Part 6: THE ONE WHO CHOOSES TO SAY GOODBYE

**Classroom – The Announcement**

The scene opens in a bustling classroom, filled with the chatter of students eagerly discussing the upcoming talent show. Posters are plastered on the walls, announcing the event, and excitement buzzes in the air. The teacher stands at the front, ready to make an important announcement.

---

**Teacher:**
“Alright, everyone, settle down! I’m excited to announce that our annual talent show is coming up in two weeks! This year, we’ll be raising funds for new equipment and resources for our school, so let’s make it a great event!”

The room erupts into cheers, and students start brainstorming ideas for their performances. Roy sits at his desk, his heart pounding. He glances over at Danielle, who is animatedly discussing ideas with Max, who is sitting next to her.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*This is my chance. I need to ask her before it’s too late.*

As the teacher continues to explain the rules, Roy gathers his courage. He stands up and approaches Danielle, trying to mask his nervousness.

---

**Roy:**
“Hey, Danielle! I was thinking, do you want to team up for the talent show? I have a couple of ideas…”

Before he can finish, Danielle’s expression shifts, a mix of surprise and regret crossing her face.

---

**Danielle:**
“Oh, Roy, I… um… I’m actually already paired with Max.”

Roy’s heart sinks, but he forces a smile, trying to mask his disappointment.

---

**Roy:**
“Right, of course. That makes sense.”

Danielle looks at him, sensing the sadness in his voice, and it strikes her hard. She feels a pang of guilt but also a confusion about her own feelings.

---

**Danielle:**
“I’m really sorry, Roy. I didn’t mean to leave you out…”

---

**Roy:**
*“No, it’s fine! I mean, it’s great that you and Max are working together.”*

He turns back to the class, but his heart feels heavy. The teacher continues explaining the importance of the fundraiser, but the words blur together as Roy’s mind races.

---

**Teacher:**
“We want everyone to put in their best effort! Remember, this is not just about showcasing your talents, but also about coming together as a community. Your participation will help us provide better facilities for all students.”

Roy sits back down, feeling the weight of the moment. He glances at Max and Danielle, who are laughing together, their chemistry palpable. It stings, the realization that he might be losing her to someone he once considered a friend.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*I should be happy for her, but why does it hurt so much?*

---

As the teacher goes on, outlining the logistics of the talent show, Roy tries to focus. He takes out his notebook, jotting down some ideas, but they all seem uninspired now.

---

**Teacher:**
“Remember, each performance should be no longer than three minutes, and we’ll have a panel of judges to give feedback. I want to see creativity, originality, and passion!”

Roy’s eyes drift back to Danielle. She catches his gaze for a moment and gives him a small, encouraging smile, but it only deepens his sorrow.

---

**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*I didn’t want to hurt him. Why do I feel so conflicted?*

---

**Teacher:**
“Let’s make this a show to remember! Sign-up sheets will be available at the end of class, so be sure to choose wisely. And remember, this is about supporting our school and each other.”

The bell rings, signaling the end of class, but the excitement around the talent show feels muted for Roy. As students begin to file out, he watches Danielle and Max laughing, and he can’t shake the feeling of being left behind.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*I just need to focus on my own performance. I can’t let this get to me.*

With a heavy heart, he gathers his things and heads out, determined to channel his feelings into something creative for the talent show, even if it feels like a challenge.

---
** The Hospital – Seeking Inspiration**

The scene opens with Roy walking through the familiar hallways of the hospital. The sterile smell, the quiet buzz of the fluorescent lights, and the occasional sound of heart monitors create an eerie calm. Roy heads to his mother’s room, his mind still swirling with thoughts of Danielle, Max, and the talent show.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*I need inspiration… something that feels real, something that will help me through this.*

---

He reaches his mother’s room and quietly opens the door. His mother lies still, her soft breathing barely audible. Roy pulls up a chair beside her bed and takes a deep breath.

