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“Happy birthday, Ray!”
Ray looks at Norman and the rest of his family and gives them a smile. Carol and Phil run up to him and hand him small boxes wrapped with a ribbon. They’ve both grown up so much since the last time they saw them, even if it’s only been 2 years.
The kids from Goldy Pond also hand over boxes similar to Carol and Phil’s followed by the rest of his family. Norman, Gilda and Don are the last ones to give him their presents. Ray turns to place all his presents on a table and turns to go to the living room with the others when Norman suddenly grabs his shoulders and turn him to face the three of them.
“It’s good to see you Ray.”
“Yeah you too, Norman.”
Norman nods with his signature smile; And Ray jokingly rolls his eyes. Then suddenly Norman’s hand flies out in front of him causing Ray to jump slightly. Examining the item Ray sees that in Norman’s hands is an Mp3 player with ear buds wrapped around it. Ray looks back up in confusion and as he opens his mouth to speak Norman grabs his hands and places it in his hands.
“Before we see the others, listen to that first.” Norman says with a smile that seems to have some sadness to it. Ray looks at Gilda and Don and sees they also have the same smile. Ray looks at the trio in confusion but starts to un-wrap the ear buds. And places them in his ears and hits play.
“Happy birthday, Ray.”
Ray gasps and looks up. The voice of a familiar person echoes in his ears as he feels a sting in his heart.
“If you’re listening to this, it means I’m probably dead. Why are you listening to a recording? Well the answer to that is simple, how should I put this?
“I know you, Ray. I know how you’ll react to my death. So I decided to make this to give you my final message just in case.
“How are Carol and Phil? Were you able to save them and the rest of our family? How’s Chris? Did he wake up? There’s so much I want to ask you but there’s only a little bit of time. So I’ll ask you this last question.
“Were we able to make our future?
“That’s enough about me! Time for you!
“Ray, you’re not alone. I know how much I meant to you, but Norman is still there! And Gilda, Don, Anna, Nat, Chris—everyone! Our family is still there for you and they love and care about you! So if you ever need to cry, don’t be afraid to cry in front of them. You told me to never keep my true emotions bottled up, so it’s not fair if you do.
“And if that’s not enough. If you still believe that you’re alone then, think about me. Just because I’m not there physically, doesn’t mean I’m not watching over you. I still live on in your memories. When you feel down, and feel like your whole world is crashing down, think about me. And then, think about our family.
“It’s not your fault. Know that it’s not your fault. I love you, ha; I probably never actually got to say those words. Sorry.
“I know you’ll be depressed over me, but please know this. I want you to smile; I want you to be happy. I want you to live.
“Live every day, don’t spend your days crying over me. Spend your days with our family, make new memories with them! That’s my final wish. Since there’s still a bit of time left, I think I’ll sing you a lullaby! It’s one that I heard you hum sometimes. Sorry for eavesdropping, haha.”
She hums to the tune of a lullaby Ray knows all too well. A lullaby Ray has remembered forever, one that he himself would hum when he was deep in thought or thinking of his memory. Ray’s bangs cover his eyes, but Norman, Gilda and Don see the tears fall onto the ground and they hear his breathing become ragged.
“Goodbye Ray. Growing up with you, spending time with you, watching our family blossom and grow, and watching you become the person I’m in love with today, I don’t regret any of it.”
With her final words Ray’s mind flies to his last memory of her. Her pushing him out of the way, the distance between them growing, the smile on her face seconds before her body disappeared into the mouth of a demon, and he remembers her final words she mouthed, her final words that match the recording.
“Thank you… Farewell.”
The recording stops and for a few seconds nothing happens. Until suddenly Ray falls onto his knees, Norman reaches out for him until he sees Ray’s face. Ray holds the Mp3 player close to his chest as a smile is on his lips despite the tears falling down his cheeks. And he has one last thought before Norman and the others hug him.
‘Thank you, Emma… Farewell…’