WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.160 I woke up feeling worse than when I fell asleep. 00:00:03.759 --> 00:00:06.960 Not that I got much rest, maybe three hours at 00:00:06.960 --> 00:00:09.759 best. My mind had been consumed with thoughts 00:00:09.759 --> 00:00:13.140 of my dad all night. And then there was Kayvon. 00:00:13.460 --> 00:00:16.800 I still can't believe he texted me. But why? 00:00:17.219 --> 00:00:20.660 Why would someone like him even care? Come to 00:00:20.660 --> 00:00:23.320 think of it, maybe I was a little too harsh on 00:00:23.320 --> 00:00:26.679 him last night. He was just trying to show concern 00:00:26.679 --> 00:00:30.660 about my dad. But still. I can't wrap my head 00:00:30.660 --> 00:00:34.539 around it. Why would he care? After everything. 00:00:35.159 --> 00:00:39.200 After months of making my life hell. Then again, 00:00:39.700 --> 00:00:42.799 he stood up to his parents for me. He let me 00:00:42.799 --> 00:00:46.619 leave. I'm so damn confused. I sit on the edge 00:00:46.619 --> 00:00:49.219 of my bed, staring at the floor, wondering if 00:00:49.219 --> 00:00:51.899 it even makes sense to go to work. I need to 00:00:51.899 --> 00:00:54.880 check in on my dad. And honestly, I am not in 00:00:54.880 --> 00:00:57.200 the mood to deal with the king and queen today. 00:00:57.520 --> 00:01:01.399 And cave on. Who knows what he's up to now? Probably 00:01:01.399 --> 00:01:04.420 plotting my mental breakdown as we speak. As 00:01:04.420 --> 00:01:07.239 I step out of the shower and start getting dressed, 00:01:07.680 --> 00:01:11.659 my phone buzzes again. Another message from Kayvon. 00:01:12.299 --> 00:01:15.680 Good lord. Good morning. I know this might feel 00:01:15.680 --> 00:01:18.239 a little weird, but I just wanted to check in. 00:01:18.959 --> 00:01:22.159 Are you coming in today? If not, I totally understand. 00:01:22.579 --> 00:01:25.219 I'll let mom and dad know what's going on. Let 00:01:25.219 --> 00:01:29.280 me know. Thanks. I blink at the screen. He's 00:01:29.280 --> 00:01:34.739 being... nice? What the hell? I shoot him a quick 00:01:34.739 --> 00:01:37.500 reply, keeping it short. I won't be coming in 00:01:37.500 --> 00:01:42.439 today. Please behave yourself. A second later, 00:01:42.840 --> 00:01:46.799 he sends back a winky face, then a thumbs up. 00:01:47.459 --> 00:01:50.060 It's the first real text exchange we've ever 00:01:50.060 --> 00:01:53.780 had, and it's going surprisingly smooth. But 00:01:53.780 --> 00:01:57.000 whatever. I can't think about that right now. 00:01:57.340 --> 00:01:59.739 I make it to the hospital and the first thing 00:01:59.739 --> 00:02:02.180 the doctor tells me is that there's a ton of 00:02:02.180 --> 00:02:06.140 paperwork to fill out. No. Good morning. No small 00:02:06.140 --> 00:02:11.080 talk. Just forms. So I get to it. Pen in hand, 00:02:11.539 --> 00:02:14.360 filling out line after line until my wrist hurts. 00:02:14.939 --> 00:02:17.879 Then they drop the news. They're discharging 00:02:17.879 --> 00:02:22.159 him. He's good to go. I know my dad. He probably 00:02:22.159 --> 00:02:24.860 told them he was fine just to get out of there. 00:02:25.180 --> 00:02:29.039 Classic. By the time we get home, and by home 00:02:29.039 --> 00:02:32.060 I mean my apartment because there's no way I'm 00:02:32.060 --> 00:02:34.620 letting him stay at his place alone ever again. 00:02:35.080 --> 00:02:38.039 It's after three in the afternoon and all I can 00:02:38.039 --> 00:02:41.219 think about is his treatment. I sit dad down 00:02:41.219 --> 00:02:44.259 on the couch and get straight to the point. We 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:48.400 need to sell the shop. He scowls. I'm not selling 00:02:48.400 --> 00:02:53.659 the shop. That's my baby. I roll my eyes. Exactly. 00:02:54.259 --> 00:02:56.680 That's why he doesn't want to let it go. Because 00:02:56.680 --> 00:03:00.039 it's his baby. But that damn place doesn't even 00:03:00.039 --> 00:03:03.620 make money. He just sits in there all day, existing, 00:03:04.180 --> 00:03:07.180 burning electricity and wasting time like we 00:03:07.180 --> 00:03:09.900 can afford it. It would be so much smarter to 00:03:09.900 --> 00:03:12.620 just sell the damn thing. Not only would selling 00:03:12.620 --> 00:03:15.560 the shop pay for his treatment, but I'd probably 00:03:15.560 --> 00:03:18.500 have something left over. Hopefully, anyway, 00:03:18.879 --> 00:03:22.300 if we get a decent appraiser. But Dad shakes 00:03:22.300 --> 00:03:26.300 his head stubbornly. I'm not selling it. Then 00:03:26.300 --> 00:03:30.599 he raises a finger. But if I do, it's not going 00:03:30.599 --> 00:03:34.180 to want my treatment. It'll be for you to pay 00:03:34.180 --> 00:03:38.439 off your damn student loans. Dad, I say, my voice 00:03:38.439 --> 00:03:41.379 rising. If you don't take this treatment, you'll 00:03:41.379 --> 00:03:45.979 die. Then let me die. He snaps. I'm old anyway. 00:03:46.780 --> 00:03:51.319 I've lived my life. I'm 55. 