The Dreamer - 19. Chapter 19 - An Uncertain Future

Part 1 - Lets do the Time Warp

Celebrating Life’s Milestones

The years brought countless milestones—birthdays, graduations, and even weddings. They remembered Ally’s tearful joy as she walked down the aisle, clutching Manny’s arm while Robby held back his own tears of pride. Brandon followed in Robby’s footsteps, carving out a name for himself as a successful investor and visionary in the tech and finance sectors. He later married his college sweetheart, and together they settled down, building a life filled with love and success.

Kyle, ever resourceful and creative, started his own successful technology consulting business, helping startups and established companies alike navigate the complexities of the digital world. He too found love, marrying a fellow entrepreneur who shared his drive and passion for innovation. Together, they built a happy home, complete with the joyful chaos of raising children.

Their home was a constant hub of activity, filled with grandchildren’s laughter during holidays and the comforting chaos of family dinners.

“We did good, didn’t we?” Robby would often say as he watched their children and grandchildren with pride. Manny would nod, his eyes shining with emotion, knowing how far they had come as a family.

Saying Goodbye to Vivian

Vivian, Manny and Robby’s beloved mother, had passed away several years ago. Her loss was deeply felt by the entire family. She had been a guiding light in their lives, always there with a kind word, a warm smile, and an unshakable love. Her final years had been both beautiful and challenging.

They often remembered her final Christmas with the family, when she had insisted on baking her famous cookies despite her declining health. “Don’t you dare say I can’t do this,” she had joked, waving a spoon at Kyle when he tried to help her stir the batter. It was a moment of strength and humor that stayed with them long after she was gone.

After her passing, Manny and Robby found comfort in the memories they had shared with her, and they honored her by continuing her traditions—small acts that kept her spirit alive in their family.

Robby’s Retirement

On his 60th birthday, Robby decided it was finally time to retire. His years in Silicon Valley had been incredibly successful, providing them with more wealth than they ever imagined or needed. But now, Robby wanted something different. He wanted time—time to spend with Manny, time to enjoy the life they had built, and time to savor the moments that truly mattered.

“You’ve earned this,” Manny had said, smiling as they toasted Robby’s retirement with their children. “But I’m still making the to-do list for the house,” he teased, earning a laugh from the entire family.

Returning Home

Their children were now adults, carving out their own paths in the world. The city house, filled with memories of their family’s growth, was left to their children. Manny and Robby had a different vision for their future. They returned to Manny’s childhood home, the one Robby had lovingly restored, intending to spend their golden years there.

The home had transformed into a sanctuary, its walls adorned with photographs capturing decades of laughter and love. There was the picture of their first family Christmas with the twins and Ally, Robby’s proud smile as he held a squirming Kyle in his arms. Another photo showed Vivian and Manny’s dad sitting on the porch, surrounded by their grandchildren.

The house wasn’t just a place to live; it was a place to remember. Manny and Robby would often sit on the porch, sipping coffee in the morning or wine in the evening, sharing quiet conversations about their life together.

Embracing the Present

Even as their steps grew slower and their hair grayer, they embraced the present with gratitude. They watched as their grandchildren grew, delighting in the small moments—a child’s first steps, a drawing gifted to them with “Papa” and “Dad” scrawled across the bottom. The family grew closer with each passing year, and Manny and Robby reveled in the legacy they had built.

“Do you ever think about what it all means?” Robby asked one evening as they sat on the porch, the sun dipping below the horizon.

Manny looked at him, his eyes soft with affection. “It means we’ve lived. We’ve loved. And we’ve built something worth leaving behind.”

Robby smiled, reaching for Manny’s hand. “We did good.”

Closing the Chapter

The twilight of their lives was not one of sadness or regret, but of peace, fulfillment, and the enduring power of love. As they sat surrounded by the memories they had created and the family they cherished, they knew that their story was not just their own. It was carried forward in the hearts of their children and grandchildren, in the love that bound their family together, and in the legacy they had created—a testament to the life they had shared and the courage it took to build it.

