Part 4

**Roy’s Room – A Fevered Flashback**

The scene opens in Roy’s dimly lit room, the faint glow of morning filtering through the curtains. He lies in bed, his face pale, skin flushed with fever. Beads of sweat form on his forehead as he tosses and turns, his body weak from sickness. The room is quiet except for the occasional cough and the distant sound of rain pattering against the window.

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**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*I can’t believe I got sick… again. I can’t even go to school today.*

He rolls over, staring at the ceiling. His head throbs, but the fever pulls him deeper into his thoughts. Memories, once buried, begin to resurface, blurring the line between past and present. Slowly, a familiar scene unfolds before his eyes—a memory from years ago.

---

**Flashback: Roy’s Childhood**

The room shifts, and young Roy is sitting on the edge of a hospital bed, his small hand clutching his mother’s frail fingers. His mother is lying there, her face pale and thin, but she still manages to smile at him. Even in her weakest moments, she radiates warmth.

---

**Roy’s Mother:** (in a soft, weak voice)
“Sweetheart, you need to promise me something.”

Young Roy looks up, his eyes wide and filled with concern.

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**Young Roy:**
“What is it, Mom?”

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**Roy’s Mother:**
“When life gets hard, and you feel like you can’t go on… promise me you’ll keep moving forward. You’re strong, Roy. Stronger than you think.”

Her voice is barely a whisper, but it lingers in the air, sinking into Roy’s heart. He doesn’t fully understand what she means, but he nods, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

---

**Young Roy:**
“I promise.”

The memory blurs, and the scene shifts again, this time to an earlier moment in their home. Roy’s mother is in the kitchen, preparing a simple meal while humming a soft tune. A young Roy sits at the table, watching her with admiration. Her presence fills the room with love and warmth, and for a moment, everything feels perfect.

---

**Young Roy:**
“Mom, can I help?”

She smiles at him, her eyes filled with pride.

---

**Roy’s Mother:**
“Of course, sweetheart. Grab that spoon and come here.”

They cook together, and the scene feels almost idyllic—a mother and her son, sharing a moment of peace. The warmth of the kitchen, the sound of her laughter, and the gentle rhythm of their routine all meld into a cherished memory.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue (Present):**
*I miss her so much…*

---

**Flashback: The Day Everything Changed**

The scene shifts again, this time darker and heavier. It’s the day Roy’s mother was hospitalized. Young Roy stands outside the hospital room, tears streaming down his face. He had just argued with his mother earlier that day, angry and frustrated at the world. He didn’t understand why everything was falling apart.

---

**Young Roy:**
*Why did I say those things? Why did I hurt her like that?*

He watches as doctors rush in and out of the room, and the weight of his regret feels like a heavy stone in his chest. He had let his anger and pain get the better of him, and now he feared it was too late to make things right.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue (Present):**
*I’ve never forgiven myself for that day.*

---

**Present Day: Roy’s Room**

The flashback ends, and Roy stirs in his bed, his body weak and his heart heavy. His fever burns, but it’s the weight of the memories that hurts the most. He feels the tears well up in his eyes as he remembers his mother’s face, her warmth, and her love.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*I promised her I’d keep going. I promised…*

He wipes the tears from his eyes, feeling both the pain of loss and the strength she had given him. Even in her absence, her words still guide him, pushing him forward.

---

**Roy:** (whispering to himself)
“I’m trying, Mom. I’m trying to keep my promise.”

The scene lingers on Roy, lying in his bed, his body weakened by fever but his heart filled with the memory of his mother’s love. The rain continues to fall outside, but inside, the room feels quieter now, more peaceful.

---
**School Classroom – Concern for Roy**

The classroom buzzes with chatter as students settle into their seats. Danielle sits at her desk, tapping her pencil nervously, glancing at the empty seat beside her. Roy’s absence weighs on her mind, and she can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right.

---

**Danielle:** (raising her hand)
“Um, excuse me, Mr. Thompson? Do you know why Roy isn’t here today?”

Mr. Thompson looks up from his notes, a hint of concern in his eyes.

