A Billionaire CEO Finds a Little Boy at His Own Father’s Grave, Only To Freeze at What He Says...

a billionaire coo finds a little boy at his own father's grave sorry I didn't mean to bother Grandpa the man gives him a sad smile you've got the wrong grave kid before freezing in shock at what the boy says next before we begin let us know in the comments where you're watching us from and please like this video to support the channel now sit back relax and enjoy the story the cemetery was quiet with the kind of Stillness that's settled deep and cold even under the late afternoon sun gravel crunched softly under Marcus hail's polished

shoes as he made his way between the rows of headstones a bouquet of White Lies gripped in one hand it was the fourth anniversary of his father's death and as always he made the visit alone he stopped in front of the familiar headstone Robert hail beloved husband and father and hesitated the lies felt heavier than they should there were things he wished he could say accusations and confessions Twisted together in a mess of words he'd never untangle but today like every year he said nothing he crouched to place the flowers careful to smooth the edges

of the bouquet as if neatness could mask everything left unsaid then he saw the boy kneeling a few feet away half hidden by the shadow of a marble Angel the boy couldn't have been more than 10 he was thin and pale with a two big hoodie hanging off his shoulders he stared at at the grave lips moving soundlessly and it took Marcus a moment to realize he was apologizing I'm sorry the boy whispered head bowed I didn't mean to bother you Grandpa Marcus straightened brow furrowing the words didn't make sense there was no one else

buried there no other name on The Stone he cleared his throat and the boy flinched looking up with wide eyes hey Marcus said keeping his voice level I think you've got the wrong grave the boy blinked at him confusion flashing across his face before he shook his head slowly no he mumbled mom said this is Grandpa's grave she told me where to find it Marcus's fingers tightened around the edge of his coat this had to be some kind of mistake there was no way the boy shifted brushing dirt from his knees his eyes flicked between

Marcus and the headstone uncertain but determined mom said you didn't want us he said quietly she didn't want me to come but I wanted to see the breath left Marcus in a rush he stared words catching in his throat and for a moment all he could hear was the wind threading through the trees and the distant hum of traffic his pulse roared in his ears drowning out reason wait Marcus managed voice RW who who's your mom the boy hesitated ated scuffing the toe of his sneaker against the gravel Emily he said watching Marcus carefully Emily

Carter the name hit Marcus like a punch he hadn't heard it in over a decade not since the summer that ended in shouting and slamed doors he'd loved Emily once recklessly and all at once before his father's threats and his own Ambitions pulled them apart and now this boy Jamie was looking at him with eyes too familiar to ignore Emily's eyes his hair was the same dark brown Marcus saw in the mirror every morning the same sharp line of a jaw that skipped a generation Marcus's mouth went dry he took a step back boots scraping

the gravel but there was nowhere to go his father's name stared back at him from The Headstone carved in clean lines and it suddenly felt like a trap your my son Marcus whispered the words barely holding together Jim's should ERS hunched hands curling into the sleeves of his hoodie M didn't want me to find you he mumbled she said you didn't care but I just I wanted to know a hollow ache settled under marcus' ribs a mixture of rage and guilt and something too raw to name he wanted to argue to deny it but the

truth was written plain as day in Jamie's face and the way his chin lifted a little when he was scared how long Marcus started but the words broke he cleared his throat tried again how long have you known since last year Jamie admitted I found a picture of you and Mom in her closet she got mad when I asked said it didn't matter but I looked you up online his voice was small almost apologetic I saw you on TV you looked different different cold polished a a stranger in a suit and tie too busy making

deals to think about anything or anyone else Marcus dragged a hand over his mouth trying to get a grip on reality a son he had a son for 10 years he'd been oblivious throwing himself into work cutting off the past because it was easier than facing it and all that time Emily had been raising jimie alone with him none the wiser I didn't know Marcus said finally voice horse it sounded like an excuse even to him I swear if I'd known mom said you'd say that jimie cut in almost Whispering she said you'd pretend to

care to make yourself feel better his gaze fell to the ground shoulders curling inward she said you left because you didn't want a family Marcus flinched the words stung more than they should have because some part of him knew Emily would have every right to believe that he'd walked away after all chose in the career his father pushed on him let go of everything else but not this not a son he never knew existed he took a slow breath forcing his voice steady your mom was wrong he said the words quiet but certain I didn't

know I should have I should have been there Jaimie didn't answer shoulders stiff and defensive the silence stretched heavy and uncertain until Marcus's voice cracked again your mom he asked fighting to keep his voice even does she know you're here Jim's chin dipped in a small guilty Shake of his head she's at work he muttered I took the bus his hands Twisted in his sleeves fingers white at the knuckles she's going to be so mad a shaky breath escaped Marcus something almost like a laugh but too close to a sob the absurdity of it all

this 10-year-old who somehow found his way across the city alone to visit a grandfather he never knew while his father the one person who should have been there stood Like a Stranger in a suit useless and dumb struck okay Marcus said softly clearing his throat okay let me let me drive you home we can talk on the way jimie hesitated glancing at the grave one last time before giving a small reluctant nod as they walked back to the car Marcus stared a glance GL at his father's name on The Headstone a thousand questions burning in

