A/N: Here's chappy 5 for ya'll. I know songfics were banned a while back- but this has been in my head for literally years. Besides- this isn't really a songfic, it's a song chappy. lol. Enjoy!

This chapter is dedicated to my late grandfather. {R.I.P. Merritt Sanford Oslund}

Once they had reached the hospital, they made their way to the ICU to find Mr. Stokes' room. When they went inside they found Mrs. Stokes sitting by the bed and the youngest of Nick's older brothers, Andy. Nick was the first to reach his mother and be held in her embrace. Rebecca tried to hide herself behind Sara. She stayed close to Greg- who was trying himself to stay out of the way. Mrs. Stokes spotted Rebecca and a hand went to her mouth.

"Oh my-" She walked toward her daughter. "Rebecca Lynn, what's he done to you?" She held her arms out and Rebecca made her way into them. They cried together. Mrs. Stokes tried to console her- but it was almost of no use.

"I'm so sorry momma." She said through the tears. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

"Shh, baby none of this is your fault. You hear me?" She stoked her daughter's hair. She slowly pulled away. "I'm just glad you're safe." She said looking over. "Sara- it's so good to see you." She said giving her an embrace as well.

"It's good to see you. I'm sorry it couldn't be under better circumstances."

"You're right. But you're all here nonetheless." She said finally spotting Greg. "Greg? What a surprise. I didn't expect to see you." She went to him and treated her as her own child- giving him a great embrace.

"I wanted to come for support. I'm really sorry."

"Thank you sweetie. It's nice to know we have a friend like you." She said gently putting a hand on his face. Nick had made his way over to his brother while his mother greeted the others.

"Andy- how's he doing?" Nick asked in a soft voice.

"It's not looking good. The docs say there's been too much internal bleeding. If he had been found sooner-"

"Damn." Nick said holding back a combination of anger and tears. "Do we know how-"

"Not long. A few hours at most. We're hoping he will wake up- but the doctors aren't sure it's possible." He said as Nick looked to his mother.

"How is she taking it?"

"She's not. She keeps insisting that he'll be fine and the doctors are wrong."

"She could be right. He could still pull through it."

"Nicky- there's too much damage for the doctors to try to repair. It's all just a matter of when." Andy said as Nick looked to Sara. She glanced at him and knew what he meant when he shook his head. Nick moved a chair over and sat next to his father. After a few minutes he saw his father begin to move.

"Pancho?" He said in a weak voice. "Where's your sister?"

"She's here. She's alright." He said softly as his mother and sister made their way over. Nick watched as his father opened his eyes more- seeming to become more alert of his surroundings. Andy left to get a doctor while the others came around. Greg moved closer as well- but he was sure to stay behind the others. The doctor came in within moments and did a quick examination. He pulled the family aside and spoke to them grimmly. Greg remained by the wall on the other side of the room near the bed. Sara could see Mr. Stokes turn to him and gesture for him to come closer. She couldn't make out what was being said- but she watched as he and Greg spoke softly to each other. She watched as Greg smiled sadly, looking down at the bed. She watched Greg place a hand over Mr. Stokes' hand and she watched Greg speak; the only words she could make out where 'I promise'.

"I hate to have to tell you all of this- but I'm afraid he hasn't improved. If anything he has gotten worse."

"But he's awake, that's good right? I mean that's a good thing right?" Mrs. Stokes spoke quickly avoiding what she knew was coming.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Stokes. I'm afraid it won't be long. I'm afraid your husband may only have a short time left. I wish I had better news for you." Nick wrapped an arm around his mother as she started to cry. She pulled herself away and moved to be next to her husband as Nick and the others continued to talk to the doctor. She could be seen smiling slightly while talking with her husband. It was beautiful but horrifying at the same time to see how great their love for each other was. Once the doctor left- Nick, Sara, and Andy stood along the back wall. Rebecca took a chair to the other side of her father's bed, opposite her mother. And Greg stood distantly behind Rebecca. It broke his heart when Rebecca leaned in, crying, and started to talk to her father.

"Daddy?" She swallowed hard before speaking. "I'm so sorry."

"This isn't your fault. I'm just sorry I wasn't able to protect you."

"But you did. And I'm sorry you had to."

"Listen to me-" His voice was lower and weak. "That's my job. It's what I'm supposed to do."

"I love you so much daddy."

"I love you too baby girl." He said smiling lightly as she took his hand. "Can you do something for me?"

"Anything."

"Can you sing that song for me? The one I sang to you when you were little."

"Daddy-"

"Please?"

"Of course I will." She forced a small smile. He closed his eyes as she started to sing. Smiling lightly and listening proudly to the sweet sound.

Goodnight my angel time to close your eyes

And save these questions for another day

I think I know what you've been asking me

I think you know what I've been trying to say

I promised I would never leave you

And you should always know

Where ever you may go

No matter where you are

I never will be far away

Goodnight my angel now its time to sleep

And still so many things I want to say

Remember all the songs you sang for me

When we went sailing on an emerald bay

And like a boat out on the ocean

I'm rocking you to sleep

The waters dark and deep inside this ancient heart

You'll always be a part of me

Goodnight my angel now its time to dream

And dream how wonderful your life will be

Someday your child may cry and if you sing this lullaby

Then in your heart there will always be a part of me

Before she finished the last two lines, Rebecca felt his grip on her hand loosen until it was gone. Her eyes widened as she held his hand tighter.

"Daddy?" She spoke softly with the tears running down her face. "Daddy?" Nick stood with his mother and Andy went to Rebecca and knelt beside her.

"He's gone Sunflower." He said holding her free hand as she turned to him. He held her close; giving them both the comfort they needed to know it was okay to cry. After a moment- Rebecca pulled away from her brother. She looked at him for a second and turned back toward her father. She leaned closer to him- she had to finish it. She took his hand and gently kissed it keeping it close to her lips as she finished.

Someday we'll all be gone but lullabies go on and on

They never die that's how you and I will be

"I love you daddy." She said kissing his forehead before returning to her chair inches away.

Once Rebecca had turned back toward their father, Andy made his way to his mother and Nick went to Sara. Suddenly Rebecca felt she needed to move. She made her way to the doorway and couldn't decide whether she should look at her father- almost afraid that he might disappear altogether if she looked away too long but she was almost compelled look away from all the pain. She was yanked form her thoughts when she felt Greg touch her arm. She looked at him with tear-filled eyes. Her eyes released all the tears they could hold as Greg wrapped his arms around her in comfort. He stoked her back and fought back his own tears. To see them hurt made him hurt because of what they meant to him. He had to help them- no matter what happened in the end. He had a promise to keep and nothing would ever stop him from keeping it.

A/N: Okay so I tried to make this ending a little better. I know it's a sad chappy but this has been in my head for quite a long time and I was never sure how to write it. Sadly this actually came to me while my grandfather was in the hospital shortly before he passed away; so I should actually thank him (if that doesn't sound too weird) and it is one of the reasons I dedicated this chapter to him. This is my first drawn-out character death scene (meaning not instant death) so constructive criticism is okay. I hope everyone liked it! Love and hugs y'all!

~Sweet Jorja