---

**Mr. Thompson:**
“Roy is sick. He’s at home with a fever. I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”

Danielle’s heart sinks a little, but she still feels restless.

---

**Danielle:**
“Is there any way I can help him?”

Mr. Thompson hesitates before answering.

---

**Mr. Thompson:**
“If you want, I can give you his address. It might be nice for you to check in on him.”

Danielle nods eagerly, but as Mr. Thompson shares the address, he adds, “You know, since you’re his girlfriend, I think it’s sweet of you to visit.”

Danielle’s face flushes crimson, caught off guard by the label.

---

**Danielle:** (stammering)
“Uh, wait! We’re not— I mean, we’re just friends!”

The other students glance over, some giggling, but Danielle brushes it off, focusing on the concern for Roy.

---

**Mr. Thompson:** (smirking)
“Sure, just friends.”

Danielle shakes her head, embarrassment mixing with determination.

---

**Danielle:**
“Thanks, Mr. Thompson. I’ll go get him something.”

---

**Scene Transition: The Pharmacy**

Danielle rushes to the nearby pharmacy, her mind racing. She picks up some medicine, along with some snacks and a cozy blanket, feeling the need to take care of Roy, even if it’s just a small gesture.

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**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*I just want to make sure he’s okay. I can’t believe he’s all alone…*

---

**Scene Transition: Roy’s House**

Danielle arrives at Roy’s house, her heart pounding as she approaches the door. The place looks quiet and a bit neglected, and she knocks softly, hoping he’s home. When there’s no answer, she lets herself in with the spare key Mr. Thompson had mentioned.

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**Danielle:**
“Roy? It’s me, Danielle!”

The house is dim and quiet. She makes her way to the living room, her voice echoing softly.

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**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*Where are you?*

She moves through the house, her heart heavy. It feels eerily empty, and she notices the lack of care—dust accumulating on surfaces, toys scattered around, a lingering silence.

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**Scene Transition: Roy’s Room**

Danielle finally reaches Roy’s room and knocks gently on the door before entering. Roy lies in bed, feverish and pale, looking vulnerable. She feels a pang of worry at the sight.

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**Danielle:**
“Roy! I brought you some medicine and snacks!”

Roy stirs, opening his eyes slowly. He blinks, surprised to see her.

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**Roy:** (weakly)
“Danielle? What are you doing here?”

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**Danielle:**
“I heard you were sick. I wanted to check on you.”

As she approaches the bed, she notices the emptiness of the room, the echoes of loneliness surrounding him.

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**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*He’s been all alone…*

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**Danielle:**
“Your mom… is she here?”

Roy’s expression dims, and he shakes his head, his eyes filled with sadness.

---

**Roy:**
“She’s in the hospital. Comatose.”

Danielle’s heart breaks at the revelation. She places the medicine on the bedside table and sits down, her concern deepening.

---

**Danielle:**
“I’m so sorry, Roy. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone.”

Roy offers a weak smile, gratitude shining in his eyes despite the pain.

---

**Roy:**
“Thanks for coming, Danielle. It means a lot.”

---

**Danielle:**
“Let’s get you better, okay? You can’t miss school forever.”

As she takes a seat beside him, the bond between them deepens, forged in shared struggles and newfound understanding.

---
**Roy’s Room – A Caring Gesture**

Roy slowly awakens in his bed, the afternoon light streaming through the curtains. He blinks a few times, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. As his eyes adjust, he notices a small note resting on the bedside table, alongside a container of soup and some snacks.

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**Roy:** (muttering to himself)
“What is this?”

He reaches for the note, his heart swelling with curiosity. He unfolds it, recognizing Danielle's neat handwriting.

---

**Danielle’s Note:**
*Hey Roy,
I hope you’re feeling a bit better! I brought you some soup and snacks to help you recover. Your mom would want you to eat, right? I’ll check back later, but don’t hesitate to call if you need anything. Remember, you’re not alone!*

Roy can’t help but smile, a warmth spreading through him despite the lingering fever.

