"What does it feel to say goodbye?" asked John as he gasped for a shallow breath.

"You get used to it, darling," Jackie responded after a good few seconds. "There's an end to everything."

"Have you ever wondered what it's like to leave everything behind? Bringing nothing with you at the very end?"

"I sure did. But I stopped asking myself that," Jackie answered. "There's no use for such questions."

"Why?"

"You get used to it."

"It's funny how you always say that," responded John with a meek smile.

"Because that's the truth. Things come and go, and no matter how hard I tried there are simply things I cannot change."

"So why bother?" she continued. "Enjoy the present. Accept the things they are ... Remember that time when I bought you your first guitar?"

"Sure. I gave it to Tommy. Funny how time just flies by and before you know it, he's a grown man and he grew up just like me."

"But do you remember that one time you brought Tommy to Disneyland for his eighth birthday?"

"Sure."

"And I remember that guitar, and the first song I played for you," said Jackie. "And how happy you were. I tend not to ask too many questions and focus on the good things. Things that matter."

"But surely it's difficult to say goodbye to people you care about? What about dad?"

"Of course I miss him dearly. I still do. But I know that he left peacefully — and happily, knowing that he lived a life well-lived."

"Focus on the good things, yea?"

"Yes, darling. Remember the things that brought you joy, things that gave you purpose. Don't think about things you couldn't change. You know I am always proud of you." said Jackie as she placed her hands on John's, now weak and trembling.

John gave out a weak smile.

"I know that you will always be with me, and you know that I will always love you dearly," continued Jackie, a tear slowly making its way down her cheek. "It's always difficult to say goodbye, but we find reassurance in moments we shared."

"I am afraid," said John after a long pause. "I am afraid there's nothing on the other side."

"Don't be, darling," Jackie held John in her arms, "this is not the end; there's Tommy, and he has Delphine ... things will go on, whether we are here or not. But the times we had for each other — the moments we shared — will live on."

John went on smiling, slowly closing his eyes.

"Puff the magic dragon, lived by the sea ..." Jackie began humming softly and gently, stroking John on the head, his hair white and few, as he fell asleep one last time.