Papa Grande's Origin (PART 2)

-August 2nd, 1976-
-Age 23-


-3:00 PM-


It had been about thirteen years since Grande first received the title of an official magician. Throughout the years, he had improved greatly with his work. Especially around his teenage years, where he had received many titles, the main title being “Papa Grande Di Magico.” Not only did he receive that title, but he also ended up becoming an icon to the theme park.

Grande knew that his life was becoming successful, as his dream did come true. He became a special figure in magic. From a small kid, to a young man, he never did fail to surprise, and amaze his audience. Saws, swords, levitation, and more, he had it mastered, and wrapped inside of his brain with chains. This is what he loved, this is what he wanted to remain, a magician for life was his goal.

As the actresses adjusted his outfit, his gloved hand moved towards his prized, black top hat. He cleared his throat, “Thank you, this should do.” he spoke, the actresses letting go of his outfit. As he placed the hat on, he could hear them, the audience. Every single audience member seemed to cheer for him excitedly. This was something he loved the most about his job, hearing their excitement for him.

The cheering encouraged him greatly, made him know he’s doing an amazing job, and that he is still going strong. He shut his brown eyes, hearing the announcer come on the speakers, “You all know him, his magic, his skills! Now, introducing Papa Grande Di Magico!” and with that, the whole room burst into cheers.

Grande quickly appeared from behind the curtains, opening his eyes, his arms out to his sides. All around him were kids, teenagers, and adults as old as himself. Of course, as expected, a light from above shined on his form. He quickly moved his hat from his head, doing a bow for them all before standing straight, “Hello my dear audience!” he started to walk around the stage, a smile on his face, “I have a wonderful show for you all today! Tell me, how many of you have been at my magic shows before?” he asked, watching some audience members raise their hands. “Ah! So, we have some new arrivals eh? Well, welcome to the show!” he raised his hands up and flicked his wrists, doves coming out from inside, making the audience clap in awe.

He quickly turned around as they cheered, gesturing for the actresses to come out and join him. This was his moment, right here and now. As the actresses brought out the props, he cleared his throat, “Now..” he slowly helped roll the rectangular box out, “This trick is one which is a true shock, my audience! First, my dear actress must join me.”

With the reach of a hand, the actress gripped hold. Grande then led her to the box, opening it for her to get into. “Now, can someone name what trick I’m about to do?” he asked. Of course, one of the audience members caught his attention, “The Half Woman!” they said, smiling.

Grande gave a nod, and then watched as the actresses carried his hacksaw to him. The audience gasped, surprised at the sharpness of it all. “No fear, audience!” he gently took it, lifting it to the middle of the box.

This trick was one he was most famous for, it often dropped the audience into a panic type state, just for them to come to a surprising realization of the actress being okay. Grande, not wasting any time, began to cut her in half with haste. The actress moved her feet around, appearing to be cut in half as time went on. The audience emitted horrified gasps, fearing for the future of the actress, until the box was separated in half.

Grande then posed, the actress’s feet still moving, a smile on her face. The audience erupted in laughter, and claps.

“That is not all my audience!” He then clicked his fingers, making glitter go out of the box, followed by the hacksaw lifting on its own. Grande later pushed the actress back together, opening it to reveal the actress as a whole person once more.

Along with the clapping, Grande felt as pleased as can be. This was a major moment, the finale of a trick gave him shivers up his spine. He bowed once more, his eyes shut.

His whole show seemed to dazzle, and amaze everyone inside of that building. Trick, after trick, after trick, all seemed to work amazingly to the point that the whole place appeared full of guests.

-4:00 PM-


He could feel the show slowly coming to a close, with only one last trick left. The final trick, he would always call a volunteer up for. It was always a fun time for the audience, but he did fear messing up, especially since the person isn’t experienced like his actresses.

“Now, my guests, it is that time once more! I must ask for a volunteer!” he announced, his eyes scanning the crowd. That’s when something happened, he appeared to freeze in place at a black haired female, who stood in the back. Her sky blue eyes seemed to pierce into his heart, gripping hold with force. Her black locks covered some of her face, and her white dress looked perfect on her form.