Robby's Thoughts

The house was quiet now, the echoes of laughter and conversation fading into memory. Robby sat by the window, watching the gentle sway of the trees outside. The golden hues of the setting sun cast long shadows across the room, painting the walls with a warmth that felt both comforting and bittersweet.

Manny’s voice played softly in his mind, words spoken long ago but etched into Robby’s heart forever. “Every moment matters, Robby. Even the small ones—the ones we don’t think will mean much—they’re the ones we carry with us.”

And Robby had carried them all. Every laugh, every touch, every tear they had shared had built a life that felt infinite, even as time reminded him of its limits.

He leaned back in his chair, letting the stillness wash over him. Life had a way of moving in circles, of bringing beginnings and endings closer than they seemed. He thought of their first days together—the uncertainties, the insecurities, the laughter that had grown louder with time. He thought of the love that had deepened with every challenge they overcame, binding them in ways that no words could ever fully capture.

But all things must come to an end. He knew that now in a way he hadn’t before. The cycle of life was never complete, only moving forward, endlessly weaving threads into a tapestry that others would continue to hold.

The years had passed more quickly than he had expected. They always did. But Robby didn’t feel cheated. Not really. To love Manny, to build a life together, to hold onto the precious moments of quiet and chaos—it had been enough. More than enough.

He closed his eyes, letting the memories rise like the tide. Their hands clasped under a canopy of stars, whispered promises of forever, the shared dreams that had lit their path even on the darkest nights. Robby smiled faintly, his heart full even as it ached.

Time had not been their enemy. It had been their teacher, showing them how to cherish, how to grow, how to let go.

And now, as the light began to fade, Robby whispered into the silence, “Every ending carries the echo of a beginning. And every love leaves behind something that never truly ends.”

Part 2 - The Golden Years

In the years that followed, Manny and Robby remained as inseparable as they had always been. They stopped taking vacations, instead wanting to stay close to their true sanctuary, Manny’s childhood home, the place where their love had grown deeper with each passing year. Their children and grandchildren visited often, filling the house with laughter and life. It reminded Manny of the trips he and Robby had made with their own children to see their parents, creating bonds that spanned generations. The cycle of life repeated itself, rich with the same love that had always defined their relationship.

But every cycle must end, making way for the next.

Robby, had not been well. A heart attack years earlier had left him frail, and they had arranged for a full-time nurse to help with his care. Manny, too, was facing his own health challenges, but like his parents before him, he refused to move to the city to be closer to his children. This home, with all its memories, was where he wanted to stay, where he wanted to be with Robby until the very end.

Brandon had moved to the small town several years ago with his family, following in his papa’s footsteps by achieving great success in his career, which allowed him the flexibility to live close and care for his parents.

One morning, as the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, Brandon woke up early and came to his parents home to prepare breakfast. He loved these quiet mornings, the simple joy of cooking for the two people who had given him so much. After finishing in the kitchen, he went upstairs to wake them.

Manny and Robby were still asleep. Brandon hesitated for a moment, not wanting to disturb the peace of the scene before him. But the nurse would be arriving soon, and the day’s routine would begin. Gently, he leaned over to wake his fathers.

“Dad…Papa… it’s time to get up,” Brandon whispered, placing a hand on Robby’s shoulder. But as he did, he felt a chill that made his heart stop. Robby’s skin was cold to the touch. The truth sank in like a heavy weight in his chest. “No.”. It’s all he could muster, silently.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before turning to Manny, who was slowly waking and struggling to sit up in bed. “Brandon,” Manny murmured, his voice still thick with sleep, “is Robby up?”

Brandon moved around to the other side of the bed and pulled a chair close, his hands trembling as he tried to steady himself. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. His heart felt heavy, a mix of grief and hesitation knotting his throat.

Manny, sensing the weight in the air, turned slightly toward his son, his voice tired but concerned. "Brandon... is something wrong? Is everything OK?"

