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Travis laid in bed, feeling those stupid tears well up in his eyes. He hates it. Why does he have to be such a fucking crybaby?! People tell him its okay to cry, especially on this day, but men don't cry. So why is he?
He doesn't know. He's such a failure for a son of God. But he couldn't stop thinking of the most precious memory he has of his mom. The night before she disappeared.
9 years ago
Kaya sat at the edge of a soft bed that was baby blue. She hummed to herself softly. A young Travis, hair still brown, laid in bed, smiling an innocent smile. The smile of a boy who had no idea what he would wake up to.
"Mommy! Can you sing the Sunshine song?"
Kaya paused her humming. She hesitated.
"Oh, sweetheart... you know your father doesn't like it when I sing too loud."
Travis pouted. He sat up and put his arms up. Kaya sighed, and gave in, pulling Travis into her arms.
"You are my sunshine. My only sunshine."
Travis laughed, reaching up to his mother's chin. He's a very hyperactive boy. Kaya smiled, putting a hand around Travis's hand.
"You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you."
Kaya leaned in, pressing a kiss to Travis's cheek. Travis smiled, squirming lightly.
"Please don't take my sunshine away."
Travis looked up, giggling.
"Keep going, mommy. I know there's more!"
"Alright. The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping. I dreamed I held you in my arms."
Kaya tickled Travis's sides, making Travis squirm more and squeal. Travis's eyes sparkled. After tomorrow, his eyes would never sparkle like so anymore.
"When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken. So I hung my head and cried."
Kaya paused for a second, looking towards the door, where Kenneth stood, an indescribable look. He made a movement that signaled "get over here". Kaya turned back to Travis, and made him calm down. When he began to calm down, she continued.
"You are my sunshine. My only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray."
Travis's eyes began to flutter shut, but he wanted to hear the end. He kept forcing his eyes open again.
"You'll never know, dear, how much I love you."
Travis lost the fight. His eyes fluttered shut, and his once active body was now still. Kaya sighed, knowing this was her last goodbye. Tonight was the night. The night Kenneth was going to sacrifice her. She spent so many nights trying to find a way out. A way to get Travis out of the cult. But it was futile. Kenneth knew her every step. She leaned into Travis's ear.
"Please don't take my sunshine away."