? Do you just go to sleep? Or do you stop breathing and then go to sleep?” Octavius asked, seemingly wanted to know all of the answers, yet was too young to understand most of them. A small yawn came from him, hinting that his body was beginning to call it a day, yet his mind still seemed as sharp as if he was still active. Jonathan meanwhile had been in the house, on the phone. He was talking to the doctors, discussing with them the possibility of hospice. It was a cheaper alternative to these new medicines that Octavius had been trying, and with the boy now slated to die soon it was better. They came to an agreement that they’d instead visit the house tomorrow, and start treatment that day. It was difficult for Jonathan to make such a rash decision, yet as his parental guardian it was his decision ultimately to make. After hanging up with the doctors, Jonathan let out a shaky sigh, before getting up and beginning to clean up. He started with the kitchen, putting the pots in the sink, extra soup away in containers, and whatever else he had to do.

Natalie nodded as Octavius said that everyday was harder. Of course it was. His body was dying. Her son was fucking dying! Natalie wanted to scream. She wanted to curse the world. She had already died. Why did her son have to die too? It wasn't fair. None of it was fair. Octavius asked how it felt and Natalie sighed. "It is... slow, but not painful. You drift to sleep, and then you stop breathing. Like you are holding your breath for a long time, but your lungs no longer want air." Natalie stroked his hair, frowning as she felt his body become colder by the moment. He wasn't dying at this second. But it felt like it. Octavius would be gone soon.... "When you go, I will be here. I will be right beside you the entire time." She whispered, continuing to pet his hair. "My love, why don't we go spend some time with Daddy?" Natalie asked. "He will...miss you. So so much. He needs these moments with you." She took Octavius's hand and helped him up. "Why don't we suggest a movie to watch?" The family's favorite pass time had always been gathering themselves in the living room and watching a movie together when Natalie was alive. Had they been doing that still? She wasn't sure, but, knowing that Octavius didn't have long... she wanted to make sure they did all they could together.

Octavius paused for a moment, before nodding with a small smile. He then quietly walked towards the house, slowly dragging Natalie behind with him. He entered the house and approached Jonathan, a small smile creeping onto his face. Jonathan, hearing Octavius enter the house, turned around and noticed the smile on the boys face, which made him smile. “Hey champ, what’s with the smile?” He asked curiously, looking up and feeling the cold presence he felt earlier. “Natalie, what’s going on here?” He asked with a small chuckle, attempting to be light hearted. “Can we watch Coco on Disney Plus? I know we haven’t bern able to in a while, but tonight should be good! Right?” Octavius asked excitedly, his smile increasing as he watched his fathers smile increase. “Of course we can, go into the living room and I’ll toss some popcorn in the microwave. You know how to set it up, right?” Jonathan stood up, hearing Octavius agree as he walked over to the cabinet and opened it. He grabbed a pack of popcorn, opening it up and opening the microwave that was right below the cabinet, and placed it inside. Octavius entered the living room and turning on the TV. Using the controller, he flicked through the apps and selected Disney Plus. He then selected his own profile, before scrolling and finding Coco. He put it on, not waiting for his father since they had seen it every time he had asked. He herd the popcorn popping, and as the opening credits rolled, a beep was heard. Jonathan then walked in after a few moments with a bag of popcorn, opening it and watching the steam trickle into the air. He quietly sat down next to Octavius, handing him the bag of popcorn before smiling. He kissed the top of his head, wrapping his arm around his son and rubbing his arm reassuringly. “Natalie, if you’re here come join us, it’d be a completed family night.” He said quietly, as to not disturb too much of the movie, as Octavius had been fixated on it.