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**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*She really cares…*

He looks at the container of soup, steam still rising from it, and feels a wave of gratitude. He picks it up, the aroma filling the room, and his stomach growls in response.

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**Roy:**
“Guess it’s time to eat.”

As he struggles to sit up, he winces slightly but manages to prop himself against the pillows. He takes a sip of the soup, and the warmth spreads through him, both physically and emotionally.

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**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*I don’t deserve this kindness…*

He reflects on how Danielle had taken the time to check on him, to care for him when he felt so alone. The memory of his mother’s voice echoes in his mind—her wishes for him to surround himself with love and support.

---

**Roy:** (softly)
“Thank you, Danielle…”

After finishing the soup, he sets the container aside, feeling a bit stronger. He leans back against the pillows, the note still clutched in his hand, and closes his eyes, imagining Danielle’s cheerful face.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*Maybe I can do this… maybe I can get through it all.*

As he drifts back into a light sleep, he feels a sense of hope—a reminder that even in the darkest times, there are people who care.

---

** Roy’s Room – A Melody of Hope**

The scene opens with sunlight pouring into Roy's room, casting a warm glow. After days of rest and care from Danielle, he finally feels well enough to get out of bed. He stretches, taking a moment to gather his strength, and glances around the room, his gaze landing on the old piano in the corner, covered in dust.

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**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*Maybe it’s time to face some memories.*

With a determined breath, he makes his way to the piano, his heart racing at the thought of his mother. He runs his fingers over the keys, feeling the familiar grooves beneath his touch.

---

**Roy:** (softly)
“I haven’t played in so long…”

He sits down, brushing away the dust, and takes a moment to collect his thoughts. Closing his eyes, he recalls the melody his mother used to play—simple yet beautiful, a song filled with love and comfort.

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**Flashback: A Memory with His Mother**

In his mind, he sees his mother at the piano, her fingers dancing across the keys. She laughs, encouraging him to join in, and he remembers her gentle guidance.

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**Roy’s Mother:**
“Just feel the music, Roy. Let it tell your story.”

---

**Present: Roy at the Piano**

Roy takes a deep breath and begins to play, his fingers moving tentatively at first. The notes come back to him, slowly but surely, like a long-lost friend returning home. The melody fills the room, and he feels a wave of nostalgia wash over him.

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**Roy:** (whispering to himself)
“This is for you, Mom…”

As the music flows, he allows himself to feel the emotions tied to the song—the joy, the love, the bittersweet ache of loss. Each note becomes a connection to his mother, a reminder of her presence in his life.

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**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*I can still carry her with me…*

The melody transforms into something more, infused with his own feelings and experiences since she passed. It becomes a song of resilience, of hope—a promise to keep moving forward.

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**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*I’ll make you proud, Mom.*

Lost in the music, Roy forgets about the world outside. He plays for what feels like hours, the notes echoing through the house, filling the emptiness with warmth.

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**Scene Transition: Danielle’s Arrival**

Just then, Danielle arrives, the sound of the piano drawing her in. She stands in the doorway, captivated by the music. She watches Roy, a mixture of admiration and affection in her eyes, as he loses himself in the moment.

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**Danielle:** (softly)
“Wow, Roy… that sounds beautiful.”

Roy looks up, surprised to see her. He feels a blush creep onto his cheeks but continues playing, his confidence growing.

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**Roy:**
“Thanks, Danielle. I just… wanted to remember her.”

As he finishes the piece, he looks at her, vulnerability etched on his face.

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**Roy:**
“It feels good to play again.”

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**Danielle:**
“It really does. You should keep playing. It’s part of who you are.”

She steps closer, and they share a moment of understanding, a bond strengthened by the music and memories.

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**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*Maybe I can let her in…*

He feels lighter, a sense of healing washing over him, and he smiles at Danielle, grateful for her presence in his life.

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Chapter end