Forty four.

"Dad you have got to stop talking, you need every bit of strength you can muster to fight this. And besides you are scaring me." I cried as I pleaded but his weak eyes just stared back at me. 'How can he still be trying to smile?'

"Sweetheart, promise me you will leave here. It will hurt but you have to endure the pain and leave. When he is stronger, when he can protect you, or when and if you finally can meet that part of you you are yet to meet, then maybe you can come back of you are strong enough. I don't want you to become a pawn in the battle of strength. Please promise me." I cried even more hearing his plea.

"I promise dad, I promise." He nodded as he looked visibly relieved. Mom pushed the door as she walked in, her eyes red. 'Was she crying? What did the doctor tell her?'

I stood silently as I couldn't bring myself to ask her questions and I just watched her walked over and held dad's hands.

"You are so cruel." She told him and dad chuckled weakly.

"I am glad I get to live