Chapter 2. No!

Shimma’s POV

“You’re right, sweetheart. He had found out his new heart was failing, but after a few weeks, the doctor assured him that everything was okay—he was meant to be okay,” my mum said, her voice trembling as she struggled so hard to hold back her emotions.

“Dad, please don’t worry; everything will be fine,” I said, moving closer to him and wrapping my arms around him tightly.

“I love you so much, Dad,” I whispered, pressing my cheek against his frail shoulder.

“I love you so much, Shimma… So, so much,” he whispered back, the warmth of his words bringing both comfort and a deeper ache to my heart.

As I held him, the beeping of machines filled the silence, a cruel reminder of the fragility of life. This moment—this vulnerability, made me realize how much I had taken for granted.

“Can you promise me something, Dad?” I asked, pulling back slightly to meet his gaze. His tired eyes searched mine, but it was filled with hope, like he was