From Bullets To Billions

Chapter 221: Goodbye Pink Ranger (Part 2)

The doctor had stated clearly, it was only immediate family who were allowed to say their final goodbyes. But as Mira stood up, she paused at the doorway. Her gaze drifted back to the three men behind her.

Each of them wore pain on their faces, even the one in the sharp black suit. Though his expression remained composed, Mira caught the shimmer of emotion in his eyes. It was enough to tell her, these people, just like her, cared about Jay.

”If it’s okay...” Mira began softly, her voice fragile but steady, ”Can you three come with me too? I mean, I don’t really have a guardian. And this whole thing is scary... Besides, I think maybe you guys have things you want to say to him as well, right?”

Aron turned toward the doctor, who silently nodded. In normal situations, it wouldn’t have been allowed, but nothing about this was normal. This wasn’t a normal family, and this wasn’t a normal goodbye.

”I already told you, Mira,” Max said gently, ”If there’s anything we can do, we’ll do it. If you want us there, then we’ll be right beside you.”

Together, they walked down the hallway until they reached a part of the hospital clearly reserved for VIP patients. The lighting was warmer, the floors polished until they reflected every step. These rooms were for those who could afford the very best care.

Waiting outside the room was a team of nurses, silent and solemn, bowing their heads slightly as the group approached.

The doctor gestured for all of them to enter.

Inside, a curtain had been drawn around the hospital bed, shielding the view from those entering.

”Should we stop here?” Joe asked quietly, his voice full of hesitation. ”I don’t know if... if Mira should see her brother like this. She’s only eight years old.”

The doctor gave a solemn nod. ”It affects people differently. It can be traumatic, yes. But due to the circumstances of Jay’s passing, I can say that his physical condition is quite stable. To all of you, he will appear as though he’s simply... sleeping.”

Max looked down at Mira, who stood still, hands trembling at her sides. He gently placed both hands on her small shoulders.

”It’s up to you, Mira,” he said softly. ”This is a lot to put on someone your age. Your brother usually helps guide you, and we know we can’t replace him, but we’re here now, and we’ll support you, no matter what.

”If you want to say goodbye from behind the curtain, that’s okay. That’s more than enough.”

Mira shook her head.

”I want to see him. I want to talk to him.”

With trembling fingers, she reached forward and pulled the curtain aside.

They stepped forward, and Jay came into view. His eyes were closed, his body tucked neatly under a white sheet. Just as the doctor said, he looked peaceful, like he could wake up at any moment.

”Jay...” Mira whispered.

She slowly walked up and reached for his hand. The moment her fingers wrapped around his, she flinched slightly, it was colder than she expected. Stiffer too.

Had that much time really passed?

”Jay, there’s so much I wanted to say to you...” Mira sniffled. ”I know how hard you worked to take care of me. Even though you were so much bigger than me, you always made sure I was okay. When we had no food, you’d go hungry yourself just so I could eat.”

Her tears began falling freely.

”I knew what you were doing, even when I acted like I didn’t. I’m sorry for the times I yelled at you or complained... I didn’t mean it. I just want to hug you again... I just want to hear your voice... but I can’t.”

She sobbed harder, her words tumbling out between gasps and sniffles.

”I don’t think you knew, but I wanted to pay you back when I got older. I wanted to spoil you, treat you, give you everything. But... how am I supposed to do that now? How?”

She leaned her head against his arm. ”Jay, can you hear me? Please tell me you can hear me. Please.”

Joe, Max, and Aron remained silent, each of them standing still, allowing Mira her moment.

Minutes passed. Then more. Time seemed to stand still in the room.

Eventually, nearly an hour later, Mira looked up at them with red-rimmed eyes.

”I... I don’t want to go home,” she whispered.

The words sank into Max’s chest like stone.

She lived with Jay. Her home was his home. Now... it was nothing but silence and shadows.

”You can stay with me,” Aron said calmly, stepping forward.

Max opened his mouth to say something but stopped. As much as he wanted to take Mira in himself, it wouldn’t be safe. Not with people still hunting him. Bringing her into that world would put her in more danger than she already faced.

Joe, with his own family problems, couldn’t do it either. Out of all of them, the safest choice, the smartest choice, was Aron.

”I’ll come visit you,” Max promised, kneeling to Mira’s level. ”Anytime you want me to. You’ll be safe with Aron, I promise.”

Max walked toward the bed and stood over Jay.

”You saved my life twice,” he said, voice heavy with emotion. ”And I never got the chance to do anything for you. I guess there’s only one thing left to say...”

He gave a faint, bittersweet smile.

”You can retire now, Pink Ranger. I’ll do all the heavy lifting while you rest.”

He turned to leave, ready to give Mira her own moment with her brother. She needed it. He just needed to make sure she would be okay first.

”Uncle Max!” Mira called out suddenly.

Max froze.

”You’re going to find them, right? The person who hit my brother?”

Max looked over his shoulder, his eyes sharper now.

”I will,” he replied. His voice was steady, low. ”Even if I have to drag them out of their grave, I’ll find them.”

The last part he said under his breath, meant only for himself.

Later that night, Max stepped out of the hospital into the rain. The cold droplets fell without mercy, soaking through his clothes and hair, but he didn’t flinch.

No umbrella. No coat. Just him and the storm.

Why is it always on days like this, he thought, that the rain falls the hardest?

He didn’t think about where he was going. He let his feet carry him wherever they wanted, through empty streets, past flickering lamps, until they stopped in front of a familiar door.

It wasn’t his apartment, it was on the ground floor, somewhere far more modest. But it was a door that made his heart beat just a little faster.

He lifted his hand and knocked gently.

Moments later, the door opened.

”Max?” Abby blinked in surprise. ”What are you doing here?”

”You told me I could come to you anytime, right?” Max said quietly.

”I don’t know why... but I needed to see you, Abby.”