//------------------------------//
// In the End 
// Story: It Dwells in Darkness 
// by MisterNick 
//------------------------------//

	Three days passed before Django finally stabilized.  He had suffered over one hundred fractures along with a collapsed lung, and other injuries.  There was some talk that he might not fly again much less play the guitar if he ever woke up.  Yet, through every misstep, every beep of the monitor Zipporwhill waited.  

The shade hadn’t returned nor did Zipporwhill expect it to. She also hadn’t expected for Diamond Tiara to convince her father to pay for their medical bills, but somehow she had talked him into it.  Cards and flowers soon followed as did her mother, who cancelled the rest of the tour to come home and be with her family.  

The days fell off of the calendar. Then a month passed.  Each day after school Zipporwhill would make her way to her father’s bedside and wait.  On the weekend she would remain as long as she was allowed before being ushered out by hospital staff. Yet, after the longest month of her short life, she watched as her father finally opened his eyes for the first time.

“Papa,” asked Zipporwhill her heart pounding a million miles a second as she grinned widely, “Can –can you hear me?”

“Yes,” said Django painfully, “Where is it?”

“It’s gone papa. You got rid of it.”

Django’s gaze fixed slid to the clock then back to his daughter, “Shouldn’t you be in school right now? Who’s looking out for you?”

“Mama is home.  She just went to get something to drink.  Besides Papa, you promised we’d leave together.  I’m keeping that promise. Besides, I’ve been getting my homework and all from Miss Cheerilee so I’m –I’m not behind on anything.”

Django nodded and was in no position to argue, “How is your mama? How is Panchito?

“Fine, I guess.  Mama has been real worried though.”

“I did not mean to make her worry.  I will make it up to her and you as soon as I can.”

Zipporwhill looked down, her eyes welling with tears, “I was so scared papa.  I couldn’t get away from it and when it got you I- I-“

Django gently reached for his daughter and pulled her close.  He kissed the top of her head weakly, “I know you were scared.  I was scared too.”

“Really?”

“Of course,” said Django quietly, “You are my daughter. When I heard what had happened to you I feared the worst. “

“But papa,” started Zipporwhill, “What you did- they say you may never fly or play the guitar again. You love music so much and I-”
“Zips,” interrupted Django, “I will figure it out. Where there is a will there is a way. You just have to know that I will never let anything bad happen to you if I have any say so.  That is what a father does.  He loves and protects his family, no matter the cost.”

Zipporwhill wiped her eyes and gently hugged her father, “I love you papa.”

“I love you Zips.”