55 is not old dad. 00:03:51.840 --> 00:03:56.340 What is wrong with you? He sighs, his tone calm 00:03:56.340 --> 00:03:59.139 but resolute. It doesn't make sense to spend 00:03:59.139 --> 00:04:01.060 all that money on treatment if it just comes 00:04:01.060 --> 00:04:04.879 back or doesn't even work. I'd rather you put 00:04:04.879 --> 00:04:08.819 the money to good use. Pay off your loans. That's 00:04:08.819 --> 00:04:12.319 what I want. You have to promise me that? He 00:04:12.319 --> 00:04:15.539 adds. I already told the doctor I'm not doing 00:04:15.539 --> 00:04:18.019 treatment. And you've got to live with that, 00:04:18.199 --> 00:04:22.120 sweetie. I blink up at him. In my head, he's 00:04:22.120 --> 00:04:25.800 going to take the treatment. He has to. But deep 00:04:25.800 --> 00:04:30.879 down, I know better. If my dad says no, he means 00:04:30.879 --> 00:04:34.240 it. And as I watch him hobble into the kitchen, 00:04:34.600 --> 00:04:37.060 pour himself a glass of water like everything's 00:04:37.060 --> 00:04:41.459 fine, reality punches me in the gut. He's dead 00:04:41.459 --> 00:04:45.600 serious. I walk quietly to my room, shut the 00:04:45.600 --> 00:04:49.220 door behind me, and just stand there. A wave 00:04:49.220 --> 00:04:52.579 of emotion crashes over me, but I don't cry. 00:04:53.240 --> 00:04:57.300 I just stare blankly at the wall, frozen. I'm 00:04:57.300 --> 00:05:00.139 going to lose this man. I'm going to lose my 00:05:00.139 --> 00:05:03.540 father. And there's nothing I can do about it. 00:05:04.040 --> 00:05:07.740 Three hours pass before I wake up again. Apparently, 00:05:08.139 --> 00:05:12.300 I'd fallen asleep and slept hard. The kind of 00:05:12.300 --> 00:05:15.079 sleep that makes you wake up feeling stupid and 00:05:15.079 --> 00:05:19.139 disoriented, then it hits me. Dad's here. I bolt 00:05:19.139 --> 00:05:22.259 out of bed and peek around the apartment. He's 00:05:22.259 --> 00:05:25.040 nowhere in the living room. But the door to the 00:05:25.040 --> 00:05:27.800 spare bedroom is closed. And when I crack it 00:05:27.800 --> 00:05:32.600 open, I see him fast asleep. That room was always 00:05:32.600 --> 00:05:35.220 something I wanted for emergencies like this. 00:05:35.740 --> 00:05:38.939 So when I started working, I made sure to rent 00:05:38.939 --> 00:05:42.879 a place with two bedrooms, just in case. He looks 00:05:42.879 --> 00:05:46.139 peaceful, which probably means he hasn't eaten. 00:05:46.620 --> 00:05:50.379 Or maybe he grabbed a snack. Either way, we need 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:54.480 groceries, real food, cancer -friendly food, 00:05:54.980 --> 00:05:58.139 whatever that is. I haven't even gone through 00:05:58.139 --> 00:06:01.720 the papers they gave me yet. I head back to my 00:06:01.720 --> 00:06:05.980 room, towel in hand, ready for a shower. But 00:06:05.980 --> 00:06:09.480 just as I'm about to step in, my phone buzzes. 00:06:09.860 --> 00:06:13.670 It's Kayvon. How's your dad doing? I stare at 00:06:13.670 --> 00:06:16.389 the message for a second, unsure whether I should 00:06:16.389 --> 00:06:20.529 even respond. One, it's past working hours and 00:06:20.529 --> 00:06:24.850 this is technically my day off. Two, well, I 00:06:24.850 --> 00:06:27.930 don't have a solid two. Maybe I'm just being 00:06:27.930 --> 00:06:32.449 petty because maybe, just maybe, he's genuinely 00:06:32.449 --> 00:06:35.910 concerned. So I sit on the edge of the bed, towel 00:06:35.910 --> 00:06:40.149 wrapped around me and text back. He's fine. Just 00:06:40.149 --> 00:06:43.110 about sleeping now. He's staying with me for 00:06:43.110 --> 00:06:46.110 a while. Not sure how that's going to go yet. 00:06:46.810 --> 00:06:49.430 But if you're wondering, I'm coming back to work 00:06:49.430 --> 00:06:54.170 tomorrow. No need to panic. He replies almost 00:06:54.170 --> 00:06:58.029 instantly, a smiley face. Pretty sure you have 00:06:58.029 --> 00:07:01.350 sick days, Lara. It's not a death sentence to 00:07:01.350 --> 00:07:05.250 take one. I'll be just fine. I read the text 00:07:05.250 --> 00:07:09.329 and scoff. Just fine? His mother doesn't think 00:07:09.329 --> 00:07:13.389 so. She thinks he's a liability, a stain on their 00:07:13.389 --> 00:07:16.449 polished royal image. And if I don't get back 00:07:16.449 --> 00:07:20.209 soon, I might as well be fired. And if I'm fired, 00:07:20.550 --> 00:07:24.050 I can't pay rent, can't take care of Dad the 00:07:24.050 --> 00:07:27.250 way he deserves, especially now that he's basically 00:07:27.250 --> 00:07:30.430 written himself a death sentence. And then what? 00:07:30.910 --> 00:07:34.490 I end up running the shop? No, that's not happening. 00:07:35.189 --> 00:07:38.980 I text him back. I'll be at work tomorrow. Look 00:07:38.980 --> 00:07:42.100 out for me. Just when I think our texting is 00:07:42.100 --> 00:07:45.639 done, my phone buzzes again. And how are you? 00:07:46.339 --> 00:07:50.079 How am I? I sink back onto the edge of the bed, 00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:53.240 staring at the message for a moment, before typing 00:07:53.240 --> 00:07:57.680 out. I'm good. Thanks for asking. But I'm heading 00:07:57.680 --> 00:07:59.639 into the shower, so I'll have to talk to you 00:07:59.639 --> 00:08:04.060 tomorrow. His reply comes quick. Oh, can I join 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:09.000 you? And just like that, there he is. Exactly 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:12.680 who I thought he was. The man never gives sex 00:08:12.680 --> 00:08:17.300 a break, but then again. Can I blame him? He's 00:08:17.300 --> 00:08:21.100 handsome, he's a prince and he's spoiled rotten. 