Natalie followed Octavius into the house, her eyes shining and her mouth glowing still. Octavius decided on what movie he wanted to watch, and Jonathan agreed to make popcorn. He even called to her to join them. Natalie brushed her fingers along Jonathan’s cheek, trying to have him understand that she was there. As the family got settled together in the living room, Natalie snuggled between her husband and her son, her arms wrapped around them together. She grinned to herself, feeling like this was… normal. For once, she didn’t feel like a dead woman whose son was dying or a woman whose husband was sad and miserable. She felt just like… a woman with her family. Natalie snuggled with the both of them, her cold essence growing warm, just a little bit. She pet Octavius’s hair and watched the movie with her husband and their son.

Halfway through the movie, towards the rising action of the movie, Jonathan looked over and saw the Octavius had fallen asleep. His little hand inside the popcorn, whilst his head leaned to the side, resting onto his arm quietly. A large smile crept on his face, and feeling the small warmth around them made it turn into a frown. “Octavius is beginning hospice treatment tomorrow morning…” Jonathan whispered, slowly standing up whilst picking Octavius up in his arms. “I don’t know how long it’ll take…but we’re at that point now.” He added, a hint of sadness in his voice as he rubbed the child’s back. He carried Octavius into his bedroom, tucking him in and kissing his forehead before returning to the living room. “I hope you aren’t mad at me.” Jonathan then proceeded to turn the TV off, picking up any trash left behind. “They gave me a call while he was outside, and told me that I shouldn’t bother with treatment tomorrow. They’d just come out and provide comfort measures.” Jonathan then picked up a pillow that belonged to the couch, placing it on the couch before going into the kitchen and throwing away the trash. “I don’t know how long he has. But, just like for you I’ll sit there until he goes.” There was then a small pause, with Jonathan not turning around. “Promise me this before I go to bed. Promise that you’ll take care of him. Where ever you go after we die, make sure to protect him and provide the best, because you and him deserve it.” Jonathan then turned around, a small sigh coming from his as he looked around awkwardly. “Whatever you do now is up to you, but I’m gonna head to bed. Alright? I love you.” And without another word, Jonathan turned and walked off to his room, another deep sigh escaping as emotions had been high all day. He walked over to the bed, practically collapsing on it and closing his eyes, a groan of relief escaping him, but also aggravation.

Natalie smiled sadly as Jonathan explained that hospice care was coming in the morning to provide comfort measures for Octavius. When Natalie was dying, she felt so much love from the hospice providers, so she knew that Octavius would be taken care of. Jonathan's words made Natalie's heart ache. She wished that she could hold him and comfort him during this time, but... she was no longer a solid form. She followed Jonathan up to their bedroom, and as he flopped onto the bed, Natalie laid beside him. She brushed some hair from his face and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. All it would feel like to Jonathan was a cold breeze touching his skin. "I am not mad at you. I am so proud of all you have done, Jonathan. I love you so much." She whispered. It had been hard being the one who had died, but, she knew that Jonathan was going through so much. He didn't have someone with him anymore to carry the pain and burden. "I will be with him, always." She whispered, nuzzling against Jonathan as she laid her arm over him.

Jonathan smiled sadly, before tears began to rush down his face. Yet, he didn’t seem to burst into a crying for it or sob, just simple tears. “I’m glad that you’re proud…I love you so much more.” He said all lightheadedly, feeling the cold breeze strike his skin. As Natalie mentioned she’d always be with Octavius, Jonathan smiled a bit more happily. Lifting his head up for the moment, he wiped his tears away and nodded. He was glad his son wouldn’t be alone in the afterlife, and as he went to say something, his eyes seemed to flutter before quickly closing. Jonathan seemed to be exhausted, and now that he had been reassured, and found some closure he passed out. Jonathans head sank back down into his arms, his face becoming hidden by his arm. He immediately began to snore, a sign that he had been indeed exhausted from the days events both mentally and physically. It wasn’t until a loud knock on the door woke him up in the morning, a small sigh escaping his lips. Jonathan quickly got out of the bed, looking around groggily before rubbing his eyes and heading to the front door. He opened it, revealing a doctor and nurse, who had been smiling warmly. “Good morning…I assume you’re Octavius’s father?” The doctor asked, to which Jonathan nodded. “Well, here are the papers, including a DNR, or Do Not Resuscitate. We can prevent lifesaving measures if your son is to flatline, but if you sign that we cannot.” The doctor then flipped the page, beginning to explain some of the paper work as the nurse went into the child’s room. Octavius had been awake, yet seemingly unable to move. He watched as the nurse wheeled in with a few machines, setting them up next to the bedside. This caused the anxiety in Octavius to spike, which caused him to sit up worriedly. “N-No…not yet…this is why daddy said we had to go to the hospital…” Octavius then began to hyperventilate a little bit, the nurse doing everything she could to help him relax, yet he was getting worse for her.