He swallowed slightly, this feeling was quite new to this man. He’d never even seen someone as beautiful as her. Next to her, her friend had forced her hand up for Grande to see.

“He’s looking at you Melanie.” her friend giggled, keeping Melanie’s hand up, the crowd quiet in anticipation.

That name, it seemed to roll right off the tongue, “Melanie.. right?” he asked directly into the microphone, “Come on stage, you raised your hand.” he gave her a smile.

Melanie’s face reddened, and she gave her friend a look, “I.. I don’t know, she rose my hand for me.”

“Melanie! Come on!” her friend shook her, “Go on up!” she smiled. Melanie, looking into Grande’s brown orbs, slowly placed her purse onto her friend’s lap. “Okay, I’ll do it..” she nervously spoke. The crowd then started to clap as she made her way towards the stage.

Grande’s mouth seemed to twist into a large smile as she walked up on the stage, going next to him. Melanie’s face was red, very red, and her eyes appeared to move left and right. She was new to this, and Grande could tell that. “Don’t be nervous Melanie..” he assured, whispering, “Everything will be okay.”

Melanie gave him a nod, taking a deep breath, “What do I have to do?” she questioned, watching an actress take out a tank full of water, and a a cover.

“I need you to lock me in, pull the covers over the tank, and then watch the magic happen.” he replied, receiving a gasp from her lips.

“But won’t that drown you?” she asked. With a shake of the head, Grande handed her the key to the lock, and made his way inside of the tank. Water flowed out as he stepped inside, sinking under the water with one deep breath. Melanie then locked the lid shut, throwing the cover over the whole tank.

She stepped back, just as nervous as the rest of the crowd. Minutes seemed to pass in a matter of seconds, and she took the cover off, just to gasp.

Grande was gone, completely vanished from the tank. She covered her mouth, amazed and confused. That’s when two wet hands grabbed her shoulders, the crowd went wild. She turned and saw the soaked man, “How did you do that?! That, that was!” she stuttered, looking back at the tank then at him.

Grande, noticing her response, laughed slightly, “It was all magic..” he answered, the actresses clapping as well.

Melanie was in a sense of shock, watching as Grande bowed in front of the audience, “Thank you all for coming to my show! Give a round of applause for Melanie as well for volunteering!” he finished, placing his hat back on his head.

She lowered her head, face getting more red as the audience turned their attention to her, all clapping as she made her way off the stage.

As the lights dimmed down, Grande quickly disappeared behind the closing curtains, feeling satisfied from yet another good show. The actresses all smiled at him, and he gave them a chuckle, “You all did really well, you are dismissed for the day.” he informed, walking to his room to change out of the soaked clothes.

The sound of feet exiting the building made Grande feel confident, knowing they enjoyed his show as much as before, and would leave feeling that way. He couldn’t deny, this show was one of his favorites, and only because of that girl.


-6:00 PM-


Two hours had passed since his show ended. Around this time, Grande carefully ventured around the theme park he called home. His magician apparel was clear off, allowing him to be Grande Alexander Willow once more. Occasionally, as he walked around, he would be greeted by excited fans. This was his favorite time, the aftermath of his shows.

As he continued to move down that dirt trail, he could only ponder on what the girl from before was doing. His brown orbs slowly traveled around the multiple shops, just to see the black, curly hair from before. It was her, Melanie.

He could feel his heartbeat in his chest, while his brain started to gain thoughts. “Come on Willow, talk to the girl.” he told himself, gaining composure. With the adjust of his clothes, he slowly walked up behind her, his hand going up to touch her shoulder.

“Hello, Melanie, correct?” he asked her, sliding his hands into his pockets. With the turn of her body, Melanie’s eyes met his own. She appeared to be surprised, yet kept her stance, “Yes? Oh, you’re the magician, um.. Papa Grande, right?”

“Indeed, but please, call me Grande.” he replied, “Papa Grande is only my stage name.”