00:08:21.819 --> 00:08:24.980 I don't bother entertaining him. I leave him 00:08:24.980 --> 00:08:29.779 on read and finally get into the shower. The 00:08:29.779 --> 00:08:32.840 next morning, I tell dad I'm heading to work. 00:08:33.240 --> 00:08:35.600 When I get back, we'll go grocery shopping, okay? 00:08:36.519 --> 00:08:41.279 He just shrugs. Eyes still glued to the TV. This 00:08:41.279 --> 00:08:44.340 man is acting like it's a regular Tuesday. The 00:08:44.340 --> 00:08:48.379 nonchalance is maddening. It bothers me. It fucking 00:08:48.379 --> 00:08:51.659 bothers me. Because I'm the one losing him. And 00:08:51.659 --> 00:08:54.480 he doesn't seem to care. But I don't have time 00:08:54.480 --> 00:08:58.519 to unravel that. Not today. I get to work. clock 00:08:58.519 --> 00:09:02.399 in and immediately my supervisor calls me over. 00:09:02.799 --> 00:09:05.720 We have a long talk about disappearing without 00:09:05.720 --> 00:09:10.019 notice and taking unscheduled breaks. Even after 00:09:10.019 --> 00:09:12.840 I explain that my dad was hospitalized, they 00:09:12.840 --> 00:09:16.320 don't seem to care. If the money wasn't so good, 00:09:16.679 --> 00:09:19.419 I would have quit. I really would have left. 00:09:19.759 --> 00:09:22.980 Later, I'm sitting downstairs in the office area 00:09:22.980 --> 00:09:26.480 when the room goes quiet. Prince Kavon has entered. 00:09:26.830 --> 00:09:29.669 Everyone goes stiff because he's not supposed 00:09:29.669 --> 00:09:32.730 to be here. This part of the building is off 00:09:32.730 --> 00:09:36.649 limits to Royals, staff only. But he walks in 00:09:36.649 --> 00:09:39.509 like he owns the place. And who is he looking 00:09:39.509 --> 00:09:44.629 for? Me. Like I'm his mother or babysitter. But 00:09:44.629 --> 00:09:46.830 I'm the one who's supposed to be chasing after 00:09:46.830 --> 00:09:50.649 him. I jump up and rush over to him, grabbing 00:09:50.649 --> 00:09:53.250 his arm and dragging him out. Don't you know 00:09:53.250 --> 00:09:56.049 you're not supposed to come in here? I hiss. 00:09:56.269 --> 00:10:00.029 He rolls his eyes. What? Are you all bad -mouthing 00:10:00.029 --> 00:10:04.370 us in there? No, it's a staff -only area. Not 00:10:04.370 --> 00:10:08.350 royal territory. He shrugs. Are we going out 00:10:08.350 --> 00:10:12.090 today? I blink. I'm supposed to be asking you 00:10:12.090 --> 00:10:17.269 that. You're the one with the schedule. So, what 00:10:17.269 --> 00:10:21.649 have you planned? He shrugs again. Nothing, really. 00:10:22.429 --> 00:10:25.929 Thought I'd give you a little break. Oh, gee. 00:10:26.789 --> 00:10:31.090 How sweet of you. I fold my arms. So what? You're 00:10:31.090 --> 00:10:34.149 not going to be fucking anyone today. That's 00:10:34.149 --> 00:10:38.070 what you're saying. He frowns slightly, clearly 00:10:38.070 --> 00:10:41.289 not amused. My dick will cope just fine, but 00:10:41.289 --> 00:10:44.070 I'm sure you'd like that. You're clearly cranky. 00:10:44.350 --> 00:10:47.649 I say, already turning away. I'm heading back 00:10:47.649 --> 00:10:51.850 inside. He smiles. If I need something, I'll 00:10:51.850 --> 00:10:55.899 let you know. I narrow my eyes at him. No, if 00:10:55.899 --> 00:10:58.379 you need something, you can tell your servants, 00:10:58.740 --> 00:11:02.759 not me. He doesn't respond, just watches me. 00:11:03.200 --> 00:11:05.519 Let me know when you're leaving the palace, okay? 00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:10.419 I add, he nods once. Prince Kayvon definitely 00:11:10.419 --> 00:11:13.039 doesn't summon me for the rest of the day. And 00:11:13.039 --> 00:11:17.580 weirdly, I feel sad. I don't know why I feel 00:11:17.580 --> 00:11:21.759 sad, but I do. Maybe because, for once in my 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:25.320 life. I have absolutely nothing to do. Anyway, 00:11:25.700 --> 00:11:29.039 I head home, get groceries with dad, and the 00:11:29.039 --> 00:11:31.799 next day it's the same. He doesn't bother me. 00:11:32.080 --> 00:11:35.320 He's in his room, probably playing games or doing 00:11:35.320 --> 00:11:38.259 something equally harmless. And I'm just sitting 00:11:38.259 --> 00:11:42.220 there thinking, what the hell is happening? Three 00:11:42.220 --> 00:11:47.159 days go by like that. No chaos, no drama, just 00:11:47.159 --> 00:11:51.370 silence. Then, on the fourth day... He struts 00:11:51.370 --> 00:11:53.970 back into the staff area like it's no big deal, 00:11:53.990 --> 00:11:57.950 and once again, I have to drag him out. But this 00:11:57.950 --> 00:12:01.669 time, I'm actually nice about it. I'm bored as 00:12:01.669 --> 00:12:04.809 hell, okay? Oh, so you're ready to go outside 00:12:04.809 --> 00:12:08.769 and touch grass? I tease. Into the wild unknown? 