Weak
1078 Words
Elani
The moment I got out of the plane, my phone didn’t stop from notifying me that I had received messages. Most of it was from Aki, asking me if I had already arrived. The rest of the messages were from the people that I will be meeting. I messaged Aki back so that he would not worry about me during the time I was not around him. I also made some calls to my friends so that they’ll know that I have already arrived.
*Incoming call from Mae*
“Hello, mom. How was the flight? Are you well?”
“Yes, my dear. I am fine. I just feel a little bit dizzy, but overall, I am good. How about you?”
“As usual. I have tons of work to do. Father was nagging me to do all of it today, so that he can make me do more things tomorrow. Such a douche.” Aki never changes.
“Aww. I wish I could help you, Mae. I will do whatever I can so that your dad will lessen your workload.”
“Don’t bother, Mom. He will just say that I am a crybaby, and I always need your help to get away with things. I can do this, mom.”
“Are you sure, Mae?”
“Yes, mom. I need to go now. I have a meeting in fifteen minutes. Father will be mad if I come late. I love you, mom. Take care, please be well!”
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
Mae hung up. I called my friend, Margeaux, who apparently is also my doctor. We were close friends during our college days in Santa Corazon before she decided to go overseas, and continue her career here.
“Hello, Marge! I just arrived at the airport. I am currently waiting for my bags. I was hoping you can send someone to fetch me?”
“Oh, yes! Actually, we also just arrived here at the airport’s parking area. We will come and meet you inside. Wait for us.”
“See you!”
The moment I saw Marge, it felt like the good old times. She looks very young as well! It’s like she didn’t age even a bit!
“I missed you! How are you? You look very young and fresh! Must be the air you breathe here in your country!” I jokingly said.
“Silly! I am doing very well! You too! It’s like you have not aged since the last time we saw each other.” We hugged each other.
“Let’s go now. I want to check on your health.” Marge and I walked outside of the building together. We rode her black van. She has two body guards, and a driver. Margeaux is one of the best doctors here, that’s why she is cared for and protected.
I fell asleep during the time we were on the way to Marge’s house. I think it was a good two-hour ride. Some of my tiredness stripped off because I was finally able to have a power nap. When we arrived at Marge’s, we walked through her house to get to her office. We sat down, and faced each other. Marge was looking through my medical records.
“I was not hoping that I would be the one to say this to you. Elani, your life is getting shorter. As time goes by, your heart is gradually deteriorating. Your condition will lead you to your death. I suppose you told Aki all about this, right?”
I know deep down that my time is near. But it still hurts. Hearing your friend tell you that you are going to die for the next few months. I feel broken. I am shattered to a million pieces. It’s like I know the end, but I cannot do anything to change it. I am drowning.
“No.” I stared on the tangerine carpet on the floor.
“What do you mean? Aki does not know that you’re coming here because of your underlying condition?” Marge was worried too.
“Aki does not know. Neither do Mae. I don’t want them to know. They’ll fall apart.”
“They will, if you don’t tell them that you’re dying. Do you want to die alone? With no one to hold you while you slowly drift away? Elani, I know this is hard for you. It is hard for me too because I am your friend. If it’s hard for me, then how much will this also affect your family? Please don’t handle this on your own. You have people who love you, and want to spend the rest of their lives with you.” I get your point, but it’s hard to do what you’re suggesting.
“I know, Marge. But with Aki and Mae’s relationship? Aki will just blame this all on Mae.” I was shaking.
“Do you think that Aki would not do that if you don’t tell them the truth?”
“I--” I felt I was choked. No words came out of my mouth.
“Your fight to your illness will be much harder if you don’t have anyone you can rely on. I know Aki and Mae love you so much. I also know that telling them about this will lessen the burden you are carrying. Please consider telling this to them.”
“I will think about that, Marge. I am lost for words now.”
The room was silent. The only thing we could hear was the ticking of the clock. I feel the pounding inside my chest going really hard. There is nowhere to go, no one to hold on.
“Is there anything that you can do for me that can prolong my life? Anything, Marge. I am desperate.” I don’t know what words I need to say. The only thing running around my mind was that I want to live, yet I didn’t want to share the burden with my loved ones.
“Ela, I know you are aware that we did everything, except for surgery. You said you didn’t want surgery because Aki will know about it. And surgery is the only thing that can save you from this.” The room went quiet again. I just spoke a few words to break the silence.
“Then I guess, I’ll just die.”
- Writer