the back of his mind he'd get answers later for now there was only one thing that mattered the boy trailing quietly beside him small and scared and far braver than he'd ever been the drive was quiet punctuated only by the soft hum of the engine and the occasional sniffle from jimie in the passenger seat Marcus's hands gried the wheel a little too tightly Knuckles pale against the leather he'd thrown his coat over Jaime's shoulders as they'd walked to the car the fabric swallowing the boy completely but Jaimie hadn't protested if anything he'd seemed grateful for

the warmth the city blurred past streets half familiar from years ago Marcus's mind raced questions piling up faster than he could sort through them the disbelief had dulled leaving a raw AE behind and all he could focus on was getting answers when they pulled up to a modest apartment complex on the edge of town jimie pointed out the building with a quiet that one and Marcus's pulse jumped the parking lot was cracked and empty a few bikes chained halfhazard to a railing not what he'd expected for Emily who' once talked about opening a bookstore and

traveling the world they climbed the stairs in silence jimie lagging a step behind small fingers Twisted in the coat sleeves on the third floor Marcus stopped in front of a faded green door hesit hesitating the apartment number was crooked a few scratches Maring the paint he raised a hand knocked twice footsteps approached quick and light the door cracked open and Emily stared at him through the Gap eyes widening in shock for a moment ether spoke Marcus's breath caught all the words he'd rehearsed on the drive over scattering Emily was older hair pulled into a messy

ponytail dark circles etched beneath her eyes but she was still unmistakably her what her voice came out hoarse she cleared her throat eyes flicking between him and Jamie what are you doing here can we talk Marcus managed trying to keep his tone steady please Emily's gaze shifted to Jamie who peaked around Marcus's arm face pinched with guilt her expression crumbled and she exhaled slowly shoulders slumping without a word she unlatched the chain and and opened the door wider they stepped inside and Marcus took in the small tidy living room the bookshelf crammed with well-worn novels

the faint scent of coffee lingering in the air the couch was draped with a knitted blanket he half recognized it was nothing like his sprawling Penthouse but it felt more like home than anywhere he'd been in years go to your room Molly Emily murmured her voice soft but firm Jamie hesitated GL glancing nervously at Marcus but a look from Emily had him shuffling down the hall without complaint his door clicked shut leaving them alone as soon as he was out of sight Emily's expression hardened she crossed her arms eyes narrowed with something between anger and

betrayal what do you want Marcus an explanation he said trying not to sound desperate why didn't you tell me Emily let out a bitter laugh the sound sharp and brittle you don't get to ask that she shot back not after what you did what I did the accusation threw him off balance Emily I didn't even know how was I supposed to you knew her voice trembled but the glare stayed steady I wrote to you I begged you to at least see him once and you had your lawyers send back a letter saying you wanted nothing

to do with us Marcus's heart lurched what no that's not I never got a letter oh cut the ACT Emily snapped I saw your signature at the bottom Marcus it was your name on that letter telling me to move on and stop embarrassing myself her words were sharp each one Landing with a sting that left him reeling he searched her face half expecting to find a crack some sign that this was all a misunderstanding but Emily's glare was unrelenting a mix of pain and fury that left him no room to breathe I never wrote that

Marcus insisted forcing the words out I swear Emily I didn't even know about him if I had save it she interrupted voice Hollow it doesn't matter it's too late he flinched a dozen arguments dying on his tongue the air between them felt suffocating thick with years of bitterness and unspoken truths Marcus struggled to think past the chaos in his head the real realization that someone had intercepted Emily's letters that his father's lawyers might have forged that response it made too much sense the way his father had pushed him to break things off the disdain in

his eyes whenever Emily's name came up Emily he tried softer but she shook her head backing away a step I don't want your apologies she said exhaustion Bleeding Through the anger just stay away from him you've done enough her voice cracked at the edges and Marcus's throat tightened he's my son he choked out the words raw and unfamiliar I deserve a chance to know him she laughed a hollow humorless sound you deserve really after 10 years of Silence after I watched him sit at the window every birthday hoping you'd show up her eyes glistened but

she blinked hard fighting it back you don't get to just walk in and play Hero now Marcus his fists clenched Nails biting into his palms please he said quieter I just want to make it right Emily's shoulders sagged the fight seeming to drain out of her all at once for a moment she looked so tired he almost forgot how Furious she was then she shook her head stepping back toward the hallway go she muttered before he comes out Emily I said go her voice broke on the last word eyes fixed on the floor you want

a chance to be a father prove you're not the man I thought you were until then stay away the door swung open behind him and Marcus stood Frozen for a breath too long throat tight and aching but Emily's glare left no room for argument so he turned shoulders heavy and stepped out into the chill the door closed behind him with a quiet final click Marcus barely slept he spent most of the night pacing the length of his apartment the intercepted letters replaying in his mind the accusations Emily's Hollow voice the way Jim's shoulders hunched when

he'd asked if his mom was mad every word clawed at him raw and unrelenting by morning he had a plan even if it was half formed and desperate he started with his father's old lawyer Harold Meyers whose office still held the same mahogany desk in pretentious gold plaques as a decade ago Marcus hadn't set foot in the place since his father's funeral and the stale scent of leather and cologne turned his stomach Harold barely hid his surprise when Marcus showed up unannounced though the polite smile stayed plastered in place they exchanged stiff greetings the kind