Brandon’s eyes filled with tears, and he swallowed hard, trying to keep his composure. He reached out, placing a hand on his dads. "Dad...," he began, his voice cracking. He took a deep breath, searching for the gentlest way to say the words that would shatter everything. "Papa… he’s… he’s gone."

Manny stared at him for a moment, as if waiting for a different explanation. His hand tightened on Brandon’s, the silence between them thick and unbearable. "Gone?" Manny echoed, his voice barely a whisper, as though saying the word out loud would make it real.

Brandon nodded, tears finally spilling over as he leaned closer, his voice soft but filled with sorrow. "I’m so sorry, Dad. He passed away sometime last night."

Manny looked confused, blinking as if trying to clear the fog from his mind. “What do you mean? He’s right here, still sleeping,” he said, reaching out to touch Robby’s hand.

Brandon swallowed hard, tears welling up in his eyes as he placed a hand over his father’s. “Dad, Papa passed away sometime in the night. He’s not sleeping… he’s gone.”

Manny’s eyes filled with tears as the full realization hit him. The man he had spent his entire life with, the love of his life, was gone. The bed they had shared for so many years suddenly felt impossibly empty. The world felt quieter, lonelier.

Manny’s breath hitched in his chest as a wave of grief crashed over him, threatening to drown him in sorrow. He couldn’t believe it, couldn’t accept that Robby, his Robby, was no longer beside him. The thought of facing a day, let alone the rest of his life, without Robby’s comforting presence was unbearable. Memories of their life together flashed before his eyes—their first meeting, the struggles they had overcome, the joy of raising their children, the simple moments of quiet companionship. How could it be that all of that was now just… memories?

He felt lost, untethered, as if the very foundation of his world had been pulled out from under him. The pain was so intense it was almost physical, a deep ache in his chest that wouldn’t go away. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against Robby’s hand, tears streaming down his face. “Oh, Robby…” he whispered, his voice broken. “How am I supposed to do this without you?”

Brandon, struggling to hold back his own tears, placed a supportive hand on his dads shoulder. “We’ll get through this, Dad,” he said softly. “We’re all here for you.”

Manny nodded, though his heart felt shattered into pieces. The thought of going on without Robby seemed impossible, but he knew he had to find the strength—for his children, for his grandchildren, and for the love he still felt so deeply for the man who had been his everything.

Ally Arrives

A few hours later, Ally arrived, her eyes red from crying. She rushed into the room, immediately going to Manny’s side. “Dad,” she said, her voice trembling as she hugged him tightly. “I’m so sorry… I can’t believe papa’s gone…”

Manny looked at his daughter, seeing the same grief mirrored in her eyes. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close. “I know, sweetheart,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know how to say goodbye to him… I don’t know how to do this.”

Ally, trying to be strong, brushed away her tears and said, “We’ll do it together, Dad. We’ll get through this together, as a family. Just like you and Papa taught us.”

Kyle's Arrival

Kyle arrived a few days later, having rushed back from his trip abroad as soon as he heard the news. He entered the house, the weight of grief heavy on his shoulders. Seeing his father’s devastated expression only made it harder.

Kyle sat down beside Manny, who was still in a state of shock, unable to fully grasp the loss he was experiencing. “Dad,” Kyle said, his voice soft but filled with love, “I’m so sorry. I wish I could have been here sooner.”

Manny looked at Kyle, his eyes filled with a deep, indescribable sorrow. “He was the best part of me,” Manny said, his voice barely audible. “How do I go on without him?”

Kyle took his father’s hand in his own, squeezing it gently. “You don’t have to do it alone, Dad. We’re all here for you. We’ll take care of each other, just like you and Papa always took care of us.”

Brandon's Support

Brandon, who had been quietly standing by, now stepped forward, his voice filled with determination. “Dad, we’re going to get through this. It’s going to be hard, but you’re not alone. We’re all here for you, just like you and Papa were always there for us. The grandkids are all on their way, they will be here in a day or so.”

He paused, his eyes filling with tears as he added, “Papa would want you to keep going, Dad. He’d want you to live, to find happiness in the memories you made together, and to keep loving us the way you always have.”