00:12:09.809 --> 00:12:13.789 He eyes me. I have somewhere to take you. Me? 00:12:14.549 --> 00:12:18.809 Where? You'll see. Just grab your bag, I'll get 00:12:18.809 --> 00:12:22.179 the car. I'm confused as hell, but honestly, 00:12:22.559 --> 00:12:26.120 if it doesn't involve PR damage control, I'm 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:29.519 fine with it. So I follow him, and we end up 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:33.480 at a children's charity. Yes, a children's charity. 00:12:33.779 --> 00:12:36.620 Turns out it's run by his mother, but it was 00:12:36.620 --> 00:12:39.299 placed in his care last summer. I follow him 00:12:39.299 --> 00:12:43.120 around like a lost puppy, still confused, until 00:12:43.120 --> 00:12:47.120 we end up in a small back office. A woman greets 00:12:47.120 --> 00:12:50.250 us with a polite smile. steps out for a moment, 00:12:50.570 --> 00:12:53.750 then returns and hands me an envelope. Kayvon 00:12:53.750 --> 00:12:57.289 turns to me with that smile, the smug one that 00:12:57.289 --> 00:13:00.970 usually means trouble. But this time, it feels 00:13:00.970 --> 00:13:04.470 different. I open the envelope and nearly drop 00:13:04.470 --> 00:13:11.470 it. A cheque, in my father's name, for £55 ,000, 00:13:12.129 --> 00:13:16.330 half of a hundred grand. I stare at it. Then 00:13:16.330 --> 00:13:19.769 I stare at him. He's still smiling like it's 00:13:19.769 --> 00:13:23.110 some grand gesture, but I'm not smiling back. 00:13:23.669 --> 00:13:27.269 What is this? I ask flatly. It's a cheque for 00:13:27.269 --> 00:13:31.070 your father. He says, as if it's obvious. To 00:13:31.070 --> 00:13:33.809 help him with his treatment. Why would you give 00:13:33.809 --> 00:13:38.750 me this? I ask, stepping back. So that I can... 00:13:38.750 --> 00:13:45.210 What? Be grateful? Owe you something? No. It's 00:13:45.210 --> 00:13:48.690 so I can help you. I set the check down on the 00:13:48.690 --> 00:13:52.110 table. The woman blinks at me like I'm insane. 00:13:52.690 --> 00:13:57.409 I don't need this. Isn't this, like, a charity 00:13:57.409 --> 00:14:01.409 account? I can't just take money like this. He 00:14:01.409 --> 00:14:06.690 frowns. But he needs it. It doesn't matter. My 00:14:06.690 --> 00:14:10.129 father's already made up his mind. He blinks. 00:14:10.669 --> 00:14:14.629 What? He doesn't want treatment. I say quietly. 00:14:15.129 --> 00:14:19.320 He's willing to die. His face falls, the smile 00:14:19.320 --> 00:14:23.159 vanishes, his whole expression shifts, and just 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:27.519 like that. The reality crashes over me again, 00:14:28.080 --> 00:14:31.480 same as it did the day my father said it. I feel 00:14:31.480 --> 00:14:35.519 it all rising, tight in my throat, behind my 00:14:35.519 --> 00:14:40.019 eyes. Suddenly, I'm emotional. Because saying 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:44.240 it out loud makes it real. I turn and run outside. 00:14:44.490 --> 00:14:48.009 Kayvon follows me and catches up, stopping me 00:14:48.009 --> 00:14:51.590 on the pavement. Lara, can you stop, please? 00:14:52.289 --> 00:14:56.250 I spin around, eyes blazing. Why are you acting 00:14:56.250 --> 00:15:01.730 like you care? You don't. You can't. My voice 00:15:01.730 --> 00:15:06.389 cracks. Yes, he's willing to die. I won't have 00:15:06.389 --> 00:15:09.629 my father again. He's going to die. He's going 00:15:09.629 --> 00:15:13.720 to fucking die. He pulls me into his arms, holding 00:15:13.720 --> 00:15:18.200 me tight. I don't fight him. I don't even have 00:15:18.200 --> 00:15:21.240 the strength. I didn't realise how much I'd been 00:15:21.240 --> 00:15:24.620 holding in until that moment. The tears come 00:15:24.620 --> 00:15:27.879 fast, unstoppable. I cry into his chest like 00:15:27.879 --> 00:15:32.399 a child, shaking, broken. How could he do this 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:38.539 to me? I sob. I'm sorry, Lara. He whispers. I 00:15:38.539 --> 00:15:42.330 pull back. blinking through tears. And why would 00:15:42.330 --> 00:15:44.450 you rob children who actually need that money 00:15:44.450 --> 00:15:49.090 just to give it to me? No, I... He shakes his 00:15:49.090 --> 00:15:52.690 head quickly. Every year, we choose someone to 00:15:52.690 --> 00:15:57.049 donate to. It doesn't have to be a child. It 00:15:57.049 --> 00:16:00.730 can be anyone we believe needs it. This year, 00:16:01.549 --> 00:16:06.070 I chose your father. He looks almost hurt. I 00:16:06.070 --> 00:16:09.720 didn't mean it the wrong way. I blink up at him, 00:16:09.960 --> 00:16:13.220 heart still pounding. It doesn't make sense, 00:16:13.659 --> 00:16:16.080 I whisper. I don't want to take anything from 00:16:16.080 --> 00:16:19.779 a child who actually needs it. My father's already 00:16:19.779 --> 00:16:23.159 made his decision, and I respect that. He says 00:16:23.159 --> 00:16:27.159 he's lived his life. And honestly, I wouldn't 00:16:27.159 --> 00:16:31.620 take it either. Give it to a child, I add softly, 00:16:32.440 --> 00:16:36.500 or divide it among many. He reaches up, brushing 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:40.179 my cheek. His touch tender for the first time 00:16:40.179 --> 00:16:44.860 ever. You're so sweet. He murmurs. So selfless. 