where words were said but nothing was meant Marcus wasted no time on pleasantries cutting straight to the point I need to know if my father ever intercepted letters addressed to me Marcus said fingers drumming against his thigh specifically from Emily Carter Harold's smile faltered a flicker of something uneasy darting through his eyes before he smoothed it over I'm not sure what you save it Marcus snapped the words coming out sharper than intended he took a slow breath forcing calm don't lie to me Harold I already know there was a long pause the lawyer's fingers twitching

at top the desk fin finally Harold side pinching the bridge of his nose your father was concerned about the company's image he admitted reluctantly he instructed me to intercept any letters that might pose a risk to the family's reputation that girl's letters were dealt with accordingly the confirmation landed like a punch to the chest Marcus's jaw tightened Fury simmering low and cold so you forged my signature he said Voice Low Harold had the decency to look away your father's orders he mumbled it was for the best for the best Marcus echoed bitterness curling in every

syllable you stole 10 years from me from my son do you understand that Harold didn't answer Marcus didn't wait for one he took the copies of the intercepted letters fists clenched so tight the papers crinkled and left without a backward glance he drove to Emily's apartment heart pounding with a mix of Hope and dread the hallway felt longer this time every step heavy with what ifs when she opened the door eyes weary and posture guarded he didn't waste a breath I didn't know he said voice rough my father hid them from me he thrust the

letters forward the pages trembling between them these These are yours Emily stared confused and wary but she took the papers slowly skimming the first page with a furrowed brow her face shifted with every line anger melting into disbelief then something closer to pain I didn't write that letter Marcus said softer I never wanted you either of you to think that I didn't care her hands trembled fingers tight on the edges for a moment she just stood there silent before her shoulders sagged as if the fight drained out of her all at once so it was

him she whispered more to herself than to him Marcus swallowed hard guilt twisting low and aching analy I am so don't she cut in voice fragile she scrubbed a hand over her face blinking fast I can't I need time he flinched but nodded I get it he mumbled but please let me see him let me make this right Emily hesitated gaze flicking to the hallway where Jim's voice echoed faintly from his room after a long pause she exhaled shoulders dropping he deserves to know you she admitted voice barely above a murmur but if you heard

him Marcus I won't he swore too fast to ear Nest I won't she looked at him for a breath longer something brittle and tired in her eyes before stepping aside Marcus followed her gaze down the hall heart fting unevenly Jamie was sprawled on the carpet sorting through a pile of Legos with a frown of concentration he glanced up startled when Marcus approached eyes darting to Emily for permission she gave a small nod biting her lip hey Marcus tried awkward hands shoved deep in his pockets mind if I join jimie blinked then Shrugged one shoulder a

tiny hesitant gesture Marcus took it as an invitation and sank down careful not to knock over the half-built castle they worked in silence for a while passing bricks back and forth without speaking Marcus's tie felt too tight sleeves stiff with starch but he didn't dare fidget afraid of breaking the fragile piece eventually jimie broke the Silence with a blunt do billionaires even know how to build things or are you just good at frowning Marcus choked a laugh bursting out before he could stop it The Sound was Rusty unfamiliar but it made Jam's lips twitch almost

a smile depends on the billionaire he replied nudging a red brick forward but I'm trying to improve my skill set Jamie snorted and the tension in Marcus's chest loosened a fraction they spent the next hour assembling mismatch towers and tiny plastic soldiers conversation stilted but steady Jaime's questions came cautiously at first favorite food favorite color if Marcus's car could really go 200 mph marus us answered each one with a mix of honesty and half-hearted jokes relieved every time Jim's shoulders inched down a little Emily lingered in the doorway half hidden by the Shadows her arms

were crossed but her eyes were softer something wary but not quite hostile in the way she watched them Marcus caught her gaze once a question hanging between them but she looked away too fast to read by the time Jamie started yawning Sun dipping low through the curtains Marcus felt lighter his throat achd with words left unsaid apologies and promises he wasn't sure how to make but for now sitting cross-legged on Emily's warm carpet with a half-finished Lego tower between them was enough as he tucked jimie in smoothing the blankets with Clumsy fingers the boy mumbled

as sleepy are you coming back the words were soft uncertain tugging at something deep and painful of course Marcus said throat tight if it's okay with your mom Jaime's eyes slipped shut a tiny smile tugging at the corner of his mouth Marcus watched until his breathing evened out something warm and unfamiliar curling under his ribs when he stepped back into the Hall Emily was still there arms wrapped around herself her eyes were rimmed red though she tried to hide it he likes you she murmured tone grudging but not unkind I like him too Marcus replied

voice soft she hesitated teeth worrying her lip then nodded slowly wheel figure something out she said words careful and brittle but I need time I know Marcus promised take all you need as he left Emily's gaze stayed on him no longer cold but something hesitant almost hopeful the door closed behind him but for the first time in a decade Marcus didn't feel completely shut out the museum was crowded for a Saturday families Milling between exhibits with the kind of easy chaos Marcus had never quite understood he stuck close to jimie watching as the boy darted

from One display to the next with wide eyes and hesitant excitement it was a good kind of chaos though the kind that felt warm not overwhelming Marcus had half expected Jamie to cling to the edges shy and uncertain but the second they passed the dinosaur skeletons his face lit up he tued at marcus' sleeve pointing out each plaque and rattling off fax with the kind of earnestness that left Marcus blinking to keep up that one's a Spinosaurus jimie explained almost bouncing on his toes it could swim and hunt in water most people think T rex

