[ CW ] Make a bittersweet story out of a joke .

`` Heh, I guess I'm at the end of my rope here.'' 
 
 The words of the man were melancholy, but had an air of understanding that these were his final moments. However they did nothing to ease the mood of the lone visitor to the man's dismally empty hospital room. The sounds of the gaunt man's shallow breathing matched the electronic beeping of the impassive medical equipment. It was night, car lights flashed through the thinly curtained window, its visage gazing out into the bustling city life below. Rain lightly pattered against the glass frame, adding to the drone of the machines, the breathing, and the hoarse laughter of the room's dying occupant. 
 
 `` Listen, boy, you got ta believe this is for the best, OK? Whatever happens after I pass on, I'll be in a better place. Hell, if I can, I'll be sure to haunt you, heh heh.'' 
 
 The man's attempt at lightening the mood did nothing to soften the boy's resigned expression. His thin shoulders trembled, as if preparing for the tears that might follow- No, no. He promised he would n't cry. 
 
 `` I should probably stop with the jokes.. they're going to be the death of me...'' 
 
 The boy could n't believe the man was making jokes at a time like this. Always the comedian, he was.. The boy did n't feel like laughing either. Tears and joy were not going to be present when the man passed. 
 
 `` Could you at least _try_ to find some humor in this? It's like you're dead inside. Heh..'' Horse laughter followed, descending into a coughing fit. The boy reached out to help, but what could he do? Besides, The man quickly recovered and resumed his shallow breathing, although it was much slower than before. 
 
 The rain kept falling, its steady pace droning on and on. 
 
 `` I know its raining, I know everything seems bleak, but you ca n't be under the weather at a time like this. It'll be fine.'' 
 
 The boy looked up, eyes suddenly glistening. The mechanical beeping increased, and the rain became a steady roar. 
 
 `` Do you know why I keep cracking terrible jokes? It's because I want you to be happy. even at a time like this. You know that.'' His breathing worsened. 
 
 A stray car light passed the window, illuminating the man's face for a brief moment. His eyes sparkled with a reassuring gaze. The boy could n't find the words to say anything. He just wanted to tell the man how much he meant to him, but the words simply vanished. 
 
 The beeping of the monitors became frantic. 
 
 `` Listen. I'll be in a better place, wherever or whatever it is. You'll be fine, OK..! You'' ll be fine. But one last thing.. What did the buffalo say to his son when he left?'' 
 
 The boy could n't believe that the man's last words were going to be a shitty joke- 
 
 `` Bye-son. I love you.'' 
 
 The beeping flatlined, and the boy lost control of his tears. 
 
 The rain returned to its melancholic drone.