---

**Roy:**
“Hey, Mom. It’s me, Roy. I’ve been thinking a lot about you lately… and about this talent show we’re having at school. I want to play something special, but I don’t know what yet.”

He leans forward, resting his head in his hands for a moment before looking at his mother, as if expecting her to respond. In his mind, he imagines her voice, soft and loving, giving him the advice he needs.

---

**Roy (imagined voice of his mother):**
“Follow your heart, Roy. Play something that means something to you… something that connects you to what matters most.”

Roy closes his eyes and smiles slightly, imagining her warm smile, the way she used to encourage him with her words and music.

---

**Roy:**
“I think I know what I need to do. I’ll play one of your favorite songs, something you used to sing to me. Maybe that’s the answer.”

He stands up, feeling a sense of resolve, as if his mother really did give him the advice he needed. He leans down to kiss her forehead.

---

**Roy:**
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll make you proud.”

As he turns to leave the room, the sound of someone singing drifts through the air. The voice is soft and angelic, filling the hallway with a haunting beauty. Roy pauses, his heart skipping a beat. For a moment, he could swear it was his mother singing.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*That voice… it sounds just like Mom.*

Curious, he steps out into the hallway and follows the sound to the room next door. Peeking through the small window, he’s surprised to see the girl from the library, Lily, sitting beside an elderly woman. She’s singing softly, her voice full of emotion, the melody both familiar and deeply moving.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*It’s her… the girl from the library. How is her voice so beautiful?*

---

Lily finishes the song, and Roy watches as she leans down to whisper something to her grandmother. He hesitates, unsure whether to interrupt, but the power of her voice leaves him mesmerized.

After a moment, Lily notices him standing outside the room and waves with a warm smile. Roy awkwardly steps forward, clearing his throat as he enters.

---

**Lily:**
“Hey, Roy, right? From the library?”

---

**Roy:**
“Yeah… I didn’t know you could sing like that. Your voice… it’s incredible.”

Lily blushes slightly and looks down at her hands.

---

**Lily:**
“Thanks. I don’t really sing for people, just for my grandma. She loves old songs, and it helps her rest.”

Roy nods, still taken aback by how much Lily’s voice reminded him of his mother’s.

---

**Roy:**
“You sounded a lot like… my mom. She used to sing, too.”

Lily’s expression softens as she looks at Roy, sensing the deep connection he has with his mother.

---

**Lily:**
“I’m sure she was amazing.”

---

**Roy:**
“She was. I was actually just visiting her. She’s been… in a coma for a while.”

Lily’s eyes widen slightly, and she places a comforting hand on his arm.

---

**Lily:**
“I’m sorry, Roy. That must be hard.”

Roy gives a small nod, appreciating her kindness. There’s a brief moment of silence, the two of them standing together in the quiet hospital room, the lingering notes of Lily’s song still hanging in the air.

---

**Roy:**
“Actually, I’m trying to figure out what to play for our school’s talent show. I want to play something that would’ve meant something to my mom. I think hearing you sing… helped me decide.”

Lily’s eyes light up with curiosity.

---

**Lily:**
“What song are you thinking of?”

Roy smiles, a sense of peace washing over him.

---

**Roy:**
“One of the songs she used to sing to me. It’s a piano piece… something simple but full of memories.”

Lily nods in understanding, her gaze softening.

---

**Lily:**
“That sounds perfect, Roy. I think she’d love it.”

---

The scene lingers on this moment, a sense of shared connection between Roy and Lily. As Roy leaves the hospital, he feels a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by both his mother’s memory and Lily’s unexpected presence in his life.

---
**Talent Show Day – A New Beginning**

The scene opens in the quiet hospital room, where Roy stands beside his mother’s bed, holding her hand. He looks down at her, his heart full of emotion.

---

**Roy:**
“Hey, Mom. Today’s the talent show. I’m going to play that song you loved. I just wanted to say goodbye before I go. I hope you can hear me.”