Manny nodded, though the pain was still overwhelming. He knew his children were right, that he had to keep going, not just for himself but for them—for the family that he and Robby had built together, the legacy of love that they had created.

Days later, the rest of the family arrived, filling the house with both sorrow and solace. Manny found himself surrounded not only by his children but also by his grandchildren, their small voices quieter than usual as they sensed the weight of the moment. Each one was sorrowful in their own way, reflecting the loss of a man who had quietly but profoundly impacted their lives.

Hugs were exchanged, tears were shed, and the family drew closer, finding comfort in one another. In the midst of grief, the presence of multiple generations served as a poignant reminder of the legacy Manny’s father had left behind—a family bound by love, strength, and resilience.

The funeral was held on a clear, crisp morning, the kind of day that Robby always loved. The sky was a pale blue, dotted with soft clouds, and the air carried the gentle scent of pine and earth. It was a small, intimate gathering—just close friends and family, those who had been touched by Robby’s kindness, his humor, and his unyielding love.

As the years passed, the bonds between their families grew, but time, as it does, had taken its toll. Cindy and Maria, now well into their later years, were unable to attend due to health issues, though their children, who had grown up alongside Manny and Robby’s, came in their place. They had all remained close over the years, their friendships forged in childhood continuing to strengthen with each passing year. Seeing them here, supporting Manny, felt like a continuation of the legacy their parents had built together.

Allison, who had given so much to Manny and Robby’s family, had passed away many years ago, leaving behind fond memories and a deep sense of gratitude. Alicia, despite her own health struggles, had made it a point to be there. Her presence was a quiet testament to the love and shared history they all had, her eyes filled with understanding as she stood by the family, honoring not just the past but the years of friendship and family they had all built together.

Manny, frail with age and grief, sat quietly beside Robby's coffin, refusing to leave his husband's side even in death. Their children and grandchildren stood close by, their faces somber as they supported their father through this heart-wrenching goodbye.

Robby was laid to rest near the spot where Manny’s mother, Vivian, had been buried years before. It was fitting, Manny thought, that they should be close even in death. Vivian had always held a special place in her heart for Robby, treating him as her own son, especially after learning how his family had rejected him. He remembered how Robby had cried in her arms, seeking comfort from the mother he wished he had, and how she had soothed him with gentle words and unconditional love.

As the casket was lowered into the ground, Manny whispered a final goodbye, his voice breaking with emotion. "You were my world, Robby. You were everything. I’ll miss you every day until we meet again."

The minister spoke words of comfort, but they were a blur to Manny, lost in the swirl of memories and the overwhelming sense of loss. He could only focus on the patch of earth that now held his husband, his partner, his best friend, the love of his life.

After the burial, Manny lingered by the gravesite, his children and grandchildren giving him space. He looked at the headstone that bore Robby’s name and dates, etched in stone, a permanent reminder of the life they had shared. He then turned his gaze to mom’s grave, just a few feet away.

"Take care of him, Mom," Manny whispered, his voice barely audible. "I know you will."

With great effort, Manny rose from his chair, his hand resting on Brandon's shoulder for support. As they walked away, leaving Robby to rest beside the woman who had loved him like a son, Manny felt a strange sense of peace. It wasn’t the end—not really. Robby would always be with him, in the memories they had made, in the children and grandchildren they had raised, and in the love that would never fade.

The journey back to the house was quiet, each family member lost in their own thoughts. For Manny, the grief was deep, but so was the gratitude—for the life they had lived, for the love they had shared, and for the certainty that one day, they would be together again.

Part 3 - All Alone

The years after Robby’s death were the hardest of Manny’s life. Without his partner, his husband the days seemed longer, the nights emptier. He had always known Robby’s presence like the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and now, with that rhythm gone, the world felt off-kilter. The house, once filled with the warmth and laughter of their shared lives, seemed quieter, lonelier.

Manny’s health began to decline, and though he tried to remain strong for his children and grandchildren, the weight of grief took its toll. Brandon, who had moved in to stay close to his dad, became his constant companion, always by his side, just as Robby had been for so many years. They spent quiet days together, talking, reminiscing, and sometimes just sitting in silence, each lost in their thoughts.