00:16:45.899 --> 00:16:50.259 I flinch at his touch. It's too much. Too personal. 00:16:51.179 --> 00:16:55.320 I step away from him, turning away. Take me back 00:16:55.320 --> 00:17:00.379 to the palace. I don't feel well. Yes, of course. 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:03.120 I stay in the staff office for the rest of the 00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:06.809 evening, stewing in my own thoughts. I don't 00:17:06.809 --> 00:17:09.529 know what the hell is going on in my head. This 00:17:09.529 --> 00:17:14.029 is Kayvon. He hates my guts and I hate his. That's 00:17:14.029 --> 00:17:17.829 the one thing I could always count on. So why 00:17:17.829 --> 00:17:22.349 is he suddenly being tender? I don't want to 00:17:22.349 --> 00:17:25.089 think it. I don't even want the thought crossing 00:17:25.089 --> 00:17:32.210 my mind. But does he like me? God, no. That's 00:17:32.210 --> 00:17:35.599 the last thing I need. When I get home, Dad's 00:17:35.599 --> 00:17:38.799 still on the couch, eyes glued to the TV. Did 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:42.240 you eat anything? I ask. He nods without looking 00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:46.799 at me. Yeah, right. I grab something quick from 00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:49.640 the fridge and hand it to him. He wolfs it down 00:17:49.640 --> 00:17:54.039 like a starving dog. Good lord. Later, I crawl 00:17:54.039 --> 00:17:57.680 into bed, ready to call it a night. But my thoughts 00:17:57.680 --> 00:18:01.559 won't shut off. They circle and spin until they 00:18:01.559 --> 00:18:04.950 drag me under. I whip out my phone and type a 00:18:04.950 --> 00:18:08.650 quick message. I'm sorry. Less than a minute 00:18:08.650 --> 00:18:13.569 later, Kayvon replies. Apology accepted. This 00:18:13.569 --> 00:18:17.710 little brat. Here I was, actually feeling bad. 00:18:18.230 --> 00:18:21.230 And he sends me exactly what I should have expected. 00:18:22.009 --> 00:18:25.390 And then, of course, he follows it up with a 00:18:25.390 --> 00:18:30.369 smug little emoji. I toss my phone onto the nightstand. 00:18:30.589 --> 00:18:34.250 But it vibrates almost immediately. I stare at 00:18:34.250 --> 00:18:38.109 it like it's a monster, cave on, calling me. 00:18:38.549 --> 00:18:45.849 Ugh. Why? I groan, but still I answer. It's night 00:18:45.849 --> 00:18:49.170 time. I say flatly. It's night time on my side 00:18:49.170 --> 00:18:53.490 too. Why are you like this? What are you sorry 00:18:53.490 --> 00:18:59.089 for? I sigh. How I behaved. It wasn't my best 00:18:59.089 --> 00:19:03.190 moment. I was just… emotional. And you were trying 00:19:03.190 --> 00:19:05.650 to be a good friend, I guess. And I took it the 00:19:05.650 --> 00:19:10.170 wrong way. So, yeah, I'm sorry for how I reacted 00:19:10.170 --> 00:19:13.569 for everything these past few days. There's a 00:19:13.569 --> 00:19:19.630 pause. Then he says… Okay. Well, I accept your 00:19:19.630 --> 00:19:23.589 apology. What are you doing? I'm about to head 00:19:23.589 --> 00:19:25.890 into bed so I can make it to work early tomorrow. 00:19:26.970 --> 00:19:31.990 Hmm. What? Nothing. Oh, for Pete's sake, just 00:19:31.990 --> 00:19:35.710 say it. Do you always go to bed this early? Are 00:19:35.710 --> 00:19:39.950 you really such a bore? Yes. I snap. I have responsibilities, 00:19:40.049 --> 00:19:45.809 you know. Unlike you. Unlike me? He scoffs. I 00:19:45.809 --> 00:19:49.609 have responsibilities too. I roll my eyes even 00:19:49.609 --> 00:19:55.049 though he can't see me. Okay, sure. What? Nothing. 00:19:56.250 --> 00:19:59.349 Don't you ever go dancing or clubbing? When I 00:19:59.349 --> 00:20:02.789 was in college, yes. Now, I don't have the time. 00:20:03.450 --> 00:20:06.289 My dad is sick, and I have to work with you all 00:20:06.289 --> 00:20:10.730 day, every day. Don't lie. You get two days off 00:20:10.730 --> 00:20:14.750 a week. That doesn't count. You all still call 00:20:14.750 --> 00:20:18.329 me on my off days. I'm behaving myself now, so 00:20:18.329 --> 00:20:21.049 you should have a little more free time. And 00:20:21.049 --> 00:20:25.329 I'll use that time wisely. Sleeping, taking care 00:20:25.329 --> 00:20:29.779 of my dad, managing the shop. That's such a boring 00:20:29.779 --> 00:20:33.380 list. Well, except for taking care of your dad. 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:38.259 But you need activities. I don't need activities. 00:20:39.299 --> 00:20:43.539 Why does this bother you so much? Because... 00:20:43.539 --> 00:20:47.680 Because what? Spit it out. Because I want to 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:54.319 take you somewhere. I laugh. Loud, unrestrained 00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:59.730 laughter. Take me out? Oh, hell no. You must 00:20:59.730 --> 00:21:02.509 have lost your mind. That is the last thing I'd 00:21:02.509 --> 00:21:07.470 want to do with you. Silence and instantly regret 00:21:07.470 --> 00:21:13.049 creeps in. At least, not right now, I add weakly. 