“Oh! Well, thank you for earlier Grande.” she gave him a soft smile, “I hope that I didn’t seem too… awkward up there.”

“Awkward? No, you were absolutely fine.” he assured, “That was perfectly normal for a volunteer, no need to worry.” he explained, looking at her. “Have you been enjoying your time at the theme park?”

“Yes, I have been enjoying my time, but… can I ask you something?” she started to walk away from the shop tent, Grande walking beside her. This was his moment, one in which he could have a great conversation with this girl.

“Why, of course you can Melanie. I’ll happily answer anything for you.” he said, wanting to continue the conversation.

“Well, how did you do that trick?” she placed her hands together, “I mean, it scared me, and how you got out is a mystery to me.”

Grande could only chuckle, of course, it was his own trick. He couldn’t give his tricks away to anyone, not even her. A magician’s secret, that is what he kept repeating in his head since he was little. “Well, that is the point of magic, you cannot find out.” he answered, “It’s all up to the audience to think up what I did.”

Melanie, feeling more comfortable with him, could only nod, “So, I’m guessing you’ve done magic for a long time?”

“Well, ever since I was a small lad.” he said, “It was a while after I moved to America. It started to just become a major hobby to me, and a big focus for me.”

Her blue eyes looked into his own, “So you made that hobby your job? Pretty impressive, especially since you’re so good at it.” she giggled, “Also, you aren’t from America? I kind of thought that, because you have a pretty strong accent.” she moved over to a nearby bench, sitting down with her purse to her side.

Grande, following her lead, took a seat next to her. He put his hands together on his legs, leaning forward a bit, “I suppose I do have quite a strong accent, as for I’m from Italy. I moved here at the age of five, and my passion became my official job at the age of ten.”

Her eyes widened in surprise, “Ten? You became an official magician at the age of ten?” she laughed a bit, “Well, that’s the first I’ve heard of that.” she gently nudged him, “When I was that age, I was too busy helping my family out, and going to school.” she said, frowning a bit.

He took great notice of that sudden frown, and nudged her back, “I don’t wish to ask about your personal life, but why the frown?”

“Oh, well, it’s okay, I can tell. You see, my family and I struggled greatly in the past, mainly with a major lack of money. I had to help support them at such a young age, even going to the point where I had to sell my art.”

“Ah, I see. So, you’ve had your own experiences?” he sighs, “Well, at least everything turned out good, yes?”

Melanie perked her head, “Mm hmm, everything turned out good in the end. Though, I’m still working as an artist, just in case my parents need some money. I hardly ever get out because of it, but.. luckily Jailyn took me here, just to rest for a bit.” she continued, “You have a really nice theme park, Grande.”

Grande’s eyes shut halfway, smiling more, “I’m glad that you’re enjoying your time, it does sound like you needed some time away.” he stands, holding his hand out, “Now, how about I go and get you something as a reward for that.”

A red tint slowly appeared on her cheeks, “Y-You don’t have to spend any money on me, Grande.” she softly placed her hand in his own, “I can buy things for myself.”

His smile remained on his face, “Well, I am. This is a reward for not only being my volunteer, but also being a wonderful daughter to your parents.” He helped her up to her feet, his face also a red tint, “Come, let us get something to eat.”


-9:00 PM-


After being together for hours on end, the both of them slowly started to feel closer to each other. From eating together, to chatting, it seemed to spark a friendship which brought them from mere strangers to someone they both could rely on.

As Grande walked down the trail with her once again, Melanie could only frown slightly as she saw her friend, signaling it was time to go. She turned to Grande, grabbing his hands, “Thank you for all of this. If you don’t mind, could I come down more?”

“Of course you can Melanie, I’d love to see you more.” he grabbed hold of her own hands in return, “I’ll be here all the time.” he explained, “Would you.. perhaps like my number?”

Melanie’s smile grew back, “Yes, that would be delightful. I never had this much fun in a long time.” she admitted, “Here, I’ll give you mine.” and with that, she dug into her purse for something to write on.

