Before we say goodbay

★Chapter VI★

The days flew by and 4 months has passed. Every day my contact with Hugo improved. We became best friends. We went out together to parties, to the library to study, Hugo even came to my house a few times for dinner, and he met my parents. My parents really like him. However, even my grades improved day by day as I did my work every day with Hugo.

During that time everything was so perfect that I forgot about my illness and the fact that I didn't have much time left.

One evening my mother came to my room and asked, >>Hi honey, can we talk?<<

Back then I was doing my homework, but I smiled and said in a nice voice, >>Yes, sure! Something happened?<<

My mother sat down next to me and took my hand saying>>Listen, honey ... I know you like Hugo very much ... and me and your dad like him very much too. But,...but does Hugo know about your illness? I know it's not my problem, but I can see how well you guys get along, so I'd like you to be honest with him. He's a really good boy, you'd better tell him the truth ...<<

When I heard that, tears ran down my cheeks and I said in a sad, uncertain voice >>I just don't want to hurt him ...<<

At that moment my mother interrupted me saying >>You will hurt him more by lying to him or telling him about it too late. It's really for your and his good. <<

I looked my mother in the eyes and asked,>>And what should I tell him? Hi Hugo, sorry I didn't tell you that I had cancer. And anyway, I think I have 5 months to live, so yeah. Sorry, I totally forgot about it! Hear Mom? It doesn't even sound serious ?! <<

My mom breathed in and answered as she stood up >>I don't know how you will do it, but tell him the truth.<< And so my mom disappeared from my room. At this point, I didn't have the strength to continue doing my homework. My mother reminded me that I had not much time left. I couldn't expect any better support!

The next day at school, I was in a bad mood. I was tired of having to tell Hugo the truth. The worst thing was that my mother was right that if I didn't tell him I would hurt him much more.

Hugo saw that I was in a bad mood so he asked,>>Joy, are you okay I mean, you look like kinda sad. In addition, you haven't hit me even once today? Everything's okay?<<

I looked at him with my sad face and said >>We have to talk, but after school! Can I see you in the library after school? <<

Hugo smiled and nodded.

After the classes, as we had agreed,we met in the library. I found a place for us where no one else was sitting. So that the whole school didn't know right away that I had cancer and I was dying.
We sat down at the table and I said in a serious voice >>Listen, I have to tell you something ...<<

Hugo interrupted me, laughing and asking, >>Why so serious ,you know you can tell me anything! <<

I looked pissed at him and said, >>This is seriously serious so keep quiet. I will not repeat myself.<<

Hugo looked at me terrified and I continued saying >>Because I didn't tell you something. Something I should probably tell you at the beginning of our friendship is that ... that ... I am sick. I ... I ... have a cancer.<<

Hugo looked at me scared and said >>You better not joke because it's a serious matter!<<

I looked up with tears and waved my head to the side. Hugo, seeing that I was not lying, got up, approached me and told me to get up.
He hugged me tightly and said, >>Listen, no matter what's going on, you can always tell me. We are friends, aren't we? And if you have cancer, it doesn't bother me, and if I have to, I will take care of you.<<

Hugo moved away from me and asked >>When do you start hemotherapy?<<
I looked at him with even more tears in my eyes and said softly, >>I'm not starting it. Hugo, I am dying, I have about 5 months left<<

Hugo hugged me tightly again and asked, stroking my back >>Are you sure that nothing can be done?<<

I replied in a low voice >>I'm 100% sure<< There was silence for a moment and then Hugo smiled at me and said >>Smile! You have 5 months left, it is not worth wasting this time on sadness. Since you don't have that much time left, you should make good use of it ... with me, your best friend, of course. <<

I smiled and wiped my tears saying, >>You're right! no time for sadness!<<
Hugo smiled broadly and stroked my head and said >> I'm sure that you have enough for today, you must be tired for sure. I will walk you home.<<
I nodded with a smile and we left. That's what I loved Hugo for, for being positive. Although for other people he might be an ordinary, quiet and boring nerd, for me he was the most optimistic person in the world. No matter what and when Hugo is always positive and that's what I love about him.