was the biggest predator but Spinosaurus was even bigger its jaws were like this huge he spread his arms wide nearly smacking a passing cist in the leg marus bit back a smile nudging him away from the foot traffic that right I think you might know more about this stuff than the guides do Jim flushed ducking his head but clearly pleased mom says I'm going to be a paleontologist somay he mumbled scuffing his sneaker on the tile you'd be great at it Marcus said without thinking and the way Jaime's face brightened at that like it was

the first time anyone had said it out loud left a sharp ache in his chest they spent over an hour wandering the exhibits Jam's nerves easing bit by bit until he was dragging Marcus by the wrist to see a model of a meteor impact Marcus let himself be pulled content to follow even when he found himself nodding along to a ramble about prehistoric ecosystems that might as well have been in another language when Jaime paused to catch his breath Marcus ruffled his hair earning a startled blink pretty sure you'd pass any test on dinosaurs he

teased might have to hire you as my science adviser Jaime's nose scrunched but he was smiling you don't even like dinosaurs he accused squinting up suspiciously Marcus raised both hands and surrender grinning fair but I like listening to you talk about them the words slipped out without thought but they made Jaime's ears go pink his shoulders inching up in a mix of flustered and pleased Marcus stored the reaction away for later a quiet kind of Victory they grabbed lunch at the Museum Cafe wedged between a group of giggling teenagers and a toddler flinging fries at

the floor Marcus picked at his sandwich watching jimie inhale a grilled cheese like he hadn't eaten in days it was a simple thing sitting across from him in a too small Booth but it felt surreal almost like a memory borrowed from someone else's life jimie kicked his feet under under the table glancing up mid bite so why didn't you want me he asked tone light but eyes flicking nervously to Marcus's face the question hit like ice water and for a second Marcus forgot how to breathe I what he choked hard stumbling that's what Mom said

jimie went on watching the straw in his drink spin she said you were too busy and didn't want a family so why Marcus's hands trembled under the table and he curled them into fists to hide it the urge to deny it to say something that might fix the hurt threading through Jaime's voice clawed at his throat but Jaime's gaze was steady and lying felt too close to what his father had done I didn't know Marcus said finally the words rough and raw your mom she tried to tell me but someone made sure I never found

out he paused dragging a hand over his face if I known I never would have stayed away I promise Jam's face stayed blank for a bit too long then crumpled into a frown oh he mumbled shoulders curling in so it wasn't true not even close Marcus swore leaning forward I'm sorry Ally for everything the nickname slipped out by accident but jimie didn't Flinch he stared down at his half empty glass biting his lip before mumbling it's okay I guess his voice was small uncertain but not rejecting and Marcus exhaled slowly they spent the rest of

lunch in quiet awkward pauses broken by Jaime's muttered facts about marine reptiles and how they weren't technically Dinosaurs the explanations were clumsy sometimes tangling mid-sentence but Marcus hung on to every word letting the flood of information wash away the sting of the earlier question afterwards jaim dragged him to the VR exhibit with a grin too smug for a 10-year-old come on he insisted practically bouncing you can't be that old it's just a roller coaster just a roller coaster Marcus echoed dryly eyeing the headset with no small amount of Suspicion but Jim's grin widened half a

challenge and Marcus rolled his eyes with a sigh fine but if I throw up it's on you the next 10 minutes were a blur of two real loops and drops his stomach lurching with every Twist by the time the simulation ended Marcus stumbled out of the booth gripping the rail for dear life while jimie laughed so hard he nearly toppled over you're awful Marcus grumbled grimacing at the lingering dizziness you should have seen your face Jamie wheezed clutching his side you looked like you were going to cry keep it up and you're walking home mark

threatened though the threat fell flat under the fondness in his tone jimie snickered nudging his arm and for the first time since they met his smile was wide and unguarded they headed back to the apartment as the sun dipped lower Shadows stretching long across the road Marcus stopped at a red light glancing sideways to find jimie already dozing against the window face smushed and peaceful he eased the car forward when the light changed something warm settling under his ribs maybe he was still fumbling still too raw and unsure but for now with Jamie snoring softly

in the passenger seat it felt enough back at the apartment Emily was waiting by the door one hand braced against the frame face pale and tight she straightened when she saw them smile stretched too thin to be convincing have fun she asked voice strained Jamie still blury just nodded shuffling inside with a yawn mark moved to follow pausing when Emily swayed catching herself with a shaky breath are you okay he asked brow furrowing she waved a hand forcing a smile fine she mumbled but her voice wavered and she blinked rapidly pressing a hand to her