As she found something, the both of them exchanged numbers. This was the part of his life which he would never forget. He would never forget the day they met, and the time they spent together. Her smile seemed to give Grande life, an amazing feeling which he never felt like losing. This friendship, through his eyes, would last a lifetime, and never end.

-August 2nd, 1980-
-Age 27-


-10:00 PM-


Many years had passed since they both met back in 1976. The way they once saw each other changed from a friendship, to love in a matter of a year. Each year, their love would only grow stronger, to the point where Grande decided to do something very important. Grande knew that he was ready to make a life changing decision as he drove up that hill with Melanie, who was leaning her head on his shoulder.

“Love, where are we going?” she yawned, “It’s getting kind of late.”

He could only keep a smile on his face, his free hand inside of his pocket, touching a special object inside. He slowly pushed on the brakes, coming to a stop at the very top of the hill. He leaned back, opening his door. “I’ll be right over soon my love.” he exited the vehicle, leaving Melanie very confused.

She leaned up in her seat as Grande walked over, opening the door for her. His brown eyes looked at her with love. He held out his hand, helping her out of the vehicle just to pull her close. Her eyes shut halfway, pushing herself close, “What are we doing here Mr.Willow?” she asked into his ear, “I’m curious.~” she continued.

Grande, hearing the tone of her voice, bit his lip in a nervous fashion. “Well, I brought us here today for an important reason, Melanie Grella Summers.” he whispered, holding the object inside of his pocket.

“What reason is Mr.Willow?” she questioned, her eyes watching him. He grabbed her hand softly, kissing it before holding it tight. With not a single moment of hesitation, Grande slowly lowered himself down on one knee, making Melanie’s eyes widen.

“G-Grande? Are..” she started, covering her mouth with her other hand.

Grande knew that this was the right moment, the moment where he could finally just make her his. He looked up into her eyes, “Melanie Grella Summers, I remember the first day we met. I remember all the fun times which we had together, and I remember how we first kissed at this very spot. You fill me up with all sorts of happiness, many of which is just by being around you. You have a heart which is pure, and our love is something which shows this. I want to feel forever happy with you by my side. Now I ask, Melanie Grella Summers, will you marry me?” he asked, holding up the diamond ring for her to see.

Her heart seemed to melt, along with her whole body in a whirl of emotions. Grande saw this as she started to cry heavily, tears going down her face in a rush, “Yes! Yes, Grande Alexander Willow, I will marry you!” she cried.

His eyes filled with tears as he stood, placing the ring on her finger gently. Melanie wrapped her arms around his form, kissing him deeply with all the love in her heart. This was their time, and the most important moment of Grande’s life.


-August 13th, 1981-
-Age 28-


-12:00 PM-


Everything seemed to be going well as time continued on. Melanie had gotten married to Grande, and eventually held his child as well. Both expressed their love each day, becoming almost inseparable as they remained tied together with rings. He simply loved her to the deepest part of his heart, as she loved him the same way.

Grande’s arms wrapped her form, his hands touching her growing stomach with soft strokes. “I love you.” he whispered in her ear, “I love the both of you.” he hummed, receiving a nudge from Melanie.

“Oh really Mr.Willow? Is that what you think?” she joked, touching his hands softly.

He grew a grin, “Yeah, that’s what I believe.” he replied, kissing her cheek.

Melanie, feeling odd, looked back at the food she was making, “I’m glad to hear that Grande, I’m glad that I have you both.” her head throbbed a bit, making her flinch.

“Are you feeling better my dove?” Grande asked, noticing her gaze and the way she flinched, “Melanie?” he questioned. Suddenly, she slowly started to fall back, causing Grande to grab hold of her tight, his eyes widening. The knife dropped to the floor, Melanie’s eyes shut halfway, almost appearing weak, “Not again..” he panicked, “Melanie, I’m taking you to the hospital.” he said, picking her up into his arms.

She appeared to fall occasionally, sometimes it became a full on blackout. This had Grande concerned, and no matter how much he insisted on taking her to the hospital, she had refused. This was his final straw, and the last time he would watch his wife fall like this.