00:21:13.549 --> 00:21:17.650 You're right. He says, his voice clipped. You're 00:21:17.650 --> 00:21:21.470 probably right. This was a mistake. Have a good 00:21:21.470 --> 00:21:25.190 night, Lara. He hangs up and I'm left staring 00:21:25.190 --> 00:21:28.910 at my phone. realising I may have just landed 00:21:28.910 --> 00:21:34.569 a direct blow to his ego. Shit. I get to work 00:21:34.569 --> 00:21:37.670 expecting him to avoid me all day, but instead 00:21:37.670 --> 00:21:40.829 calls the office phone, polite as anything, and 00:21:40.829 --> 00:21:43.869 tells me he's heading out. That's the normal 00:21:43.869 --> 00:21:48.069 procedure, but coming from him. Totally not his 00:21:48.069 --> 00:21:51.650 style. When he shows up, he's in casual clothes, 00:21:52.049 --> 00:21:55.160 shades on, and carrying an extra bag. Where are 00:21:55.160 --> 00:22:00.200 we going? To the gym. I narrow my eyes. We have 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:06.039 a gym at the palace. A public gym. Oh god. Public 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:09.180 gyms are my worst nightmare. The second we get 00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:12.400 there, people are snapping photos. And of course, 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:15.460 he looks gorgeous in every single one, while 00:22:15.460 --> 00:22:17.720 I'll probably end up looking like a mole rat. 00:22:18.200 --> 00:22:22.900 The paparazzi hover. Girls crowd him. But, shockingly, 00:22:23.180 --> 00:22:27.180 he doesn't entertain any of them. Not once. Which 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:29.779 makes me wonder why he dragged me to a public 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:32.400 gym in the first place, when the one at the palace 00:22:32.400 --> 00:22:35.319 has more equipment than this. For the next two 00:22:35.319 --> 00:22:38.559 weeks, he makes a habit of showing up in public 00:22:38.559 --> 00:22:42.359 places and he's on his best behaviour. So much 00:22:42.359 --> 00:22:46.230 so. that sometimes I think maybe I'm not even 00:22:46.230 --> 00:22:49.390 needed. But I see a side of him I wasn't expecting, 00:22:49.670 --> 00:22:52.490 the way he kneels to talk to children or takes 00:22:52.490 --> 00:22:54.990 his time with the elderly. It's nothing like 00:22:54.990 --> 00:22:58.150 the arrogant prince I thought I knew. It softens 00:22:58.150 --> 00:23:01.890 something in me. Kayvon's birthday is days away. 00:23:02.490 --> 00:23:05.170 In addition to that, his parents have already 00:23:05.170 --> 00:23:08.029 lined up a marriage partner, and it's clear he 00:23:08.029 --> 00:23:11.809 isn't thrilled. Meanwhile, dad is worse without 00:23:11.809 --> 00:23:15.339 treatment. The cancer's moving faster than I 00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:18.880 expected. The king and queen grant me two weeks 00:23:18.880 --> 00:23:22.299 off, partly because of my father, partly because 00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:25.400 they want Kayvon to bond with his fiance. He 00:23:25.400 --> 00:23:27.819 doesn't like that I'll be away from him, but 00:23:27.819 --> 00:23:31.220 he lets me go. One evening, I'm at the hospital 00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:34.339 with dad when I see Kayvon on the news, sitting 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:36.779 beside his bride -to -be at a charity event. 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:42.259 She's glowing, and he looks bored, miserable. 00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:46.519 I pull out my phone and text. Good Lord, the 00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:49.279 news is depressing. I'm watching your face and 00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:53.359 it looks dread. Are you dying, sir? He replies. 00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:56.559 Only because you're not here. I can't behave 00:23:56.559 --> 00:24:00.839 badly. I can't help but smile. The camera pans 00:24:00.839 --> 00:24:04.960 back, catching him mid -text with a grin. I send 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:08.700 another. At least you're smiling now. Maybe throw 00:24:08.700 --> 00:24:12.029 in a wink and a long tongue for the camera. I'm 00:24:12.029 --> 00:24:16.410 joking. But to my horror, he actually does it. 00:24:16.549 --> 00:24:21.950 Right there. Live. I gasp, then burst out laughing. 00:24:22.930 --> 00:24:27.109 Scandalous. I text. Boy, oh boy. It must be a 00:24:27.109 --> 00:24:31.549 dream. I look up to see Dad awake, smiling faintly. 00:24:31.950 --> 00:24:35.549 Oh, Daddy, you're awake. Who's got your smiling 00:24:35.549 --> 00:24:39.369 like that? The Prince? Or do you have a new boyfriend? 