Joy had become Ian's private nurse, having resigned from her job to dedicate herself entirely to his care. Ian's parents were deeply grateful for her devotion, touched by how lovingly she tended to their son. Every day, Joy was at the hospital, watching over him, keeping him entertained, and ensuring he never felt alone. Even when dizziness crept over her, she ignored it—what mattered most was Ian.
"Sir, it's time for your therapy," a nurse reminded.
Ian glanced at Joy, his eyes soft and trusting. "Can you… buy me some fruit?" he asked.
Joy nodded without hesitation.
Stepping out of the hospital, Joy wandered into the nearby market. She was carefully picking out fruits when she accidentally bumped into someone.
"Oh! I'm so sorry," she quickly apologized.
"Joy?" a familiar voice asked, laced with surprise.
Joy turned, squinting. "Do I know you?" she replied, puzzled.
"I'm Yllona… your cousin," the woman said with a warm smile.
Recognition flickered in Joy's eyes. "Yllona? Is that really you?" she said, joy lighting up her face.
Yllona invited her to her condo, and they spent some time catching up, sharing stories and memories. At one point, Joy confided in her about Ian's condition.
"You know," Yllona said softly, "I've been in a situation like yours. I thought I would lose the person I loved most, but I held on to faith." Her gaze drifted to a painting hanging on the wall, and Joy followed her eyes.
Yllona approached the painting, her hand brushing over it gently. It depicted a woman alongside a lone wolf, mysterious yet hauntingly beautiful.
"There was a time I thought he was gone… I nearly lost my mind. But then… a miracle happened. He survived," Yllona said, her fingers lingering on the canvas.
Turning to Joy, she said firmly, "Trust yourself, Joy. Don't give up."
Joy nodded, feeling a swell of courage and hope rising within her.
With a grateful smile, she bid Yllona farewell and returned to the hospital, her resolve stronger than ever. She would not falter. She would not give up—not on Ian, not on love, and not on hope.
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When Joy arrived at the hospital, she found Ian writhing in agony, clutching his stomach.
"Aahhh! I… I can't take it anymore!" he screamed, his body trembling in pain.
"Ian!" Joy exclaimed, panic rising in her chest. "I will call the doctor!"
He grabbed her hand, his grip desperate. "N-No… I want… I want only you… by my side," he whispered, his voice strained with both fear and longing.
Joy rushed into his arms, holding him tightly. Slowly, the pain seemed to ebb, leaving him trembling in relief. He leaned against her, breathing raggedly.
"Joy… I want to see the sunset… one last time," Ian murmured.
Joy held back her tears. "Then we'll go—right now," she replied, her eyes glistening with tears.
She pleaded with the doctor, explaining how much this meant to Ian. After a moment's hesitation, the doctor consented, giving them permission to take him outside.
They walked carefully along the beach, Joy supporting Ian with gentle hands. Eventually, they sank onto the warm sand, watching as the sun dipped slowly toward the horizon. Ian rested his head on her shoulder, drawing comfort from her presence.
"Joy… I love you so much," he whispered, his voice fragile but sincere.
"I love you too… with all my heart," Joy replied, wrapping him in a protective embrace.
"Sing to me, Joy," Ian murmured softly.
Joy nodded, her voice trembling at first, then gaining strength as she sang while holding him close:
"I don't need wealth or riches,
Your heart is all I ever seek…
I cannot bear to lose you,
To be apart from you…"
Ian closed his eyes, a peaceful smile forming on his lips. Slowly, his grip on her loosened until his hand finally fell to the sand. Joy's tears fell freely, streaming down her cheeks. She wept uncontrollably, holding him tightly, whispering through her sobs.
This was the most unbearable pain she had ever known—far worse than any heartbreak or disappointment. His body now lay still in her trembling arms. Joy couldn't process it. Her mind refused to accept the truth, desperately clinging to the hope that it was all a terrible mistake. Her heart screamed in denial, refusing to accept that the warmth she had held just moments ago was gone forever.
Every heartbeat seemed to shatter her chest anew, every breath a struggle as the crushing reality sank in. Tears poured uncontrollably, soaking his shirt, her sobs raw and desperate, echoing through the emptiness around her. "No… no, please… stay with me…" she cried, clutching him tighter, as if her arms could somehow pull back the life that had slipped away. Her body shook, her voice broke, and yet he remained motionless—silent and cold. The world fell away, leaving only the echo of her grief, a grief so deep it threatened to swallow her whole.
"I love you so much… Ian. Always remember… always…" she whispered, her voice breaking, as if her words could somehow reach him even now.
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Days passed.
Ian's funeral had come and gone. The sea was quiet, golden from the setting sun, as Joy walked alone along the shore. She placed a hand over her belly, feeling the life growing within her.
She was carrying Ian's child.
The night they had shared—a night full of love, trust, and unspoken promises—had left behind more than memories. It had left a life growing within her, their baby.
"Ian… I promise I will take care of our child," Joy whispered, her voice steady yet choked with emotion.
From a distance, Eros watched her silently. Slowly, he released the white balloons he held, letting them be carried away by the wind, symbolic of letting go, yet still guarding her in spirit.
Joy's tears fell once more, glistening in the sun's last rays.
"Ian… wherever you are, you will always live in my heart," she whispered, her words lost in the gentle crash of the waves.
Though Ian was gone, he had left behind the greatest reminder of his love: their child. A living piece of him that would continue to shape her life, their legacy of love enduring even in his absence.
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The End.