Melanie could only look into his eyes, about to protest, “Grande, I’m.. fine..”

“Melanie, you’re not fine. This is becoming a constant event, the least we could do is get you checked out.” he told her, not taking “no” for an answer.

-3:00 PM-


Hours of waiting, hours of wondering, Grande waited outside of the hospital for the news. He appeared to sweat, panic, at the great amount of time that everything was taking. He walked up to the main desk, “Are they almost done?” he asked, his eyes full of worry.

The lady frowned at him, “They should be done any minute now Mr.Willow, deep breaths.” she told him.

Grande’s eyes lowered, his heart ached. Everything inside of him ached from his worry. He wanted to know the news, he wanted to hear that she was okay, he wanted her safe in his arms, but time just kept continuing on.

The sudden sound of the door opening caught his attention, as he saw the doctor walk out. Without hesitation, he walked up to him, tears filling his eyes, “Is my wife okay?! Please, tell me.” he shook, the doctor’s expression saddened.

As soon as Grande saw that expression on his face. His body tensed up, “What?! Tell me! What’s wrong with her?!” he started to raise his voice, “Please, tell me..” he choked, his throat tight.

The doctor lowered his head, looking at his clipboard, “... Grande Willow, I’m saddened to inform you that your wife…” he started, noticing Grande’s expression contort.

“My.. wife? Please, tell me, please..” he started to beg, feeling his body sink, “Please, tell me!”

The doctor placed the clipboard nearby, and touched his shoulders, “She is dying from Glioblastoma multiforme.”

“W-What does that mean!?” Grande shouted, getting emotionally furious, “I want to know now damn it!”

“Your wife has a brain tumor, one which has spread to become cancerous. Your wife is too far in, I’m sorry Mr.Willow, but your wife might only have a short while to live..”

The whole world seemed to freeze for Grande, his legs slowly going numb, “Short.. while.. to..” he tried to speak, “S.. She.. what about our..”

“Due to the current stage of this cancer, we are also saddened to inform you that the baby will be removed..”

“Removed?” he choked out, tears beginning to travel down his cheeks slowly, hitting the ground below.

This didn’t feel real to him, he didn’t want this to be real, it was so sudden. Just yesterday they had been together, both sitting and talking about their future. They both planned to move to Italy, to grow old, and have a family, that was their future which he will lose.

His fists became tight, his emotions running wild, “Let me see her.” he shook, wiping his tears with his arm. “Let me see my wife, right now.” he demanded, his eyes staring at the doctor’s, emotional.

The doctor looked at his clipboard, then at him, “Mr.Willow..”

“Let me see her damn you!” he said harshly, startling the doctor, “If she can pass away at any damn time, I need to see her! I need to! Even if I have to force my way in!”

“Mr.Willow, calm down. I’ll let you see her, just calm down.” he told him, raising a hand up, hoping to settle him down, “I know this is a very hard event to process, and I know how much you love her.” he frowned, “But please, calm down..” he placed his clipboard under his arm.
Grande’s emotions just continued to turn, his eyes filling up with more tears, “Right now, take me to her! Right now!” he demanded yet again, walking to the double doors, “Open the damn doors, and let me in to see my wife!”

The doctor, noticing his shifting emotions, quickly walked over, opening them for him. “She’s to the left, four rooms down,” he explained.

As his eyes looked down that long hallway, it seemed like chains were wrapped around him, keeping him still. The doctor looked at him, very confused, “Mr.Willow..?”

Without a response, Grande started to walk forward, his eyes glancing over the numbers. His attention was caught by loud cries, belonging to Melanie herself. With a sunken feeling, he gripped the handle of her door, wiping his face with his sleeve.

“What do you mean?! Don’t take my baby please! There must be another way!” she cried, talking to a nurse.

“There’s no way we can Mrs.Willow. The baby is far too premature to be helped, it’s bones are still forming. Without you, it wouldn’t last a single minute.” the nurse replied.

“No! This baby is all he will have left!”

“He won’t have the baby either Mrs.Willow, I’m so very sorry.” They talked.

