Heartbeat

Julie ran down the hallway toward her father’s room, her heart racing. Her brother called out, urging her to hurry—there were only hours left before their father would be gone.

“Daddy, Daddy… Please wait for me,” she whispered, praying as she reached the door. She twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open. Breathless, she only heard the frantic beating of her heart. Her throat felt dry, leaving her swallowing empty saliva.

“Julie, my child,” her father’s weak voice called. She froze, staring at the figure lying on the bed, the faint smile still on his lips.

“Dad,” she whispered, rushing forward to embrace him. Her hug was answered only by a soft, tired laugh.

Julie’s eyes took in the changes in his face—the pain etched in every line, a sight she had never imagined for her family. Tears streamed freely.

“Child, don’t cry. I want to see your happy smile when I’m gone,” he murmured, gently brushing her tears away with his roughened palm.

“How can I be happy seeing you like this, Dad?” She sobbed, clutching him tighter.

Even in his weakened state, he tousled her hair and held her close. “Stop crying. If you keep weeping like this, no one will be there to wipe your tears later,” he said softly.

Julie shook her head, refusing to accept the reality. Her father’s time was limited, yet denial wrapped around her like a cloak.

“Look at me, Julie.”

Through her tears, she met his gaze. He cupped her tear-streaked face.

“Always be happy, okay?” he whispered. “Don’t frown, don’t throw tantrums, and don’t fight with your brother Chris. Find someone who will love you wholeheartedly. I know you’re afraid of being hurt again, but I promise, you will find someone who truly loves you.”

He smiled weakly. “And one more thing—when you reach Grade Nine, transfer to your brother’s school. Be with him.”

“I know you don’t like private school, given your past experiences, but I trust you’ll handle the bullies. That’s my wish—your brother and you together.”

“Dad… I’ll do it. I’ll go to that school—but please… don’t leave us. I need you there,” Julie pleaded, shaking her head.

He gasped for breath, struggling.

“D—Dad, are you okay?” she asked frantically, noticing her mother crying in the corner and her older brother silently watching.

“Mommy, Dad’s having trouble breathing! I’ll call the nurse,” she said, dabbing at her tears.

“Chris, take care of your mother and sister when I’m gone,” her father said, turning weakly to his eldest. Chris only nodded in silence, feeling the urgency as nurses rushed in.

“Daddy…” Julie’s voice quavered. Her brother held her arm gently; their mother sat beside their father, tears streaming silently.

“Take care of them, okay? It’ll be hard, but I know you can,” he said to Chris.

“Dad! Don’t say that! You’ll fight! I know you’ll fight!” She cried.

He only smiled. The medical team tried desperately to stabilize him, but his body slowly gave in.

“No… no,” she whispered repeatedly. “I was still talking to you… it’s not fair… not fair, Dad…” She collapsed near him, her mother’s cries echoing around her. Someone wrapped her in a hug, holding her tight.

“Time of death: 4:45 PM,” the doctor announced.

“D—Dad!” Julie shouted, her grief spilling over.

Her brother pulled her away from the lifeless body, covered in a white sheet. Julie shook her head in disbelief. Their mother held her close, crying.

****

“It’s Tito’s last wake, right?” Cielo’s brother Dave asked quietly.

Nodding solemnly, they prepared to attend the service that evening. The Villanueva family, close to the Navares, shared in the grief.

Cielo, a grade eight student, sat quietly in the car, scrolling through his phone. His mother spoke gently.

“Hope Jesca is doing okay. She cried so much when we visited… and I didn’t see her youngest. I bet she’s sad too.”

“Yeah,” his father replied tersely, sighing. “Jesca will be fine. She’s strong.”

His mother nodded, offering a faint smile. “Yes… a strong-willed woman.”

Arriving at the Navares’ home, Cielo observed the somber atmosphere. The parking lot was full, and inside, people gathered quietly to mourn.

“Let’s go,” his parents urged. Dave stepped out first, followed by Cielo, who tucked his phone away. A woman greeted them.

“Aunt,” his brother said politely.

Despite her grief, she smiled faintly. Chris, also in mourning, was greeted with a nod.

“Condolences,” he said, and then they were seated. Cielo noticed familiar faces—classmates Jonathan and Jason and cousins Kenneth and Joel—also in attendance.

“Where’s your younger sister?” Cielo heard his brother ask Chris.

“She’s been in her room for days,” came the reply.

“She was close to Uncle. I hope she’s okay,” Dave murmured.

Cielo, unfamiliar with her, remembered she had studied in a different school—public, spoiled by her father’s indulgence. He struggled to recall if he shared any memories with her.

Seeking air, he wandered to a small garden, noticing a woman on a swing, dressed in mourning. She hummed softly, the sadness in her voice undeniable.

“Julie, Mom’s looking for you; Uncle and Aunt are waiting,” a familiar voice called—it was Chris.

“Later, big brother,” she replied, still seated, lost in thought.

Her hair was tousled as he reached her, and she nodded silently. Standing, she whispered to the sky, “Dad… Where are you among the stars now?”

Cielo observed her sorrow silently. He stepped inside as the service began and bumped into Kevin.

“Sorry,” the woman Cielo saw murmured.

“No problem… you must be Julie,” Kevin said with a smile. She nodded weakly, seeking forgiveness, then entered the house, embraced by her mother. Their eyes met briefly; the sadness in hers was unmistakable.

“She really does look like her,” Cielo thought, frowning.