Temple just tired Works been a lot Marcus hesitated watching the way her Knuckles whitened against the door but before he could press she took a breath turning away away with a clipped thanks for today and disappeared down the hall her door clicked shut but Marcus stood rooted for a moment unease twisting in his gut Emily's smile lingered in his mind how forced it it looked to tremble in her hand he exhaled slowly dragging a hand through his hair but the knot in his chest didn't ease Emily stared at the MRI scans fingers trembling slightly against

the cold edge of the desk the the doctor's voice thrown on soft and clinical outlining terms she barely understood glioblastoma aggressive limited time the words blurred heavy and final and she gripped the chair's armrest until her Knuckles achd how long she managed voice brittle the doctor hesitated sympathy dulling the hard lines of his face months he said gently maybe six if we start treatment right away I'm so sorry Emily nodded swallowing hard the apology didn't matter nothing did except the boy waiting back home probably bent over a science book or sprawled on the couch with

one of his Lego sets Jamie didn't even know she'd gone to the hospital she told him she was working late kissed his forehead and left before she could change her mind the weight of it settled in cold and suffocating 6 months maybe most of that eaten up by treatments and not nausea and hospital beds maybe less if the tumor spread faster than they could cut it back her fingers dug into her Palm Nails biting deep Jamie would be alone the drive home blurred by traffic lights smearing red and green through her windshield by the time

she pulled into the apartment lot her hands were numb throat raw from biting back the Panic clawing at her lungs inside Jamie was curled on the couch head tipped back eyes closed in a half doze a book lay open on his chest Pages fluttering with each slow breath Marcus was beside him flipping through a chest manual with a frown his tie draped carelessly over the armrest the sight was too normal too soft and Emily gripped the door frame hard enough to hurt trying to keep herself steady she cleared her throat and Marcus glanced up eyes

brightening briefly before flicking to Jamie we didn't hear you come in he said quietly hope you don't mind Ali wanted to show me how to lose at chess in record time jimie snorted without opening his eyes you just have to get better he mumbled voice slurred with sleep a laugh slipped out before Emily could stop it cracking the tension and Marcus's smile softened for a moment it was easy to pretend the news didn't exist that 6 months wasn't a countdown ticking down too fast I don't mind mine she murmured forcing a smile thanks for keeping

him company Marcus Shrugged trying for casual I figured it's the least I could do he said but his eyes stayed fixed on her face brow creasing slightly you okay she flinched looking away too fast yeah she lied slipping off her shoes and ducking into the kitchen before he could press just tired she spent the next 10 minutes clattering through the cabinets fingers shaking too much to manage the dishes properly eventually Marcus followed leaning against the door frame arms crossed Loosely you sure you're okay he asked again quieter this time yeah she repeated but her voice

broke on the word and she pressed a hand to her mouth breath hitching Marcus's face fell concern overtaking caution he moved closer reaching out slowly like he was afraid she might shatter Emily he started hesitant what's wrong she squeezed her eyes shut willing the tears back but they slipped free anyway hot and humiliating the lump in her throat achd too tight to swallow past and when she spoke the words came out cracked and unsteady I'm dying she whispered they said 6 months maybe the silence that followed was deafening Marcus went rigid all the color draining

from his face his hands fell to his sides fingers twitching once then curling uselessly for a moment he just stared uncomprehending as if the words were a different language what he choked voice raw no no that there's got to be it's a brain tumor Emily interrupted the confession tearing free with a shaky breath they can try surgery but it's too far along there's nothing they can do Marcus swayed lightly catching himself on the counter the air seemed to thicken pressing down heavy and suffocating and he dragged a hand through his hair eyes wide and wild

you you can't just you can't be serious he stammered six months that's that's not I'm sorry Emily whispered voice cracking for what marus snapped harsher than he meant and the guilt Twisted deeper when she flinched for not telling me sooner for keeping him from me for 10 years and then dropping this on me how am I supposed to I didn't want him to get hurt Emily cut in voice Rising you left Marcus what was I supposed to tell him that his father was too busy making deals to care I didn't know Marcus shot back hands

slamming down on the counter hard enough to Rattle the glasses I didn't know Emily your letters never even reached me I I never would have she covered her face shoulders trembling it doesn't matter she mumbled words muffled it's too late I just I need you to take care of him when I'm gone The Plea hit Marcus harder than any of the accusations stealing the breath from his lungs he stared throat closing hands useless at his sides of course he managed voice rough of course I will she exhaled shakily shoulders sagging thank you she whispered so

soft it barely reached him just please don't tell him yet not until I figure out how Marcus's hands clenched Nails biting into his palms the urge to argue to demand more time to beg her to fight Rose but her eyes were rimmed red Dark Shadows smudged beneath them and the words died in his throat he nodded helpless and aching and Emily's face crumpled she turned away quickly a hand pressed to her mouth shoulders curling in Marcus stared at her back a dozen half-formed apologies Waring in his mind but none of them felt like enough he

left before he could break down jaw clenched tight enough to ache the hallway lights buzzed faintly harsh and sterile and he barely made it to the stairwell before his legs gave out back sliding down the wall his hands shook fists tangling in his hair breath shuttering in and out an uneven gasp for 10 years he'd stayed away too angry and bitter to look back and now the past was catching up too fast to outrun 6 months maybe less a handful of weeks to try and fix a lifetime's worth of mistakes and the only person who

could tell him how was already slipping away Marcus squeezed his eyes shut swallowing hard but the tears spilled over anyway burning hot and helpless Emily's condition worsen faster than any of them expected within weeks the headaches left her too weak to stand for long hospital visits stretching from hours to overnight stays the doctors talked about options chemo surgery pain management but their voices always dipped at the end as if trying to soften the blow Marcus heard the truth beneath the careful words they were out of time he took jimie to the hospital every day after

