Ken, his mother, and his sister entered his father's ICU room, their hearts heavy with dread. They found his father lying in bed, his face partially burnt, a grim reminder of the fire that had engulfed the grocery store.
"Hey, Dad," Ken said softly, trying to hide the anguish in his voice. "How are you feeling?"
His father managed a weak smile, despite the pain etched on his face. "I've been better, son," he replied, his voice strained.
Ken's mother reached out and gently stroked his father's hand, her eyes brimming with tears. "We're here for you, dear," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "We'll get through this together."
His sister nodded in agreement, her voice choked with sorrow. "Yeah, Dad. We're not giving up on you."
But his father shook his head, his eyes filled with resignation. "There's no need for false hope, my loves," he said softly. "I know my time is near."
Tears welled up in their eyes as they struggled to come to terms with his father's words. His mother's shoulders shook with silent sobs, her grief palpable in the air.
"I've taken out an insurance policy," his father continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's worth 10 million."
But his mother's emotions remained unchanged, her anguish undiminished by his words. "We don't need money, dear," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "We need you."
Ken felt a lump form in his throat as he realized the gravity of the situation. He had seen this moment before, in a vision during his own hospital stay. And now, faced with the reality of his father's imminent demise, he knew he had to speak up.
"I... I need to talk to Dad alone," Ken said, his voice barely above a whisper.
His mother and sister exchanged worried glances, but they nodded in understanding and left the room, leaving Ken alone with his father.
As the door closed behind them, Ken took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. And as he looked into his father's eyes, he knew that he had to make every moment count.
"Dad," Ken began, his voice trembling with emotion. "I need to tell you something."