Gone

"So how are you feeling, buddy?” Derek asked Barry when he got back to the room. Barry’s nurse was in the room checking him and preparing him to sleep and a few moments after Derek came into the room, she left.

“I’m fine, Dad,” Barry replied. His voice sounded so weak and he looked so tired that just looking at him broke Derek’s heart. Maybe he was being selfish and what he needed to do was pray for Barry’s suffering to come to an end, even if it meant that he would no longer be here.

“That’s good. Do you need anything?” Derek asked again, pulling a chair closer to the bed, sitting on it, and gently ruffling the child’s hair.

“No.”

“Okay. Listen, honey, do you remember how I told you that the doctor was going to make you all better?” Derek asked in a choked voice. This was one of the worst things that he had ever had to do.

“Yes. That’s why nurse Mabel gives me injections and drugs.”

“Yes, exactly. Uh, well … the drugs and injections aren't enough anymore, and …” Derek paused, not sur