He leans in, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

---

**Roy:**
“I’ll make you proud. I promise.”

With a heavy heart but a newfound determination, Roy leaves the hospital and heads home to get ready. He puts on a crisp button-up shirt, feeling nervous but excited. After some hesitation, he decides to ditch his glasses for contact lenses, wanting to present himself differently today.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*Today’s the day I stop being just the nerd. I want to be seen for who I really am.*

---

As he walks into the school gym, transformed and looking sharp, he immediately draws attention. The buzz of students and visitors fills the air, and for the first time, he feels the weight of many eyes on him. Whispers ripple through the crowd.

---

**Classmate 1:**
“Is that Roy? No way!”

**Classmate 2:**
“He looks... different. Good different!”

Roy catches snippets of surprised gasps and impressed murmurs as he makes his way to the stage area. His classmates, who once teased him, now look at him in awe, unable to believe this is the same Roy they had known.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*This is it. No turning back now.*

---

After a few minutes, feeling slightly overwhelmed by all the attention, he decides to step outside for some fresh air. The school courtyard is buzzing with excitement, but he finds a quieter spot, leaning against the wall and taking a deep breath.

Suddenly, he hears a familiar voice behind him.

---

**Danielle:**
“Hey, Roy! You look... wow!”

Roy turns to see Danielle smiling brightly at him, her eyes sparkling with admiration. For a moment, he feels a flutter in his chest, but he quickly pushes it away, remembering his feelings of jealousy towards Max.

---

**Roy:**
“Thanks, Danielle.”

He tries to sound casual but feels the tension in the air. Instead of engaging further, he turns to walk away, leaving Danielle a bit taken aback.

---

**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*What’s up with him?*

---

As he wanders into an adjacent room, the sound of a familiar voice catches his attention. It’s Lily, her melodic voice filling the space as she practices for her own performance. Curious, he steps inside, intrigued by her presence.

Lily notices him and stops singing, her face lighting up.

---

**Lily:**
“Roy! You made it! You look great!”

---

**Roy:**
“Thanks, Lily. I heard you singing. You have an amazing voice.”

Lily smiles, a bit shy but pleased by the compliment.

---

**Lily:**
“I’m just warming up. Are you ready for your performance? I’m sure it’ll be incredible.”

---

Roy feels a swell of confidence, bolstered by her encouragement.

---

**Roy:**
“I hope so. I’ve been working on this for a while. It’s... special to me.”

Lily nods, understanding the weight of his words.

---

**Lily:**
“Just remember, it’s about sharing something meaningful. Your mom would be proud, no matter what.”

---

As they talk, Roy feels a connection growing between them, a sense of camaraderie that makes him forget his earlier insecurities.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*Maybe it’s not about impressing everyone. It’s about being true to myself.*

---

The scene shifts back to the bustling gym, where the talent show is about to begin. Roy’s heart races as he prepares to take the stage, but this time, he feels different—more confident, more ready to embrace who he truly is.

---
** Roy’s Performance – A Bittersweet Goodbye**

The lights in the gym dim, and the crowd quiets down as Roy steps onto the stage, taking his seat at the piano. The air is thick with anticipation, and Roy takes a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. The song he’s about to play is one his mother used to sing to him, a haunting melody about saying goodbye, filled with bittersweet emotions.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*This is for you, Mom. And maybe... for me too.*

---

He begins to play, his fingers gliding effortlessly across the keys. The soft, melodic notes echo through the gym, filling the space with a melancholic yet beautiful tune. As he plays, the camera pans to Roy’s face, his eyes closed, lost in the music.

---

**Flashback Scene:**
The sound of the piano fades into a series of memories—Roy’s life flashing before him. He sees moments of his childhood with his mom, back when she was healthy, playing piano with him, and teaching him the song.

Then, images of him and Danielle flood his mind. Their first meeting, the awkward exchange over the letter, their time at the festival, the aquarium, the bonfire dance, and the amusement park. Every laugh, every shared smile, every moment of closeness they’ve had.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue (overlapping with music):**
*Why does this feel like goodbye?*

---

As the flashbacks continue, the scene shifts to Danielle sitting in the audience. Her smile fades as she listens to the song, her heart sinking. She feels as if every note is pulling her closer to the realization she’s been avoiding—Roy’s presence in her life has become something much more than friendship.