Grande’s heart only continued to sink, his eyes becoming red from his tears. He silently opened the door, seeing Melanie’s face red, and her form a sobbing mess.

“I don’t want to die! Please! It can’t be that bad!” she cried, “Please, this doesn’t seem real! What will Grande do?!”

He walked inside, the door closing behind him. Melanie’s head turned towards him, her eyes as bloodshot as his own. Her black curls were messy, and her beautiful clothes were replaced with a blue, hospital dress. Her makeup looked smeared, and her skin was as pale as the snow.

She looked down, shaking greatly. “Grande..” she said, “Grande, I…”

Grande slowly started to walk up to her, processing the talking between her, and the nurse. “Melanie…” he touched her left hand, “Melanie, I’m here now..” he told her, sitting down on a chair next to the bed.

The nurse looked over at the both of them, “I will leave you both alone..” she whispered, sensing the emotional presence of them both.

As soon as the nurse left, Melanie broke down into tears, covering her face up with her two hands. “G-Grande!” she cried out, making Grande’s heart shatter into pieces. He leaned in, and hugged her tightly, tucking his face against her neck. “I’m here… dove.” he whispered, unable to raise his voice without breaking down more.

Seeing Melanie like this filled him with sorrow. His eyes looked over at the heart monitor, body feeling numb. He softly pulled away, and cupped her soaked cheeks in his palms. “Look, look at me Melanie.” he said, trying to calm her, “Look at me..” he repeated, his hands shaking slightly.

Her eyes turned back into his own, bloodshot and weak, “Our baby Grande, me Grande!” she sobbed.

Grande’s gaze lowered, and he kept her close, “Melanie, my dove. I.. I wish I could do something. I feel useless.” he replied, his grip tightening more, “We had our whole future planned out, our whole life ahead of us.” his voice started to become shaky once again, “But now, this is what’s happening. I don’t know what I will do Melanie, without you by my side. You..” he couldn’t continue, as he started to break down into a sobbing mess.


-9:00 PM-


As day turned to night, he remained in that chair, right next to Melanie. His eyes were sore, as well as Melanie’s as she stared at the TV in silence. They both were broken, as the silence could easily make anyone tell. This was so unexpected, their life turned upside down like a rollercoaster, it was a disaster.

His hand remained entwined with her own, kleenexes were all around the floor from his previous emotional breakdown. Melanie’s voice suddenly broke the silence, “Grande…?” Melanie said, trying to get his attention.

“Yes… Melanie?” he asked, his voice sounding as monotone as her own.

“Thank you…”

The silence came once again, not even a single word was spoken. Seconds passed, and he rubbed her wedding ring, making her talk shakily.

“Thank you for everything Grande, you.. made my life so good. I had so much fun the day we met, and during our first date..” she spoke, trying not to break down once more, “The night you proposed to me made me feel like the luckiest girl on this planet.” she felt Grande’s thumb rub the top of her hand, “You’re a great man Grande, with such a big heart, and a fantastic personality. Which is why, once I pass, I want you to continue on Grande.”

“Continue on?” he questioned, his gaze still low, “How the hell can I continue on? I love you far too much for that.”

“Hun, you have a whole life which you could.. shift, without me.” a single tear started down her cheek, “You have.. a whole life.”

Grande, seeing the tear, grew a very large frown. He moved his gaze into her eyes, “I cannot… all I have after you is magic. Moving on isn’t an option my dove, I refuse to even find another even after you..” he couldn’t even continue his sentence, “.... I refuse to find another.” he concluded, kissing her hand.

“Grande...”

“You know this is the truth Melanie. You are the girl which made my life complete. No other girl could ever replace you, or make me feel the same as you did.” he said, “.... I love you, so much Melanie Grella Summers.”

“I.. love you too, Grande Alexander Willow.” she started to sob once more, “I love you too.”


-August 15th, 1981-

-6:00 PM-


Two days had passed since Grande last saw Melanie, since she was placed under for the removal of the baby. His usual happiness seemed to fade, which became quite noticeable to his friends. As he sat in his car, he looked at the hospital with a sad frown. In his hand, he held a bouquet of flowers, all her favorite colors.