Natalie spent the entire night wandering between Jonathan’s room and Octavius’s room. She knew that things were going to become intense, especially seeing as Octavius was getting worse in his illness. The following morning, Natalie glided between each nurse that came in, explaining what each machine did for Octavius. Natalie felt sick. This was all too familiar. The medications, the machines, the pain of dying occurring every single day… Natalies eyes widened as she heard Octavius panicking upstairs. She flew upstairs, pushing his door open. Natalie went to Octavius’s side and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Though the nurse could not see Natalie, she could feel a cold breeze wash over her. The nurse shivered, grabbing a blanket from her pack of supplies. “My, little one, it’s cold in here!” Natalie kissed Octavius’s head, petting his hair as best as she could. “It’s okay, my love. It’s okay. Don’t worry. These machines look scary, but they are going to help make you feel more comfortable.” She whispered, stroking his hair.

“It’s not cold in here…mommy is here with me and you might feel cold.” Octavius had a bit of attitude, looking a bit sour until he glanced up at seemingly nothing. “Mo-More comfortable? I’m fine I don’t nee-“ He was then interrupted by a coughing fit, with some blood ending up coming from his little mouth. Both the doctor and Jonathan entered the room, Jonathan looking like a mess. He quietly walked over to the side of the bed, feeling the cold presence of Natalie, which made him smile warmly. “Good to feel you, Nat.” Jonathan mumbled quietly, sitting at the side of the bed gently and rubbed Octavius on the forehead. “Hey little man, don’t you worry about a thing. These nurses and doctors are gonna take care of you.” There was then a small pause, and as he was going to speak, the doctor interrupted him. “Your sickness, it had unfortunately become a lot worse. Sadly, there’s nothing more that we can do, I’m sorry.” The doctor explained quietly, carefully walking over to the side of the bed with an IV. “The best we can do is make you comfortable, pain free until you fall asleep.” The doctor then let out a small sigh, looking down to the sickly child with a small frown. “After we insert this needle, we’re going to give you medicine. You won’t feel a thing, and we’ll keep that until you go. It’s like sleeping, and you’ll be okay.” The doctor did his best to reassure the boy, watching as his father reassured him quietly, holding out his arm for the doctor to insert the needle. The doctor then inserted the needle, using tape to keep the needle in place. He then set up the IV line, taking the boys vitals afterwards whilst feeling a small chill. He didn’t think too much of it, and after taking the boys vitals wrote them down in a small notebook, before taking a few steps back. “This nurse will be your caregiver. She’s a sweetheart, and is good with kids, I’m sure you’ll be alright.” He then glanced towards Jonathan, smiling faintly and walking over patting his shoulder. Octavius looked at everyone in the room. Nothing seemed real, everything was muffled and a ringing noise overcame his ears. He glanced down at his arm, now harboring the needle before glancing at the doctor and his father, who seemed to be having a discussion. After the doctor left, Midas sank back down into his bed, looking at the nurse waiting for her to start the IV drip, his face flat.