---

**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*Why does this song feel like it’s for me?*

---

Tears well up in her eyes as she watches Roy on stage, his expression deep in concentration, his emotions laid bare for everyone to see. She tries to hold them back, but a single tear escapes and rolls down her cheek.

---

**Crowd Reaction:**
The audience is entranced by Roy’s performance. Many are swaying gently to the music, feeling the emotion behind every note. Some whisper to each other about how powerful the song is, how unexpected it is coming from Roy—the quiet, nerdy boy they barely noticed before. But now, everyone’s attention is on him.

---

As Roy nears the end of the song, he pours all of his emotions into the final few notes. The camera zooms in on his face, showing the raw emotion as he holds back tears. It’s a goodbye—not just to his mother, but perhaps to the version of himself he’s been holding onto for so long.

---

With one last chord, the song ends, and there’s a moment of silence in the room. The audience, too stunned to react, takes a few seconds to process what they just witnessed. Then, slowly, one person stands up, followed by another, until the entire room is on their feet, applauding Roy’s performance.

---

**Standing Ovation:**
The sound of clapping fills the gym, growing louder as more people join in. Roy stands up from the piano, looking out at the crowd, his heart racing. He sees familiar faces—his classmates, his teachers, even strangers, all giving him the recognition he never thought he would get. But then his eyes land on Danielle, standing among them, her cheeks stained with tears.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*Was this enough?*

---

Roy gives a small, grateful smile, taking in the applause, but inside, he feels a mix of triumph and sadness. As the crowd continues to cheer, Roy bows slightly, then steps off the stage, feeling lighter but conflicted.

---
** Lily’s Performance – A Complicated Emotion**

The applause for Roy begins to fade as the spotlight shifts to Lily, who takes her place on stage. Roy watches her with anticipation, feeling a mix of admiration and gratitude. As she starts to sing, the audience is captivated by her enchanting voice, smooth and powerful, resonating through the gym.

---

**Lily’s Song:**

*(Lyrics: A heartfelt melody about love and dreams, reflecting longing and hope)*

*"In the light of the stars, we find our way,
Through the shadows, we'll never stray.
Hold my hand, we'll face the dawn,
With every note, our hearts respond."*

---

As Lily sings, the camera captures Roy’s expression, his eyes wide with admiration. He’s completely absorbed in her performance, and for a moment, everything else fades away. The crowd is entranced, swaying gently to the rhythm, the energy in the room shifting to something magical.

---

Meanwhile, Danielle sits in the audience, her heart racing as she sneaks glances at Roy. She feels a pang of jealousy seeing him so captivated by Lily, the warmth in his eyes when he looks at her sending a wave of insecurity through her.

---

**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*Why do I feel like this? I shouldn’t care... but I do.*

---

As Lily continues her song, Danielle wrestles with her emotions. She wants to shout out her feelings to Roy, to let him know how much he means to her, but the words are stuck in her throat. The music swells, and she can’t help but feel a sense of urgency.

---

**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*I need to tell him... but what if he likes her?*

---

Lily’s performance reaches a crescendo, and she pours her heart into the final verse, her voice soaring. The crowd is hanging on every note, and Roy is still utterly enthralled, his eyes sparkling with pride.

---

As Lily finishes with a powerful final note, there’s a brief silence before the room erupts into applause. Roy is the first to stand, clapping enthusiastically, and soon the rest of the crowd joins in, giving Lily a well-deserved standing ovation.

---

**Roy:**
*“You were amazing, Lily!”*

He beams at her, and Lily’s face lights up with joy, the applause echoing around them.

---

**Lily:**
*“Thank you so much, Roy!”*

---

Danielle watches the exchange, her heart sinking as she sees how effortlessly Roy connects with Lily. She fights back tears, feeling more confused than ever about her own feelings.