The news he had received became overwhelming, as Melanie's past symptoms seemed to get worse. She appeared to become more confused, and her balance became somewhat awful, she couldn’t barely even stand straight.

It felt as if a ball was in his throat as he exited the vehicle, walking through the doors with the bouquet close to himself. He made his way up to the front desk, “Melanie Grella Willow..”

“Go up the elevator, and take a left. She’s in room 125.” she said to him, returning to her book.

With a sigh, he made his way towards the elevator, the bouquet of flowers held to his chest. “.... I’m coming Melanie..” he told himself, feeling the elevator shift. Soon enough, the door slid open, revealing an even longer hallway.
He was tough, or at least trying to be. He had suffered so much emotionally in the last few days, all he could think about was her. He wanted to see her again, and after two days of resting, he hadn’t spoken to her.

Door, by door, he continued to walk, “123… 124…” he counted, stopping at 125. He could hear the TV inside, followed by a weak laugh.

“Melanie, my dove.” he said, moving himself inside of the room. Almost immediately, Melanie’s tired, weak form looked at him. Her appearance was that of a ill person. Her once clear eyes had tired bags underneath, along with her hair, which was oily, and messy.

Grande formed a small smile, moving next to her bed with the flowers. “Grande..” she said, her eyes squinting, “... I missed you..” she whispered, raising her hand up to touch his face. He brought his hand up, putting it on her own.

“I missed you too, my god I did so much..” he stroked her hand, “I’m here...” he continued, his eyes appearing as emotional as her own.

“Grande, are those for me..?” she asked, looking at the flowers. With a nod, and soft kiss, he gently handed over the bouquet, “They.. are so beautiful..” she whispered, smelling them.

“Just like you, my dove.”

“Grande, thank you.” she said, holding them close to her, “I.. needed something like this..” she started to tear up, “Especially after they removed..” she stopped talking, tears traveling down her cheeks in a rush.

Grande’s eyes shut, and he leaned over to her, placing his head on her shoulder. “Our child will always be with us Melanie..” he could feel tears travel down his own face.

Melanie pushed her face into the covers, not looking at anyone, “Grande… I want to sleep…” she told him, “Please, stay with me.” she shook, “I don’t want to be alone, I want to know you’re here.”

He gave her a quick nod, unable to speak from his growing emotions. He felt as if he was being choked, as if he couldn’t breathe or he would break loose, and cry loudly.

“Good…” Melanie shook once more, laying down onto her back. With a flash, she shut the TV off, her eyes slowly shutting as she adjusted herself. Grande reached over, grabbing the bouquet from her sheets, sitting them on the table.

This had shown him how scared she was. She was just as scared as he was, which was quite understandable. All he could do was make her feel comfortable.



-August 18th, 1981-


-5:00 AM-



Days seemed to feel like years, especially as she continued to get worse. Grande’s common happiness was hidden behind a cloud of sadness, appearing to never fade. He, a day ago, was forced to go home from the hospital, due to his job which he desired to keep. Louis, who could understand his pain, could not afford to let Grande miss too many days of work even so. Ricky, Grande’s closest friend, couldn’t even speak to Grande, as for he became too emotional to even talk to.

Seeing Melanie in such a state appeared to weaken him physically, and emotionally, but seeing her slowly dying like this.. it made him sick. He wanted her to heal, wanted her to be back in his arms like before. He wanted to have a family, a future which they had planned out, but it all came in a matter of days. All that Grande could do was wait for a phone call, and sadly, he got one.

His form remained on his bed, his face was tucked into his pillow, seeming to not budge an inch. Sleep was hard for him, especially since he knew at any time he would get more damaging news. His heart seemed to beat slowly inside of his chest, his eyes had dark bags, and his face appeared pale, he was struggling.

Minutes seemed to pass before a loud ringing sound came from his phone, which was on his desk. With a groan, he lifted himself from his bed, walking over in a daze.