school carrying bags of books and coloring supplies that went untouched Jamie didn't complain but his Smiles grew smaller sentences trailing off with worried glances at Emily's pale face Marcus filled the silences with questions about school dinosaurs anything to keep the quiet from settling too thick in the hospital room Emily was hooked to too many wires and machines the steady beeping a cruel reminder that every minute they got was borrowed she smiled when they came in though small and tired and Jim's face always brightened at the sight Marcus could hardly stand to watch the guilt twisting

deeper each time one afternoon while Jamie slept in the armchair by the window Emily beckon Marcus closer her fingers trembling faintly on the blanket I need a favor she whispered Voice raspier by the day anything Marcus said without thinking pulling the chair closer to her bedside the words were useless too late to mean much but he'd say them a thousand times if it helped she reached to the nightstand fumbling for a leatherbound notebook edges frayed and covern Marcus took it when she held it out fingers brushing hers it was Heavy the kind of weight that

sank deep and when he flipped it open his throat tightened at the sight of Emily's handwriting filling the pages soft cursive slanting slightly crowded with dates and little hearts in the margins it's for Ali Emily murmured her voice raw I I started it a few months ago when the headaches got bad it's just things I wanted him to know advice memories her breath caught a faint wheeze and Marcus squeezed The Notebook tighter to stop his hands from shaking he'll love it he said the words thick but steady I'll I'll make sure he reads it every

page Emily's eyes Shone unshed tears catching the dim light she swallowed hard forced ing a smile that trembled at the edges promise me you'll take care of him she whispered not just don't send him off to some boarding school or hand him over to nanni's he needs her voice cracked and she pressed her lips together breathing uneven he needs you not just someone I promise Marcus choked reaching to cover her hand with his it was cold fingers brittle under his palm and he squeezed gently throat tight I'll be there for him I swear her eyes

fluttered shut a tear slipping free to trace her Temple but her fingers curled slightly in his grip weak but steady thank you she breathed So Soft he almost missed it they stayed like that for a while the silence filled only by Jim's quiet breaths and the faint hum of machines Marcus ran his thumb over her Knuckles words piling up behind his teeth apologies regrets memories that her too much to say out loud but Emily's breathing even out lashes brushing pale cheeks and he let the silence stand the next day Emily managed to sit up barely

insisting on fixing Jam's collar when he clambered onto the bed her hands were unsteady but her smile stayed firm as she smoothed out his wrinkled shirt murmuring something about keeping handsome jimie grumbled cheeks red but didn't pull away leaning into her side with a mumbled complaint about embarrassing moms Marcus watched throat aching fingers tied around the notebook Emily had handed him he turned it over in his lap thumb brushing the spine every word in it weighing heavier than the last later when Jaimie insisted on learning how to tie a tie properly after seeing Marcus fumble

with his own Emily chuckled softly from the bed eyes half closed your dad's hopeless she teased voice faint but warm Jamie snorted tugging at the Crooked not Marcus had managed I can tell he dead panned you need lessons seriously this looks like a noodle Marcus raised both hands and surrender hey I've got plenty of other skills he protested Mack offended like ordering takeout and arguing with my assistant well Jamie drawled unimpressed super useful Emily laughed the sound thin but real and Marcus glanced over in time to see her lips curl eyes bright with something soft

for a moment the lines of pain eased leaving her almost at peace the sight left Marcus's chest tight breaths short and unsteady that night Marcus lingered after jimie fell asleep on the couch blanket bunched up to his chin the nurses came and went with quiet efficiency adjusting machines checking monitors Emily's breaths came slow and shallow each one rattling faintly Marcus sat beside the bed watching the slow rise and fall every tick of the second hand counting down too fast she stirred as Dawn broke lashes fluttering her gaze slid to Marcus unfocused but warm and her

lips curled faintly he leaned forward fingers finding hers wrapping gently she squeezed back so light he barely felt it you're doing good she mumbled barely more than a breath bre alies lucky his throat tightened and he forced a smile blinking back the burn in his eyes it's all him he rasped I'm just trying to keep up she huffed a faint laugh eyes slipping shut again her hand stayed limp in his breath slowing bit by bit fading into shallow gasps Marcus held on fingers brushing her wrist breaths coming too fast and too uneven by the time

the sun broke through the blinds painting the room in gold and gray her hand was still her lips were parted face smooth and quiet a faint smile lingering at the edges Marcus's chest caved air catching in his throat and he hunched forward forehead pressing to their joined hands shoulders shaking with each breath the room was too quiet the kind that settled deep and empty and for a long time he didn't move breaths uneven and broken the mansion was too quiet the kind of Silence that settled in corners and stretched long into the night pressing heavy

and Cold against the walls Marcus moved through it like a ghost sleep deprived and aching trying to fill the emptiness with anything he could think of cooking breakfast packing lunches pacing outside Jim's door when nightmares pulled the boy awake with ragged breaths he moved Jamie into the house the day after the funeral Emily's sister had offered to take him in eyes R and voice thick was sympathy but Marcus couldn't stomach the thought of Letting Go he promised Emily he'd be there and for once he intended to keep that promise the first few days passed in

a blur between arranging the funeral and sorting through Emily's things Marcus barely had time to breathe jimie trailed behind him quiet and stiff clutching the notebook Emily had given him like a Lifeline his eyes stayed rimmed red but he didn't cry face too blank for a 10-year-old at night Marcus lay awake Eyes On The Ceiling Emily's last words playing on Loop until they blurred together each one sharp and aching the guilt sank deeper with every empty room he passed the sight of Jaime's small figure curled up in a bed too big for him covers pulled