---
**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*What am I afraid of? I can’t keep hiding how I feel.*

---

As the applause fades and Lily steps down, Roy turns to Danielle, his expression shifting to concern as he notices her distress.

---

**Roy:**
“Hey, are you okay?”

---

Danielle takes a deep breath, contemplating whether to speak her heart or keep it locked away. The tension hangs in the air between them, electric and filled with unspoken words.

---

**Danielle:**
“Yeah, I just... it was really great.”

---

Roy nods, but he can sense there’s more beneath the surface.

---

**Roy’s Inner Monologue:**
*Why does she look so upset?*

---

The scene captures the complex emotions swirling around them—admiration, jealousy, confusion, and the desire to connect. As they both try to navigate their feelings, the talent show continues, but for them, the real performance is just beginning.

---
** The Last Dance – A Confession in Front of Everyone**

The lights dim as the final participants of the talent show, Danielle and Max, take the stage. The audience quiets down, eagerly awaiting their performance. Danielle feels the weight of the moment as she glances at Max, who gives her a confident smile, signaling that they’ve got this. The music starts, and they begin their carefully rehearsed dance.

---

Their movements are fluid, precise, and graceful. Each step they take feels perfectly in sync, as if they’ve been dancing together forever. The rhythm of the music guides them as they twirl and glide across the stage. The crowd is mesmerized, caught up in the beauty of their choreography.

---

**Audience Reaction:**
*“Wow, they’re incredible!”*
*“They look so perfect together.”*

---

As the dance continues, Danielle is focused on her steps, but something feels off. Her mind starts to wander, and mid-spin, her eyes catch a glimpse of Roy sitting in the back. He’s clapping along with the audience, a proud but distant smile on his face. Danielle’s heart skips a beat.

---

**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*Why does he look like that? Like he’s... saying goodbye?*

---

The dance continues, but Danielle can’t shake the feeling of unease. The more she watches Roy, the more her heart feels heavy, like she’s losing something important. Max spins her around one last time as the music reaches its crescendo. They finish their performance in perfect harmony, striking the final pose, and the audience erupts into applause.

---

**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*I should be happy... but why do I feel so conflicted?*

---

As they catch their breath, still holding hands from the dance, Max takes a deep breath and steps forward. The crowd is still cheering, but his voice cuts through the noise.

---

**Max:**
“Danielle, I’ve waited a long time for this moment.”

---

Danielle blinks, confused, her heart racing. The audience quiets down, sensing something important is happening.

---

**Max (confidently):**
“I’ve liked you ever since we were kids. And I’m still in love with you, Danielle.”

---

The crowd murmurs, clearly intrigued. Some are shocked, others whispering excitedly. Max looks straight into Danielle’s eyes, but she’s not looking at him. Her eyes instinctively search for Roy in the crowd.

---

**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*Where’s Roy?*

---

Her heart sinks as she realizes Roy’s seat is empty. The same seat he was sitting in just moments ago, now abandoned. The smile she saw on his face—the smile of someone letting go—lingers in her mind.

---

**Max (gently):**
“Danielle... will you be with me?”

---

Danielle’s thoughts are spinning. She looks back at Max, but her heart is somewhere else. Her mind races back to all the moments with Roy—his quiet support, the way he’s always been there for her, the emotions she’s tried so hard to ignore. But before she can answer Max, she knows she needs to figure out her own feelings.

---

**Danielle (softly):**
“I... I need time to think.”

---

Max’s expression falters, but he nods, respecting her response. The crowd claps politely, but there’s an air of uncertainty. Danielle steps back, her mind still on Roy. She gives Max a small smile, grateful for his honesty, but her thoughts are elsewhere.

---

**Danielle’s Inner Monologue:**
*Where did Roy go?*

---

As Max waves to the crowd and steps off the stage, Danielle takes one last glance at the empty seat. Her heart aches, realizing the weight of the goodbye smile Roy had given her. She needs to find him, but for now, she’s left standing in front of a crowd, unsure of everything.

