FRAGILE STRENGTH

FRAGILE STRENGTH LAST CHAPTER

[1 week past]

Kio's pov— It’s been a week since I went home. I visit Violet whenever I have free time. My parents allow it because she’s one of the reasons I fought so hard to beat my illness.

Kio: How are you?

Violet's pov— I could see she was struggling just to sit up in bed, so I visited her in her room instead.

Kio: Has your family visited you yet?

Violet: You already know the answer to that...

(Violet tries to smile despite the pain)

Kio:You'll get better, Violet. I’m right here. I hope I’m not bothering you by coming here so often?

Violet: You’re never a bother to me, kio.

Kio's pov— There were tubes connected to her body, and she was struggling to breathe. I always told her stories so she wouldn't get bored.

Violet: Can you come here on Sunday?

Kio:Of course. Why?

Violet: It’s my birthday on Sunday.

Kio's pov—It made me sad that I couldn't take her out or go anywhere; our world just revolved around the hospital.

Kio: I’ll be there. Just promise me you’ll keep fighting to get well, Violet.

Violet: I promise.

Kio's pov— I waited for her to fall asleep before I went home. Afterward, my family went to the province to visit my grandmother for two days. We got back late, and I was exhausted. The next morning, before going to the hospital, I bought a cake for Violet. It was her 18th birthday. She once told me she hadn't received a birthday cake since she was a child. I was sure she would be happy.

Kio's pov— I was excited as I approached her room, but then I saw a nurse rushing inside. I asked what was happening, but they ignored me. I felt a terrible knot in my stomach. When I reached her door and looked through the glass, I saw the nurses performing CPR on her. They did it over and over, waiting for a response that never came. My tears began to fall, and my legs started shaking. "Violet, please fight!"

Kio's pov— But she couldn't hold on. The nurses stopped the CPR. The doctor looked at me and shook his head. Feya was gone.

Kio's pov— It was infuriating that her father, the one who had hurt her so much, only showed up once she was dead. I honestly wanted to hit him right then and there. But out of respect for Violet, I held back. Her death hurts so much. I didn't even get to make her happy on her birthday. "You said you’d get well... you promised me, Violet. You’re so unfair." Violet was one of the reasons I wanted to live. I fought my illness because I thought I would be happy with her. I never got to tell her how much she helped me.

Kio's pov— It has been some time since Violet passed. She wrote a letter before she died, but I wasn't ready to read it until now.

Violet's (Letter):Hi kio. If you’re reading this, I’m no longer in this world. I just want to say thank you for always being by my side. You never left me. Thank you for accepting me and not treating me like an enemy, unlike everyone else. Thank you for everything.

It looks like I won’t make it, kio. I can feel my body giving up. I’m sorry, but I tried to fight. I think it’s better for me to rest now so I won’t be in pain anymore. I’m sorry I couldn't keep my promise to get well. But don't worry, I’ll be watching over you, just like you did for me.

It seems I won’t even make it to my birthday. What a "gift" the world is truly cruel to me. Don't be sad, okay? You have to stay happy. I don't want you to cry at my funeral... though you might be the only one there who actually would. This is it, kio. Take care of yourself. I forced myself to write this even though it’s hard because I know tomorrow I’ll be gone. Always be careful. I love you very much.

Kio's pov— I wasn't ready for this, and yeah i cried again thinking our memories we left in this world. I promise to myself that i will enjoy my life and be happy for her, for Violet.

[Kio's crying]

Kio: Violet if you there, thank you for everything, and i.. i love you too.