tight to his chin he tried to fill the days with routine breakfast at 7:00 School drop off afternoon snacks and homework spread across the dining table it felt clumsy and still each word forced and awkward but jimie didn't complain mostly he just stared down at his books answers quiet and monosyllabic barely looking up when Marcus asked how school was the house itself felt hostile every surface too clean and too cold Emily would have hated it would have brought in plants and bright blankets piled books on every flat surface Marcus caught himself staring at the walls

too often fists clenching at the emptiness he tried to cook once fumbling through a recipe for spaghetti he found in a drawer it ended in Smoke and a half melted spatula Jaime's wide eyes peeking over the kitchen island as the fire alarm shrieked in the end they ate take out in silence noodles half cold and sticking together Jaimie poking at his plate with a fork the school call started a week later fights on the playground skipped homework sharp words thrown at teachers Mar sat through each conference with his jaw clenched apologizing and promising it wouldn't

happen again but Jaime's Sullen frown never wavered one afternoon after the third call in as many days Marcus tried to talk to him sitting down on the edge of the bed and forcing a smile hey he started voice to light what's going on buddy jimie Shrugged picking at a loose thread on his sleeve nothing he muttered just didn't feel like doing math is someone bothering you at school Marcus pressed trying to keep the desperation from bleeding through you can talk to me you know about anything Jim's shoulders hunched higher lips pressed tight he stared at

his lap refusing to answer and Marcus's heart sank frustration tangling with guilt he forced the hand through his hair trying to find the right words but every sentence died on his tongue after a week of deadend questions and one word replies he caved and called a therapist stumbling through an explanation over the phone while jimie sat hunched in the Next Room shoulders drawn tight he hated the way it felt like admitting defeat but Emily's notebook was still tucked under Jam's pillow pages doggered and worn from nights spent reading by flashlight the therapist's office smelled like

lavender and cheap coffee the walls painted a too cheerful yellow jimie spent the first two sessions staring at the carpet answers clipped and dull fingers curled tight in his sleeves marus sat outside hands twisting in his coat trying to breathe through the anxiety clawing at his chest the Breakthrough came 3 weeks in a storm thundered outside rain hammering against the windows wind howling through the trees Marcus made hot chocolate burned his thumb on the kettle and carried two mugs to J's room knocking gently the door creaked open Jim's face face blotchy and tired eyes rimmed

red he let Marcus in without a word crawling back onto the bed and drawing his knees up to his chest Marcus hesitated in the doorway balancing both mugs then sighed and settled at the foot of the bed careful to keep space between them they sat in silence for a while the wind howling outside rain streaking down the glass Marcus blew at his Coco throat tight with all the things he didn't know how to say do you think she'll forget me jimie asked suddenly voice small and raw his hands Twisted in the blanket Knuckles white in

heaven I mean what if she doesn't remember me Marcus's chest caved air catching in his throat for a second he couldn't breathe the pain so sharp and immediate it left him reeling he set the mug aside wiping a hand over his face swallowing hard past the lump in his throat she could never forget you he choked voice cracking not ever you're her whole world Ali she loves you more than anything Jamie sniffed wiping his nose on his sleeve promise I promise Marcus swore voice unsteady jimie nodded shoulders relaxing a fraction but his face crumpled a

second later hands flying up to hide it the sobs came sudden and gut-wrenching shaking his small frame muffled into his sleeves Marcus moved without thinking scooting closer and wrapping both arms around him pulling him in tight Jaimie clung back fingers fisting in Marcus's shirt face pressed to his chest I miss her he gasped voice cracking I want her back I know Marcus whispered eyes stinging me too buddy me too they stayed like that for a long time Jaime's tears soaking through his shirt breaths ragged and broken Marcus held on running a hand over his back

murmuring soft assurances until the sobs eased into hiccups eventually Jaimie pulled back scrubbing at his face with the sleeve of marcus' shirt eyes puffy and red he sniffed then scalled faintly your cooking sucks he mumbled voice thick you need lessons a startled laugh burst out before Marcus could stop it and Jaime's glare softened at the edges almost a smile yeah probably Marcus agreed chuckling weakly maybe you can teach me Jim snorted wiping his nose yeah right you'd burn cereal Marcus huffed shoving at his shoulder lightly and Jim's mouth twitched a half smile breaking through for

the first time in weeks the ache in Marcus's chest eased breath coming a little lighter that night after tucking Jamie in Marcus lingered by the door watching the way the boy's chest Rose and fell evenly one hand still clutching Emily's notebook the house was still too quiet too empty but the knot of grief and guilt didn't feel so suffocating hope of faint but steady beat beneath it he pulled the door shut softly exhaling slow he'd keep his promise whatever it took he'd make things right a year passed steady and Relentless softening the edges of grief

but never quite ding them the house felt different now warmer lived in photos lined the mantle shelves crowded with paperbacks and half finished Lego sets the empty silence had given way to music and muffled laughter footsteps pounding down hallways and sleepy mumbles over breakfast Marcus adjusted his tie in the hallway mirror scowling when the knot slipped crooked for the third time he tugged it Loose with a sigh fingers clumsy and impatient before he could try again Amy appeared in the doorway leaning against the frame with an exaggerated sigh you're hopeless he dead paned Crossing his