---
** The Hospital Room**

Roy sat in the dimly lit hospital room, the steady beeping of the machines filling the silence. He cradled his mother’s hand in his own, tears streaming down his cheeks. The weight in his chest felt unbearable as he spoke, his voice cracking.

“Mom, I don’t know what to do anymore. I thought I could just let it go, but Danielle… she means so much to me. I want to be happy for her, but it hurts so much to think of losing her. I know Max will take care of her, but it just… it breaks my heart.”

He leaned forward, burying his face against her hand, allowing the tears to flow freely. “I’ve tried to focus on my studies, on the piano, for you… but every time I see her, I feel this ache. It’s like a piece of me is missing, and I don’t know how to fix it.”

Suddenly, he felt a warmth on his shoulder. Startled, he looked up to find his mother’s arm moving slightly. His heart raced. “Mom?” he whispered, hope flooding his voice.

Her eyes fluttered open, slowly focusing on him. For a moment, they both just stared at each other, the silence thick with emotion.

“Roy?” she croaked, her voice barely audible.

He couldn’t believe it. “Mom, you’re awake!” His voice was a mix of disbelief and joy as he pulled her closer, his tears of sorrow transforming into tears of relief.

As he embraced her, he whispered, “I thought I’d lost you forever.”

Her gaze was soft yet searching. “What’s been troubling you, my boy?”

Roy hesitated, the ache for Danielle still present. But with his mother awake, he felt a flicker of hope. “It’s… complicated. I’ll explain everything later. Right now, I just want you back.”

As he held her tightly, unaware of the turmoil brewing in Danielle’s heart, he felt a sense of warmth and lightness return to him. The sadness was still there, but he knew he wouldn’t have to face it alone anymore.

** The Hospital Lobby**

After spending a few precious moments with his mother, Roy stepped out into the hospital lobby, his heart still racing from the shock of her awakening. He pulled out his phone and dialed his uncle’s number, his hands shaking with excitement.

“Hey, Roy! What’s up?” his uncle answered, sounding cheerful.

“Uncle, I have incredible news!” Roy’s voice trembled with emotion. “Mom… she woke up! She’s awake!”

There was a pause on the line, and then he heard his uncle’s sharp intake of breath. “Really? After all this time?”

“Yes! I can’t believe it! I just—” The words caught in his throat as he felt tears welling up again.

“Roy, that’s amazing!” His uncle’s voice cracked, too, as they both let their emotions spill over. “I’m so proud of you. You’ve been so strong through all of this.”

They shared a moment of heartfelt gratitude and relief, both of them crying, feeling the weight of their struggles lift just a bit.

After hanging up, Roy felt invigorated. He decided to share the joy. He walked down the hallway to the room where Lily’s grandmother resided. Pushing the door open, he saw Lily sitting by her grandmother’s bed, her expression brightening at the sight of him.

“Roy! How’s your mom?” she asked, her eyes filled with concern.

“She’s awake, Lily!” he exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement. “After all this time, she’s finally back with us!”

Lily’s face lit up, and she clapped her hands in delight. “That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy for you!”

“Thank you! I want you to meet her.” Roy gestured for her to follow him. They walked back to his mother’s room, the anticipation bubbling between them.

As they entered, Roy’s mother lay peacefully, her eyes fluttering open again as they approached. “Mom, this is my friend, Lily,” he said, his heart racing. “Lily, this is my mom.”

Lily stepped forward, a warm smile on her face. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. Roy talks about you all the time.”

His mother smiled softly, the familiarity of the moment wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. “Thank you for being there for my son. He’s been through so much.”

Lily nodded, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “He’s an amazing person, and I’m just so glad he has you back.”

Roy watched as the two important women in his life connected, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. For the first time in a long while, hope bloomed in his heart, reminding him that he wasn’t alone in his struggles

Chapter end