00:24:39.869 --> 00:24:43.529 I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't 00:24:43.529 --> 00:24:46.210 seen you this chippy since your mum. Whoever 00:24:46.210 --> 00:24:49.690 it is, they're doing something. I roll my eyes 00:24:49.690 --> 00:24:52.609 and put my phone down, choosing to focus on him 00:24:52.609 --> 00:24:56.789 instead. A week later, I still hear from Kayvon, 00:24:56.930 --> 00:25:00.269 though not often. His fiance and birthday prep 00:25:00.269 --> 00:25:03.329 are keeping him busy. Meanwhile, dad's in and 00:25:03.329 --> 00:25:06.190 out of the hospital so much, I almost wish he'd 00:25:06.190 --> 00:25:08.569 just stay there, where they can keep an eye on 00:25:08.569 --> 00:25:11.650 him. One morning, while grabbing coffee, I bump 00:25:11.650 --> 00:25:14.950 into an old college friend, Ben. We catch up, 00:25:15.109 --> 00:25:18.609 and he asks me out. I'm not sure I want to, but 00:25:18.609 --> 00:25:21.369 I know Dad would love hearing I'm having fun 00:25:21.369 --> 00:25:24.710 again. Maybe it'll make him happy to think I'm 00:25:24.710 --> 00:25:28.369 moving on. Plus, it would stop him from pushing 00:25:28.369 --> 00:25:31.609 this ridiculous fantasy that the prince and I 00:25:31.609 --> 00:25:34.470 are secretly in love. He swears we're headed 00:25:34.470 --> 00:25:37.349 for marriage, but I think it's just the sickness 00:25:37.349 --> 00:25:41.579 talking. I don't like Kayvon like that. I don't 00:25:41.579 --> 00:25:46.019 think I do. And he doesn't like me either. Besides, 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:50.720 he has a girlfriend. God, why is this even a 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:54.859 thought? Ben picks me up in his fancy car and 00:25:54.859 --> 00:25:58.119 takes me to a Michelin star restaurant. He's 00:25:58.119 --> 00:26:02.099 going all out. We've just ordered when Kayvon 00:26:02.099 --> 00:26:05.400 and his girlfriend walk in. Of course, his eyes 00:26:05.400 --> 00:26:09.920 meet mine instantly. Then flick to Ben. His expression 00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:13.279 doesn't change, which should be a relief, but 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:16.700 somehow isn't. He keeps walking with Natasha 00:26:16.700 --> 00:26:20.259 at his side, probably toward the VIP section. 00:26:20.940 --> 00:26:24.500 We finish eating and Ben insists on dessert. 00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:28.940 I excuse myself and head to the washroom. When 00:26:28.940 --> 00:26:32.180 I come out, Kayvon is waiting at the door. I 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:36.259 jump. What are you doing here? I should be asking 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:40.519 you that. This is the ladies washroom. He smirks. 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:46.880 Not that. You have a date. Yes. Who's that? None 00:26:46.880 --> 00:26:50.000 of your business. Shouldn't you be with, uh, 00:26:50.180 --> 00:26:54.339 what's her name again? He narrows his eyes. You 00:26:54.339 --> 00:26:59.660 know her name. Don't play coy. Natasha. He shrugs. 00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:04.619 I came to check on you. I'm fine. Now run along 00:27:04.619 --> 00:27:07.599 I flick my hand at him not until you tell me 00:27:07.599 --> 00:27:12.859 who he is why? Because I'm concerned I'm good 00:27:12.859 --> 00:27:19.279 He's fine as you can see He rolls his eyes if 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:23.359 that's what you call good -looking My jaw drops. 00:27:23.640 --> 00:27:28.480 Oh my god. Are you jealous? He turns away Text 00:27:28.480 --> 00:27:33.140 me when you get home I'll be too busy He stops 00:27:33.140 --> 00:27:39.119 cold. Do not fuck that dude. I arch a brow. Oh, 00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:43.200 so you're my dad now? I'm just saying, he's not 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:47.380 the one. You can't tell me what to do. I'm a 00:27:47.380 --> 00:27:51.180 grown woman. He ignores me, already walking away. 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:57.299 Text me Lara. I'll be waiting. And I did. I also 00:27:57.299 --> 00:28:01.160 did not sleep with Ben. Honestly, I couldn't. 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:04.720 Not with dad this sick. I need to stay sharp. 00:28:06.140 --> 00:28:08.920 It's a big day today. First thing in the morning, 00:28:09.059 --> 00:28:12.400 I call Kayvon and sing him happy birthday. I 00:28:12.400 --> 00:28:15.440 sound like a total toad, but he sits there and 00:28:15.440 --> 00:28:18.980 listens all the way through. When I finish, he 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:23.779 chuckles. That was wonderful. I snort. You're 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:28.980 such a bad liar. He ignores me. Oh, um, I know 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:32.029 I've been busy. But I never got to tell you, 00:28:32.210 --> 00:28:36.250 at the restaurant, you looked absolutely stunning. 00:28:36.910 --> 00:28:41.269 Heat creeps up my neck. Thank you. Good thing 00:28:41.269 --> 00:28:44.309 he can't see me blushing over the phone. So, 00:28:44.430 --> 00:28:49.849 big day, huh? I tease. Well, yeah. I'm a year 00:28:49.849 --> 00:28:54.650 older, not bad. Not that. I'm talking about Natasha. 