Survival Pressures Two. Daryl Carrigan

It’s all up to you.”

      Frank continued. “That was my only chance to make the world a better place, and I was robbed of it. My heart was broken and that mixed with the loss of my business, this created a split between me and your mom.”

      “She eventually left me, and took almost all of the $2 million in the divorce, but I had the best part in the settlement, you.”

      “I was alone in the world with you, and made the very best of things in starting a construction business. I’d work during the day, and do the very best that I could in bringing you up. You were the only light in my life.”

      Olivia had tears going down her face and hugged her dad saying, “Daddy you did a really great job. You are so very brave and kept on going.”

      Frank then said, “That’s just the way things are in the world today, honey. Maybe things will change some day.”

      Olivia hugged her dad even harder. After taking a few minutes to compose herself, she said, “Dad, why did you decide to tell me?”

      Frank paused and said, “Olivia honey, I’m a little scared that I might not make it through this time and just wanted to share this with someone that I cared for and loved. I hope that I have not troubled you, and ask that you please keep this private.”

      Olivia smiled, wiped the tears off her cheeks, and said, “Dad, you did just fine in telling me this and I’ll keep this secret. You are still definitely my hero.”

      Olivia and Frank then talked for a while, she hugged her dad, and then they parted company. Frank would enjoy Robert’s visits, and Carla was almost continually at his side now. The nurse was in everyday to make sure that everything that could be done medically would was done.

      On a cold, damp winter evening the nurse had been called in due to Frank’s deteriorating medical condition and Olivia, John, Carla, and Robert were nearby.

      She administered more pain killers for Frank and then said to call any-time day or night for anything else she could do. Carla thanked the nurse for her help. Frank could not take the pain anymore, and asked for Olivia to come in and see her.

      Frank spoke “Olivia, we’ve been on a long adventure together and I’m in a lot of pain. I remember the times that we have had at the park, where we went on the merry-go-round, and I’d take you on my shoulders where ever we went. I remembered when you fell down and scraped your knee, and I’d clean the wound and put the band aide on it. Also, I’d enjoy our camping together during each summer.”

      “Later, I remembered your passion in helping people and you joined the Peace Corp, and then your medical training. You made me so proud when you followed your passion in life. Then you met John, the man of your dreams, got married and had Robert.”

      “You then went to the Waybury Cancer and Pandemic Institute and cured a pandemic and saved millions of people’s lives. Olivia, all your hopes and dreams have come true and a father couldn’t be more prouder of a daughter. I’m so very proud of and love you.”

      “Olivia, it’s time for me to go. I’ve finished my course and have done the very best that I could have.”

      Olivia then broke down and layed her head on Frank’s shoulder and said, “Daddy, don’t go. There’s still work to be done, I can save you..”

      Olivia was in agonizing pain and said, “I won’t let you go. Don’t go.”

      Frank then smiled and said, “Olivia, Olivia, Olivia. I’ll always be with you as long as you live, as long as you remember me. I love you.”

      Frank suddenly showed a sharp spike in pain that went throughout his entire body. He was finally able to control the pain and said, “Olivia, you have to go. Please get Carla.”

      Olivia slowly went away, knowing this was the last time that she was going to see her father alive. She knew that there wasn’t much time left. and went to Carla and said, “He’s calling for you.”

      Carla went into the room where she and Frank had a long talk together and there was a long-silence. Finally, she kissed Frank on the lips and he was gone.

      Broken hearted, Carla started uncontrolled weeping out loud and Olivia ran in the room to comfort her. Olivia and Carla both wept and cried for a very long time, while John and Robert did the same.

      Olivia later went over to John and he could see that she was crushed and hurt beyond words by the hurt expression on her face. She cried in his arms for a very long-time.

      Olivia knew what her father had said was true about saving the world from a major pandemic, but she also knew the greatest irony of all is that she couldn’t save her father, the most important man in the world to her.