GONE TOO SOON

GONE FOREVER

" Dad i am okay , you don't have to worry about me , hi guys ," he said turning to his friends. They chip chatted the whole day laughing together and later in the evening the students went back to their home. The following day was on a Monday and the students were expected to report to school as usual . Mr Toshi was requested to give a summery of their stay at Eco farm . " Good morning students , as you all know , we had a one week trip to Eco farm and it was something more than we have ever imagined. We learned a lot and to crown it up all , we had fun games during the evening and it was so much fun. I want to thank all the senior students for maintaining the highest level of discipline and this class gets the award for being the most obedient class since they walked in this school until now . That aside, with me i also have some bad news which i thought it would be wise if i shared it with all of you ," he paused to clear his throat.

" Levi one of the senior student was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia which has advanced to the adverse stages . Right now he is stable but he needs us . When you get time , just go and visit him , and give him hope. We will be giving you updates about him . That's all for now ," he concluded. " When do we go and pay Levi a visit ?" Nova asked Rio as they walked to their class. " I don't know maybe you tell me . I am ready any day you are free to go ." he replied. " What about Wednesday in the evening ,? i think we won't be having a lesson in the afternoon and we could ask for permission ," What do you think ?" she asked as they entered the classroom. " Sure , i am okay with that . " he said .

On Wednesday after the students had their lunch, Nova and Rio asked for permission and went to visit Levi. " Hi Levi, how are you feeling right now ?" Nova greeted . " Nova and Rio you are here ? welcome ," he said struggling to sit down . " Thank you guys , this means a lot to me . Nova , have you been crying "?" Levi asked staring at her . " I can't help it Levi, but i won't cry anymore because the doctors assured us that you will be okay. Its just a mater of time and you will be back on your feet again. Your seat misses you at school ," she said smiling . '' Lets hope so i believe so after all time will be the ultimate judge of that . " said Levi . " Levi let me ask you something , did you know about your condition before we went to Eco firm ?" Rio asked curiously .

" Yeah , a week before the trip i collapsed and was taken to the hospital and the doctor confirmed that i had leukemia stage 4 . The news came as a shock to me and i knew that i didn't have much time to live ." he paused and continued ," My father tried to stop me from going to the trip but i pleaded with him to allow me go this one time . I wanted to create more memories and put smiles on peoples face . That is why i had to confess my love for you Nova , i wanted to spent as more time with you as possible with you ." he said . " Don't say that , you will live and we will spent as much time as you want with me ," Nova replied . " Okay Levi, we will leave you now , its getting late we will come on Saturday God willing ," Rio said . " Thank you for coming guys , if anything happens to me just know that i love you , especially you Nova . Rio if anything happens and i am gone, please take care of Nova for me and pay my father a visit from time to time ," he concluded .

" Nothing will happen to you and if it does i will do as you said , bye " Rio said . " Bye , Levi , " she said as they left . On Friday morning, the principal called for an argent meeting with the senior class in the dining hall. After they had settled down, Madam Terra stood up and said ," I know you are very curious to know the reason for the urgent meeting , well Levi has a message for all of you .'' she said as she went to sit down . A video of Levi talking was reflected on a big white board and he begun talking ," Hi guys, my name is Levi Salvatore , i was diagnosed with leukemia stage 4 and the diagnosis was very late ," he paused to clear his throat and continued ," I am sorry, I'm sorry to bore you with all this , Mr Toshi, i am sorry about your mothers condition , i hope she will get well soon . I want you to know that i am very proud of you and to you Idris you don't have to drop out of school , you will study until the time you will decide to quit it yourself. Nova , Nova , Nova , i know right now a tear is dropping from one of your eyes , " he paused as all eyes turned to look at her. His words were true . Nova actually had tears on her cheeks and she wiped it with an handkerchief .

He continued ," I want to confess to the whole world that i love you . I would have wished to spent the rest of my life with you . I want to urge you guys to live peacefully with each other. Always put a smile on each others face and that will make be happy. Goodbye. " his speech ended. Madam Terra stood up with a shopping bag, took out a bonquet of floweres and handed it to Nova , " Nova this is for you , " she said . She then handed a piece of envelope to Idris and mr Toshi . " Oh my God , Levi left me a cheque of 6 million to further my studies and clear my school fees balance , thank you levi , " Idris said jumping up and down before the students.

Mr Toshi stood up , eyes glued to the envelope , " I can't believe Levi has paid for my moms hospital bills, thank you Levi , now i believe in miracles ," he said with a shaking voice . " Madam Terra , can we go and visit Levi, he needs us right now , please don't say no ," Nova said . Masam Terra stood up , face looking down ," I am sorry, Levi is dead ," she said . The room went silent. Nova stood up and ran outside . One by one the students left the room shading tears silently. They sobbed bitterlt as everyone recalled how good Levi was to everybody. " We have lived with you all this time and we didn't know you were saying goodbye ," Nova cried bitterly.

The school was suspended one week to honour and moarn their friend . After the burrial, Nova laid on her back facing the sky holding a big frame with Levis photo, she smiled and said," The angels looked down from heaven one night, they searched for miles afar, and deeo within the distance they could see a shining star, which is you Levi, goodbye my little star in the sky, rest easy my friend,"