00:28:55.549 --> 00:28:59.910 Aren't you proposing today? Oh, that. His tone 00:28:59.910 --> 00:29:04.190 drops. I frown. When someone's proposing, they're 00:29:04.190 --> 00:29:07.910 supposed to be happy. Excited. But you sound 00:29:07.910 --> 00:29:11.250 like you're heading to the gallows. That's because 00:29:11.250 --> 00:29:14.609 it's arranged. Spending the rest of your life 00:29:14.609 --> 00:29:17.710 with someone you barely know. It's not exactly 00:29:17.710 --> 00:29:22.309 a fairy tale. To be fair, Natasha's nice. She 00:29:22.309 --> 00:29:27.549 is. But still. Well, make sure you at least get 00:29:27.549 --> 00:29:31.099 down on one knee. Isn't that what everyone does? 00:29:31.700 --> 00:29:36.160 I don't know. You tell me. Apparently you're 00:29:36.160 --> 00:29:41.140 the expert. I laugh. You're the prince. Shouldn't 00:29:41.140 --> 00:29:45.400 you know? Before he can answer, noise erupts 00:29:45.400 --> 00:29:48.240 in the background on his end. He goes quiet, 00:29:48.700 --> 00:29:51.859 then says, I've got to go. They're calling for 00:29:51.859 --> 00:29:55.339 me. I'll message you throughout the day. Please 00:29:55.339 --> 00:30:00.029 don't. Maybe tonight. Or tomorrow. Today is your 00:30:00.029 --> 00:30:03.430 day. And I'm going to spend it doing what I like, 00:30:03.829 --> 00:30:07.549 which is texting you. I roll my eyes. I don't 00:30:07.549 --> 00:30:11.450 know if I should be flattered. Hmm. He pauses. 00:30:11.930 --> 00:30:17.170 Anyway, talk to you. It's just after midday and 00:30:17.170 --> 00:30:20.150 I'm in the kitchen making soup for dad. He's 00:30:20.150 --> 00:30:23.049 supposed to be discharged today. Yesterday was 00:30:23.049 --> 00:30:25.490 rough. I honestly thought he wasn't going to 00:30:25.490 --> 00:30:28.299 pull through. But the doctor said he stabilized 00:30:28.299 --> 00:30:31.839 overnight. They're sending him home. I don't 00:30:31.839 --> 00:30:34.619 think they should. But they insist there are 00:30:34.619 --> 00:30:39.279 others who need the bed. So whatever. I turn 00:30:39.279 --> 00:30:43.180 off the stove. Soup finished. When my phone rings, 00:30:43.259 --> 00:30:47.359 it's the hospital. I answer with a smile in my 00:30:47.359 --> 00:30:50.759 voice, but it fades instantly. My chest goes 00:30:50.759 --> 00:30:54.819 cold. Dad caught a terrible infection. He isn't 00:30:54.819 --> 00:30:58.160 doing well. I don't even know how I get to the 00:30:58.160 --> 00:31:02.920 hospital. The whole drive is a blur. My head 00:31:02.920 --> 00:31:06.920 pounds, my body numb, my thoughts spiraling to 00:31:06.920 --> 00:31:12.140 the worst. When I arrive, I see him. Tubes everywhere, 00:31:12.880 --> 00:31:17.940 his skin so pale, his body so thin. He looks 00:31:17.940 --> 00:31:21.880 fragile, almost unrecognizable. Before I can 00:31:21.880 --> 00:31:25.960 move closer, the monitors start screaming. Doctors 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:29.960 rush in around me. I'm shoved back, ushered out, 00:31:30.299 --> 00:31:33.039 left helpless in the hallway. What's happening? 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:38.759 Tell me what's happening. No one answers. I pace 00:31:38.759 --> 00:31:42.259 the hallway. Minutes stretch into an hour. My 00:31:42.259 --> 00:31:46.740 heart pounds with every second. Finally, a doctor 00:31:46.740 --> 00:31:51.500 steps out. His face is grim. I'm sorry. He says. 00:31:51.740 --> 00:31:56.150 And that's all. My knees buckle. A whale rips 00:31:56.150 --> 00:31:59.930 out of me before I can stop it. The sound echoes 00:31:59.930 --> 00:32:02.789 down the sterile corridor as the weight of it 00:32:02.789 --> 00:32:06.690 crushes me. My father is gone. Isn't it ironic? 00:32:07.369 --> 00:32:09.849 They shoved me out so I couldn't even see his 00:32:09.849 --> 00:32:13.569 last breath. And now that he's gone, I have all 00:32:13.569 --> 00:32:16.849 the time in the world to lay with the dead. What 00:32:16.849 --> 00:32:21.390 the fuck is happening? No! My phone vibrates. 00:32:21.710 --> 00:32:24.859 It's a text from Kayvon. asking how I'm doing, 00:32:25.240 --> 00:32:28.660 saying he's just checking in. I don't even reply. 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:33.500 I feel sick. My clothes are wet with tears. My 00:32:33.500 --> 00:32:36.559 father's hands are cold and limp in mine, and 00:32:36.559 --> 00:32:40.460 I can't think of anything else. An hour passes. 00:32:41.119 --> 00:32:44.319 A nurse comes in gently, tells me they have to 00:32:44.319 --> 00:32:48.759 move the body. I feel sick all over again. I 00:32:48.759 --> 00:32:52.299 get up like a zombie, walk out of the hospital. 00:32:52.559 --> 00:32:56.480 I don't even drive. I take the bus, staring at 00:32:56.480 --> 00:33:00.980 nothing the whole ride. At home, I crawl into 00:33:00.980 --> 00:33:04.279 bed, curl up, and wait for sleep that doesn't 00:33:04.279 --> 00:33:08.579 come. Another text. Cave -on again. I can see 00:33:08.579 --> 00:33:12.180 the worry in his words. He's asking why I haven't 00:33:12.180 --> 00:33:15.619 answered, if I'm okay. He should be knee -deep 00:33:15.619 --> 00:33:18.460 in his function by now. But he's still thinking 00:33:18.460 --> 00:33:22.660 about me. I shouldn't keep him in suspense. My 00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:25.940 fingers hover over the screen, then type the 00:33:25.940 --> 00:33:30.440 only truth I have left. My dad is dead.