A Bucket Of Your Heart

Chapter 23

»»23««

I've always talked about how I hated the hospital. Today is a different one though. I'm still nervous like how I always do whenever we go there. But to think that I'd be able to have what I wanted is an enormous feeling.

Today marks the day I'd get a heart transplant surgery. It was pretty serious on my parents' part though. 

Four minutes...

Four minutes before six pm. When the clock strikes six, I'll be going to sleep. 

And I don't know when I'll wake up.

Or if I ever will.

»»♡««

They said life always offers you a second chance. It's called tomorrow. The surgery was successful, and I was thankful everyday when I woke up. 

But after being in the hospital bed for 15 days, having a tube in my throat, the only person missing in those days was Clyde. 

So when I got better, I eagerly asked them about him. I was excited, you know. I couldn't speak at all before. Today was different. Even though it was still hard for me to walk, I couldn't hide how happy I felt. Kulang nalang ipagsigawan ko sa lahat na maayos na 'ko.

Well I couldn't really say I was already better. It will just prolong my life but the problem is I don't know when. So I was really hoping for this day. I'm going to do everything I want to. To savor every moment and every experience. To create more, with them. My parents, friends and most especially the reason why I'm this hopeful, Clyde.

"Mom! Dad!" I said out loud when I saw them from a distance. My voice was still hoarse.

I hurriedly went over to them. Sinalubong nila ako. 

"Are you sure you can already manage?" she asked.

"I'm okay. Have you gotten a hold of Clyde?" 

I've been asking them this question whenever I got the chance but to no avail he never really went to visit our house or here in the hospital. We never saw each other after that one night so he didn't get the chance to know that I'll have my transplant surgery.

I talked to Marielle too and she said he didn't go to school for how many days already. That information was bothering me. I know he said that Tatang Marcelo needed help at the amusement park but was it that difficult to go to school? But you know, maybe he didn't want to because I wasn't there anyway. 

It's been four weeks already. Before it was just days that's why I was worried. 

"Cloe, sweetie. May sasabihin kami sa'yo." 

My heart started to pound so hard. Bakit kasi ang seryoso nila.

"What?"

I looked at them, looking at each other.

"Surprise!!" 

Wait what? 

Suddenly all my friends were there and also Clyde. They were carrying balloons and stuff.

"Ba't ang tagal mong dumating?!" reklamo ko kay Clyde who's going near me with flowers in his hand. 

He laughed. 

"Cloe?" 

I lifted my head. It was just an illusion. 

"You're joking right?" I forced a laugh. 

Mom shook her head. 

"He's gone, Cloe." dad said.

It's just a joke. But why would Mom cry and why would dad look at me with empathy in his eyes? Isn't a joke supposed to be funny? To make someone laugh his whole heart out?