While walking Lily home, Ray noticed the girl was lost in thought. It had started during dinner, and he was about to ask what was bothering her when she unexpectedly dropped a bomb. Stopping and making Ray stop, Lily looked him in the eyes and said resolutely:
"I want a child."
The determination in the girl's voice almost made Ray stumble. Quickly composing himself, he looked at her and said:
"Don't you think you're rushing things?"
"Maybe I am rushing, but we both know we don't have much time. Even if one day I'm in pain, I'll never regret kissing you that evening. But I'm not sure I can survive losing you. Our child will be an anchor not only for me but also for your mother."
These words made Ray think.
"I see you're very serious about this. It's possible, but I have a few conditions. You need to agree to them, and only then can we take this step."
"Alright, what are these conditions?"
"First, before we do this, your great-grandmother and my mother must know about it. I don't want you left alone with a child if the worst happens. I know you're very strong, but every person needs support, and I want you and Mom to be support for each other. So we won't do this if either of them is against it."
"Second, you have to go study. I don't want love for me to become an anchor that drags you down. Besides, if it turns out you have to raise a child alone, I want you to have the means to support him or her on your own."
"I know you worry about your great-grandmother and sister, but I'm planning to finish school early and work more, so don't worry. Besides, I'm sure your great-grandmother will support my idea, and my mom will help."
"Third, you have to promise that if I die, but a worthy man appears in your life, you'll let him into your heart and do your best to live a happy life, and I'll become a warm memory for you."
Hearing her beloved's last words, Lily said:
"Don't ask me to live happily when you're dead. If you really want your future wife to be happy, then do everything to live, because if you die, I'll never be able to smile again."
"The very thought of letting another touch me fills me with disgust. All I can promise you is that I won't follow you and will be a support for your mother, especially if we have a child. But don't ask me to open my heart to another man or live happily. You say you don't doubt my feelings. If that's true, then asking me to do such a thing is too hypocritical."
"Don't be angry, my love, I understand you. If your great-grandmother and Mom support us, I'll definitely give you a child, but I want to make that moment special for both of us. So let me choose the time and place."
"Fine, but don't drag it out. If you make me wait too long, I'll have to rape you," Lily said, licking her lips, which made Ray shudder. He was sure the girl wasn't joking.
"I understand. But there's another question: should we hide from the guys at work that our relationship has moved to a new level?" Ray asked.
"There's no need. I want everyone to know. Besides, Tyler may be a good guy, but he's too persistent in trying to get into my pants. I want him to clearly understand that he has no chance with me."
After walking Lily home and receiving several decidedly un-childish kisses goodbye, Ray returned home, lost in thought the whole way.
Noticing her son's state, Amy sat him on the couch, put his head on her lap, gently stroked his hair, and asked softly:
"What happened?"
"I know I could die at any moment. Since I was eight, I thought I'd already accepted it and was ready, but today I realized that the long-forgotten fear of death has returned. Lily said she wants a child, and she's very serious about it. If I don't make a move in that direction, I'm sure one day she might rape me."
"I don't know what you did for that girl, but I can understand her, because your child could become an anchor for both of us," Amy said.
"I said we'd only do it if she goes study and if you and Rosie support the idea. I don't want to leave her alone with a child."
"Don't worry, that little one is too good for you. And no matter what happens, I'll always have her back, and I have not a single doubt that you'll be a good father."
"How do you manage to comfort and insult me at the same time?" Ray asked jokingly.
"What can I say? It's a talent," Amy replied with a laugh.
"If you do decide to go through with it, I'll be there for that little one no matter what happens. To be honest, I want you to give me a grandchild, but I won't pressure you. You're mature enough to make this decision on your own."
Arriving home and steeling herself for the conversation, Lily said:
"Grandma, sit down, we need to talk."
Rosie had noticed that Lily was thoughtful when she returned home. Rosie knew the girl well and understood she was preparing for a serious conversation. Sitting next to her granddaughter, Rosie took her hand and said gently:
"Whatever happens, we'll get through it, like we always do."
These words were the last straw for the girl, and she told everything about Ray's illness.
"I don't regret starting this relationship, but I'm truly scared of losing him. He's a good person, and I want something of him to remain after he's gone. And I'll do anything for that."
"If you're truly ready to do this, I won't stand in your way," Rosie said, gently embracing Lily, who at some point had started crying. The fear of losing her beloved weighed too heavily on the girl.