PRESENT:
It had been a month since Jason and Ray got back together, and things were already improving. Jason was talking more, he was asking for help, and his health was better too. The last one happened because Ray was breathing down Jason's neck twenty-four-seven about everything.
In the meantime, Ray became a breathing encyclopedia on cancer. He had read every book, every research paper, every blog... Basically, he read every piece of information there was on leukemia and its treatments. He even contacted all the research centers and ongoing drug trials to find a solution for Jason.
"What's for dinner?" Jason asked as he walked into the kitchen.
"Chicken soup and boiled vegetables," said Ray.
"Eww! After such a hard day at work, this is what you are gonna make me eat?"
"You will sit the fuck down and finish these goddamn greens. Am I clear?"
"Okay, Daddy. Jeez! No need to get angry," said Jason.
By the time Ray finished making dinner, Jason had a quick shower and came back down.
"God, I am so tired. You are cuddling me to sleep, mister, right after dinner," said Jason.
"For that, you have to finish every bit of your food first."
"Yup got it."
"So, Daddy... Huh?" Ray asked.
"What?"
"You called me Daddy earlier. Are we comfortable using that term now?"
"I did? Meh... I guess it's okay now. I mean, whatever happened, happened eons ago. And, telling you about that already healed the scars. And even that was over a decade ago. So, yeah... We can use 'Daddy' now," said Jason.
"Okay, so... Daddy, your birthday is coming up."
"Yeah... Have you noticed that we have known each other for almost twelve years now, and yet, we haven't celebrated each other's birthdays."
"I know... But, um... You know, I have been talking to a lot of doctors lately, and all of them said that the best course of action for you is Bone Marrow Transplant, our original plan. But, they also said that it can't be autologous. You are past that stage. So...I was thinking that maybe we can invite everyone over on your birthday and...ask them if they'll be willing to donate you their stem cells," said Ray.
"Okay. Yeah, sure. I mean, I had to come out with it someday... Also, who all come under everyone?"
"My Mom, Rebecca, Riola, everyone from college, Larry and Martina. I'll also beg Rebecca to make sure to bring her husband. He is Jamaican, just like you. I read that race and ethnicity can improve the chances of a match. And I think Jessica's maternal grandmother was also Jamaican. So, yeah, that's all from my side. Of course, you can add as many people as you want to the list. But no substractions."
"Okay, got it."
•••••
Seventeen days had passed, and Jason's birthday had finally arrived. As he was already nervous about meeting everyone and giving them the news, Ray decided to keep it simple. He set up the place to create a party vibe and then brought in the food and alcohol.
After being treated like a prince the whole day, in bed and otherwise, Jason was finally ready to face everyone. He put on a white dress shirt with black trousers and a black suit jacket. It wasn't anything fancy, just his regular work clothes.
YOU ARE READING
Shell Of A Man
Romance"I guess just spending time with some people fixes everything." Carrying the burdens of his past was Jason Smith. Numb. Emotionless. After all those years, what remained was just a shell of a human being. Dragging his life, one day at a time, becaus...
