Mona stared blankly at the sky, her heart heavy. With slow steps, she climbed the rooftop again, soaked by the cold rain. Her eyes were dull, and her soul felt empty.
"Just a few more steps... and this pain will go away," she whispered.
But before she could move further—
"Mona! Stop!" a voice cried out behind her.
Her little brother rushed through the rain, grabbing her hand before she could take another step.
"Don't give up! You have to be strong! Just like Father told you… remember?"
Mona froze. Her mind tried to hold onto a memory.
— A warm afternoon. Her father's voice echoed clearly in her heart.
"Mona, as long as you remember this... I'll always be by your side," he said, smiling. "Even if you become just 1% of successful people in this world, you'll shine. And when you shine… I'll be there, proud of you."
— Back to the rooftop —
Her brother tightened his grip. "Sister, don't end your life like this! Father had so much hope in you!"
Mona shook her head violently, tears pouring down her face.
"I can't… I just can't do it without Dad!"
"Yes, you can!" her brother yelled through the thunder.
"You can go on! Because Father is still with us. Not in body... but in spirit. He's always by our side!"
Mona's legs gave out, and she fell to her knees, sobbing loudly — but now, she wasn't alone.