He had attended every school event, every piano recital, every parent-teacher conference.
He had braided her hair when she was young, even though his large hands fumbled with the delicate strands. He had stayed up late helping with homework.
He had taught her to be strong, to be kind, to be everything her mother would have wanted.
And then she had just collapsed.
Collapsed like that without any warning.
And all his money, all his power, all his influence couldn't fix it. It couldn't wake her up no matter how...
"If you can hear me," he whispered defeated, "if there's any way you can guide me... please... Show me I'm doing the right thing. Show me signs that this woman can actually help. I'm not asking for forgiveness, because I know I don't deserve it. I'm just asking for a chance to save our daughter."
The incense continued burning, its smoke carrying his desperate prayer into the night.
