>>61135766He took down the dusty portrait hanging on the wall, holding back the tears that formed in his eyes.
"I--- I should take it down." He managed to croak before turning his back to the ghost of his deceased son. He stared at the portrait as a hot stream of tears rolled down his cheeks. He could feel his throat tighten as he kept quiet. They had such a good relationship before... before that thing took his place.
He walked up the stairs and halfway through his ascent, he heard the voice of what was has become of his son.
"Dad, could you stay in your room until he leaves? He's really cute and I don't want you messing it up. Thanks!"
He continued to walk away to his bedroom without answering. He gently closed the door and locked it behind him. With a long sigh, he placed the portrait on his night stand.
He opened the drawer of his night stand and pulled out his old .357 magnum given to him by his father. They had such great times together. He had taught him so many things as a boy, including how to shoot. It hadn't seen much use since he had passed away, but today it would see use once again. Pressing the barrel to his head, he cocked back the hammer.
"I love you Stephen" he whispered as he stroked the boy's face on through the portrait with his left hand. He winced as he squeezed the trigger sobbing uncontrollably.
"A little more.. A little more.." he thought as his finger tightened until all thought ceased for good.
He awoke to a blinding white light, and in that light was a little boy clothed in immaculately white robes. He ran to embrace him and as he did, a wave of complete euphoria washed over him. The boy reached up to dry his tears. "It's okay." he said. "Everything is okay now." The boy took his father's hand and lead him into the light. The feeling of pure radiant love took over him as he felt his being dissolve. He had become one with the light, and was finally reunited with his son.