One crisp autumn morning, as the leaves outside the window turned shades of gold and crimson, Manny woke up feeling unusually weak. He could sense that his time was near, and though the thought of leaving his family behind pained him, there was also a sense of peace. He had lived a long life, filled with love and joy, and now, he was ready to be reunited with Robby.

Brandon was by his side, as always. He helped him sit up in bed, adjusting the pillows to make him comfortable. Manny’s breathing was shallow, each breath a little more labored than the last. Brandon could see the change in his father’s eyes—a deep weariness, but also a quiet acceptance.

“Dad,” Brandon whispered, his voice breaking, “are you okay? Do you need anything?”

Manny shook his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. “No, son… I’m just tired. So very tired.”

Brandon sat beside him, holding his hand, trying to keep his emotions in check. But the tears came anyway, spilling down his cheeks as he watched the man who had been his guiding light, his hero, slipping away.

Manny’s gaze softened as he looked at his son, the last of his strength gathering for these final moments. “Brandon… I’ve had a good life, haven’t I?”

Brandon nodded, his voice choked with emotion. “Yes, Dad… you’ve had a wonderful life. We’ve all been so lucky to have you.”

Manny’s eyes fluttered closed for a moment, his thoughts drifting back over the years, memories flooding his mind like scenes from a movie. He saw himself as a young boy, running through the fields of his childhood home, his parents’ laughter echoing in the background. He saw the day he met Robby, that fateful day that changed everything—the nervous energy of their first kiss, the way Robby had always made him feel safe, loved, complete.

Life had been a mix of joy and heartache, triumph and challenge. Among the bittersweet moments that lingered in his memory was the sadness he felt when Robby’s parents had rejected him. He could still see the pain etched into Robby’s face on the day they left that imposing house.

But then, like a faint ray of hope, Robby’s siblings had reached out. The first tentative phone call, the awkward but heartfelt attempts to bridge the gap, and the cautious invitations to reconnect—it had been a small olive branch, one Manny had prayed would grow into something more. And while the relationship had never fully healed, there had been moments of connection, moments that reminded them all of what could have been.

Manny sighed softly, his heart full of gratitude for the life he and Robby had built together. In the end, love had outweighed the pain, and the family they had created had filled the spaces that others had left empty.

He remembered their college years, the struggles they faced, the challenges of accepting who they were in a world that didn’t always understand. But then, there was the joy—their engagement, the birth of their children, the life they built together, brick by brick, moment by moment.

Manny’s thoughts lingered on Robby, seeing his face so clearly in his mind’s eye. He remembered their first night together, the tenderness in Robby’s voice when he asked, "Are you sure, Manny? We don’t have to rush into this if you’re not ready." Manny had felt the weight of the question, the care in Robby’s eyes, and the unspoken promise between them. He remembered how he had nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and certainty, knowing in his heart that he wanted this—wanted Robby. That night had been the start of everything, a moment of trust and love that set the foundation for the life they built together.

Manny’s mind drifted to the way Robby had looked at him on their wedding day, how they had laughed together, cried together, and lived together. Every memory was a piece of the love they had shared, a love that had defined Manny’s entire life.

Tears slipped down Manny’s cheeks as he whispered, “I miss him so much, Brandon. I’m so tired of missing him.”

Brandon squeezed his father’s hand, his own tears falling freely now. “I know, Dad… I know. You’ve done so much. You’ve given us all so much. You and Papa were always there for us.”

Manny opened his eyes, his gaze locking with Brandon’s. “Promise me… promise me you’ll take care of each other. That you’ll live your life with as much love as you can. That’s what matters most, in the end. Love… always love.”

Brandon nodded, struggling to keep his voice steady. “I promise, Dad. We’ll take care of each other. We’ll carry on the love you and Papa taught us.”