arms that's like the fifth time fourth Marcus corrected dryly and it wouldn't be if someone hadn't hidden my clipons Jamie smirked eyes glinting with Mischief maybe it's a sign you need to learn or maybe the clipons just got tired of being used wrong Marcus snorted flicking the tie at him earning a yel and a giggle keep it up smart mouth he warned though his tone was light or you're packing your own lunch all week fine Jamie said with a sniff brushing invisible dust off his shoulder at least I won't burn the toast the retort slipped

out so smoothly that Marcus sparked a laugh the sound startling in the quiet hallway Jaime's smirk widened into a grin eyes crinkling at the edges and for a moment it was almost easy to forget the months before hospital rooms and hushed sobs Emily's twoo pale face beneath fluorescent lights they made it out the door with minimal chaos though Marcus almost forgot the flowers he balanced the bouquet awkwardly in one hand guiding jimie to the car with the other Keys jingling in his pocket the drive was quiet sunlight slanting Through the Windows warm and soft the

cemetery hadn't changed rows of headstones stretching under a cloudless sky a chill threading through the breeze but Jamie didn't hesitate this time shoulders squared as he led the way steps sure and steady Emily's grave was shaded by an oak tree The Headstone smooth and simple her name etched in clean lines Marcus set the flowers down carefully brushing a leaf from the stone fingers lingering a moment too long jimie crouched beside him slipping a folded piece of paper from his jacket his fingers fumbled with the tape cheeks ped pink but he pressed the note to The

Headstone with a determined nod smoothing the edges with both hands Marcus caught a glimpse of the handwriting uneven and smudged a few flowers drawn in the corners is it okay jimie asked glancing up through his lashes suddenly unsure I didn't want it to look messy Marcus's throat tightened a lump forming fast and hard she'll love it he rasped voice thick it's perfect Jamie relaxed a soft smile curling his lips he leaned back on his heels gaze fixed on The Headstone fingers picking at a loose thread on his sleeve they stayed like that for a while

the wind rustling the oak leaves sunlight warming the grass when jimie finally moved it was with a quiet sigh shoulders easing he tugged at marcus' sleeve lightly tilting his head toward the car Marcus stood slowly one last look at the flowers and the note then turned to to follow resting a hand on Jim's shoulder as they walked they stopped for ice cream on the way back jimie perking up at the sight of the chalkboard menu he spent 10 minutes debating flavors brow furrowed in deep concentration before settling on cookies and cream with rainbow sprinkles Marcus

just ordered black coffee ignoring the cashier's raised brow they ate in the park legs dangling off a bench pigeons pecking at Crumbs nearby Jamie licked a smear of ice cream off his thumb eyes narrowed at a particularly bold pigeon edging closer are all birds this Dum he asked flicking a crumb in its direction or is it just City Birds pretty sure it's all of them Marcus replied lips twitching but City Birds just have less shame jimie snorted kicking his feet idly the sunlight caught on his hair turning it gold at the edges and Marcus found

himself staring chest tight with a mix of Wonder and something softer when they got home jimie disappeared down the hall mumbling something about sorting through books Marcus wandered to the kitchen grabbing a glass of water only to pause when a flicker of movement caught his eye Emily's notebook edges frayed and familiar sitting on the coffee table curious he picked it up flipping through the pages slowly the scent of lavender lingered faintly ink smudged in places her handwriting looping and soft halfway through a photo slipped free yellowed at the edges corners bent from being tucked between

Pages Marcus caught it instinctively breath catching at the sight it was him and Emily years younger crammed into a photo booth with arms slung around each other's shoulders grinning wide and carefree the summer before everything went wrong her hair Tangled by the wind sunlight dusting freckles across her nose but what made his throat close was the notes scribbled in the the margin words cramped and smudged but clear you did good dad marus sank onto the couch fingers brushing the ink chest aching with the force of it the room blurred slightly edges softening and he had

to Blink hard a shaky breath leaving him the words were simple no flowery speech or long-winded forgiveness just five words small and unsteady but enough to loosen the knot that had been twisting in his chest for months he stayed there for a long moment photo cradled carefully breath slow and deep when Jaimie poked his head around the corner brows arched in question Marcus cleared his throat tucking the photo carefully back into the notebook you good jimie asked tilting his head yeah Marcus replied voice rough but steady yeah I'm good Jim's eyes narrowed suspiciously but he

didn't push pading over and flopping onto the couch with a huff he snagged the remote flicking through Channels with a frown and Marcus chuckled leaning back against the cushions for the first time in months the silence felt warm instead of suffocating the empty spaces in the house a little less cold later that evening they stopped by the cemetery One Last Time Twilight painting the sky in shades of gold and blue Marcus took Jim's hand squeezing gently and jimie squeezed back the touch small but certain they stood by Emily's grave for a while the breeze cool

and soft flowers rustling quietly Marcus traced the edges of The Headstone with his thumb exhaling slowly we're going to be okay he murmured more to himself than to her I'll make sure of it jime leaned into his side cheek pressed to his sleeve eyes fluttering shut the tension in Marcus's chest Unwound slowly replaced by something warm and steady hope threading through the ache they left as Stars began to Peak through the dark fingers still twined together footsteps light and sure if you enjoyed this story don't forget to leave a like it really helps out the

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