“Hello?” he yawned, holding the phone to his ear, “Yes, this is Grande Willow, how is Melanie?” he seemed to freeze up, like a statue, “W-What? No, not now!” His eyes grew to become widened, and his body became numb, “No! Listen, I need to-” he shook, unable to finish his sentence, dropping the phone onto the ground, “No, no, no!” he covered his face, “No!” he darted over, and quickly grabbed his keys.

Melanie Grella Willow, age 26, had passed away due to cancer at 4:30 in the morning.

Grande’s mind seemed to spin as he ran to his car, still in his pajamas, not even caring enough to change clothes. He wanted to see her, right now, dead or alive. He wanted to hug her one last time, kiss her one last time, and tell her goodbye one last time.


-6:00 AM-


He was frozen in place as he stood outside of her room, her room which was now quiet and void of life inside. “My dove…” his face started to scrunch up as he gripped the metal handle, pushing the door open slowly with a saddened expression.

As the door fully opened, there she was. Her eyes were shut, her hair just as messy. Her left hand was stretched over her stomach, as her right remained to her side. Her soft, rosy lips appeared a pale color, along with her skin which seemed to just show that she had passed on.

Grande, feeling sick to his stomach, walked over to the side of her bed, getting on his knees, “Melanie, please..” he carefully gripped her cold hand into his own, “Oh Melanie, my beautiful dove.” he brought her stiff hand up, his tears falling from his eyes, “My dove, I’m so sorry..” he softly gave a kiss to her hand, “I love you, I love you..” he repeated, lowering his head onto the sheets.

Nearby, a nurse frowned, looking  from the door, “Mr.Willow?” she asked, “I’m so sorry for your loss…”

Grande couldn’t reply to her, nor could he think straight. He knew that this was coming, but he still wasn’t ready deep down. His sadness slowly started to get worse, until he felt it turn to anger. He stood to his feet, his head still downwards, “Goodbye.. my dove.” and with that, Grande made his way towards the door, unable to even say one word to the nurse. This was the spark of a flame, the flame which would slowly burn his sanity away.

-August 21st, 1981-

-8:00 AM-


At this point in time, his heart was shattered, and his mind seemed twisted with loss. A single day had passed since the funeral, and Grande had to help with her casket. That once happy building became silent, with only the shows making it feel alive. Though, for Grande, the shows didn’t feel the same. Everytime he stood on that stage, he appeared to be like a zombie. His eyes were always saddened, and his voice was shaky, though he performed with the best effort that he could.

His boss, Louis, could understand, along with Melanie’s friend, Jailyn, who continued to go to Grande’s shows. He was lost, his future had become scrambled, and every time he would look into the audience, he expected to see Melanie there, but she was gone. Gone, like his love towards other women. He vowed to only be with Melanie, so he had continuously pushed other girls away, only because he wanted to keep his promise. He was a widow, and he knew it ever since she passed on.

Outside, about a mile down the road, Grande stood. His form stood directly in front of Melanie’s beautiful, white tombstone. He could remember her talking about how much she loved flowers, so he had placed flowers down each day. His form lowered onto its knees, his head leaning against her tombstone, “Melanie, I.. brought you flowers again.” he explained, “Your favorite, roses. You always loved the white ones..”

The tombstone sat, a single drop of rain landing on its stone surface. Grande’s eyes moved upwards, looking towards the cloudy sky. “You.. always did, Melanie. I’ll keep bringing flowers, I promise.” he gave the tombstone a soft kiss, standing to his feet with the umbrella. He slowly opened it up as rain started to come down in large droplets, “The rain.. you always loved that too.” he grew a smile, starting to talk to himself, “Oh yes, you did so very much Melanie. Yes, you did Melanie.” he shook, “You loved it so much, yes! Yes! You did love the rain so much, right Melanie?”

That’s when he caught himself, and rubbed his face. He shook his head, and wiped his falling tears, “Goodbye, my dove, I’ll bring more flowers tomorrow.” he said huskily, walking away from the tombstone with a frown.