Manny smiled, a serene, content smile. “That’s all I needed to hear.” His voice grew softer, barely a whisper. “I can see him… I can see Robby. He’s waiting for me… he’s… waiting…”

As Manny lay in his bed, frail and exhausted, he whispered softly, "Robby... I see you." His eyes, though dim, glistened as he stared at the empty corner of the room.

At that moment, it felt as if the air shifted, growing warmer, calmer. A presence filled the space. Manny’s breath caught, not in fear, but in recognition. He felt Robby’s essence, as real as the day they first met.

“Manny,” a familiar voice echoed softly in his heart. “I’m waiting for you.”

Manny smiled, tears slipping down his cheeks. He reached out, as if he could touch the love he had known for so long. "I'm coming," he whispered, peace settling over him.

Brandon watched as Manny’s eyes closed one last time, a peaceful expression settling over his features. His breathing slowed, each breath more faint than the last, until finally, with a soft sigh, it stopped altogether.

For a moment, Brandon sat there in stunned silence, the world standing still as the enormity of the moment sank in. His father, the man who had given him everything, was gone.

The tears came then, harder than before, as Brandon leaned over to gently kiss his father’s forehead. “Goodbye, Dad,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I love you… I’ll always love you.”

As he sat there, holding his father’s hand, Brandon couldn’t help but feel that Manny had been right—love was what mattered most. The love Manny and Robby had shared had created a legacy that would live on in their children, their grandchildren, and in all the lives they had touched. It would carry on in the scholarships they had created, in the foundations that they had set-up. They would never be forgotten.

Outside, the autumn leaves continued to fall, swirling gently in the breeze, a reminder that life, like the seasons, moves in cycles—endings making way for new beginnings. And though Manny was gone, his love, his life, would forever be a part of those who loved him.

In the quiet of that room, Brandon found comfort in the knowledge that his parents were together again, their love eternal, just as they had always promised each other it would be.

As Brandon looked at the ring now, resting still on his dad’s hand, he realized that what his fathers had built together was just as timeless. The ring may have come from the stars, but the love it symbolized was born here on earth—in their home, in the life they had created together. It was a reminder that even though both his dads were gone, the love they shared—enduring, unwavering—would always be with him. It wasn’t just the ring that was eternal; it was the legacy of their love, passed down to their children and to all those who had known them.

The family gathered once more, this time to say goodbye to Manny. The funeral was intimate, just as he would have wanted. His children, now grown, with families of their own, stood by as their father was laid to rest beside Robby, the love of his life. The headstone that had once borne only Robby’s name now held both of theirs, side by side, just as they had been in life.

The finality of the moment hung heavy in the air as the last shovel of earth was placed over the grave. Brandon, Ally, and Kyle stood together, their hands clasped tightly, drawing strength from one another as they faced the reality of their loss. Behind them, the grandchildren stood in quiet reverence, tears glistening in their eyes, their young hearts mourning a love that had shaped their family in ways they would carry forward.

A soft breeze stirred the trees, rustling the leaves as if nature itself mourned with them. Yet, in that whisper of wind, there was a sense of peace, a reassurance that Manny and Robby were together again. The family lingered, reluctant to leave, as though staying a moment longer might keep their presence alive.

Finally, Brandon turned to his siblings, his voice steady despite the tears in his eyes. “They’re together now,” he said softly. “That’s all they ever wanted.”

The family began to walk away from the cemetery, their steps slow and reflective. Behind them, the headstone stood as a testament to a love that had defied odds, time, and even death. Manny and Robby had lived a life full of love, challenges, and triumphs. They had faced the world together, and now, in the place they had always called home, they would rest together for eternity.

As the family reached the gate, the grandchildren broke into quiet laughter, recalling stories of their grandfathers’ antics. The memories, vivid and cherished, became the bridge between past and present—a reminder that while Manny and Robby were no longer there in body, their spirits would forever guide them. Their love, resilient and transcendent, had left an indelible mark, a legacy that would continue to inspire for generations to come.

The wind whispered once more through the trees, carrying with it the essence of lives well-lived, and the world, for a moment, felt perfectly at peace.