Natalie winced as Octavius was pricked with the needle. But, despite her own fears and anxieties, she knew her son needed her. Natalie nuzzled Octavius and soothed him through the insertion of the needle. Natalie was certain that this would only be the beginning of his... hospice. As Octavius laid back on his bed, Natalie felt the same tranquility that she had felt when she passed come over her again. She felt like she was connecting with Octavius once more. "It's alright, my love." She whispered, petting his hair. "If...If you need to cross over now... I'm here." Natalia knew that Jonathan would be sad if Octavius was gone, but, their feelings didn't matter. Only Octavius's did. She needed Octavius to be safe and comfortable, and if passing was the way to do that... then that's what he had to do. "It's alright my love." She whispered, kissing his head. "Mommy's here."

Octavius glanced up at Natalie. ‘What is she saying?’ He thought to himself quietly, before glancing towards the nurse. She had came over to his bedside, flicking the small roller clamp a few times before looking down to Octavius a smiling. She gently ran a hand through his hair, before walking over to the other side of the room.* Jonathan stood up from the bed, gently letting go of Octavius’s little hand. He walked over to the nurse, stating he was grabbing a chair for her and he’d be right back. He didn’t think of saying goodbye to Octavius, as he thought nothing of it, since his treatment had just started. The nurse had come back to the side of the boys bed, placing a small cuff around his upper arm. She then turned on a machine, setting up his heart rate and blood pressure. There was a small squeeze, but not enough to cause discomfort. She then began to chart his current heart rate and blood pressure, followed by some personal notes. The nurse then looked back over to the door, seeing Jonathan enter with a chair from the kitchen table. She sped walked over, taking the chair and placing it a few feet away from the bed. Jonathan then came in with a simple lawn chair for himself, sitting it next to the bed and then sitting down himself. He then gently took Octavius by the hand again, smiling sadly at him. “Hey little man, if you wanna go with mommy…you can, it’s okay.” He said with a tremble in his voice. Jonathan accepted the fact that his son was dying, and this was the end stages of his short life. Memories flooded his mind of all of their best times, and also their worst. Octavius glanced over to his father, and then Natalie quietly. Everything felt so cold, and numb, sinking a little more into his bed. He felt, oddly comfortable, and at ease despite being so cold, and numb. A small, weak smile creeped onto his face, seeing both of his parents here despite one being long gone from the physical world. He gently squeezed Jonathan’s hand, a small raspy breath audible as he let out a small giggle. “Don’t…don’t be sad, daddy…” Octavius whispered weakly, glancing towards Natalie. “Mommy…mommy said that…she’s here…she’s gonna be…with me.” He continued, another small giggle escaping his lips before steadily calming down. Octavius took a deep breath, and as he did so, his heart rate began to slowly decrease. Every minute and a half, his heart rate would decrease more steadily, with Octavius’s eyes struggling to stay open. Everything was becoming dark, and he slowly grew more and more fatigued. He glanced up to Jonathan one last time, noticing that he had tears pouring from his eyes. The squeezing from the boys tiny hand then loosened, and his eyes had closed. The heart rate monitor beeped a couple of times, before flatlining. Octavius had unfortunately passed away at 10:36 in the morning, due to an unknown illness, leaving Jonathan alone in the physical world. Hearing the heart monitor flatline made Jonathan’s heart sink, and seeing his son laying there so peacefully made him sob. It was a repeat of Natalie’s death, she had died so peacefully and he had the same reaction. However, now it had been with his son, and the grief of losing two people hit him. He quickly composed himself, smiling as he placed a small kiss on his forehead, running a hand through his hair gently. “Rest easy, little man.” Jonathan said to himself aloud as he sighed heavily. Octavius may have passed away, leaving the physical world behind. However, it wasn’t the end for him truly. A few weeks after his death Octavius had seemingly woke looking up at trees and a blue sky. He slowly sat up, looking down at himself silently. He appeared to have become a shadow like being, the same black inky substance replacing his skin which made Octavius a bit confused. He then slowly stood up, looking around the area, it had been quiet, except for the occasional bird chirps. He then ran off, wondering where he was. (edited)