Before You Say Goodbye

CHP 28: WHY THIS INJUSTICE WITH ME?

A few hours later, everyone gathered at the hospital, tensed since Catherine hadn't regained her consciousness yet. All of Cat's close friends and family were present, everyone except Michel. He was nowhere to be seen and they all felt that he would've gotten stuck with some really important or personal because of which, he left the hospital. But, Michel wasn't of the kind who'd leave at such a crucial moment; and Cheryl thoroughly denied accepting that he wasn't here because he was busy. So, she went to a quiet corner and called him straight away."Hey? Where the hell are you? I know you haven't left because you have any important work. So, don't you dare lie to me.... now tell me, what's up with you?" Demanded Cheryl."It's...uh...I...I can't, I just can't, I've had enough. I'm done here" answered Michel, sobbing."Huh? Mike? Michel! Are you okay? Why're you crying? What is it that you can't?? Where are you? Okay wait, we need to talk in person right now. Tell me where you are and I'll come to see you...Mike? Are you listening?" "Yeah...I'm listening. It's alright Cher, you don't need to come...but, I'm at the Church near the hospital, Mt.Mary church. So, I'm not that far away. Call me if there's anything urgent. " And he ended the call.Cheryl informed everyone that she was going to the Church to pray and will be back soon. Everyone seemed okay with what Cheryl had said, but somehow, Kate couldn't accept that Cheryl was going to the Church at this time, right when Catherine was just a few minutes before waking up. Cheryl left the hospital and rushed towards the church, followed by Kate.As she reached the Church, she found Michel crying with an epistle[letter] in his hand, bending down in front of the statue of JESUS CHRIST. "You have wronged me! They say that everyone is equal in God's eyes but, why have I always been the unfavorable child!? Why this injustice with ME? You gave me a dark colour, which, I was fine with...I learned to move forward in life despite all the taunts I've received over the years. You gave my parents a poor livelihood. You know they work hard, but no matter how much they earn, there's always a financial crisis. Most of the money goes into the medical treatment for the constant health issues Elijah (his younger brother) faces. He doesn't deserve to always be sick. Why can't he have a healthy life!? And as if all this wasn't enough, you're now trying to snatch the person I love the most. Why does she have to go through such immense torture and discomfort! People around me always suffer. Why am I so ominous father, why!?" Michel collapsed on the floor with tears flooding his eyes."Michel! Wait...what? Did I just hear it correctly? Are you alright? Get up bud" said Cheryl, trying to keep aside the shocking words she just heard and focusing more on supporting Michel back on his feet. She tried to calm him down as they sat on the benches.Kate realized this wasn't the right time to show up and hence she stood away behind a bush, where no one could see her, but she could hear them speak. "Enough of all this Cheryl! I'm just fed up with all the suffering. I can't play along with God's plan anymore. Why is all this pain only given to me! I feel like just giving up and leaving. Sometimes I just wish I was dead. But, as soon as I think of death, I can see faces of my parents, my brother, Catherine, and all of you as well, and then I lose courage. I feel like there are people who still care about me but, there's a breaking point for everyone Cheryl...This is just - I" *voice cracks as tears roll down his cheeks* Cheryl places her hand on Michel's shoulder, gently patting him. "You know Cheryl, the Almighty is playing games with me. Now, he has done something even worse. He is messing with Catherine too. I know I should've never liked her. I should've never felt for her. Had I not done that, she would've still been healthy and happy. Every person I love has been cursed! All they get is pain and suffering and yet somehow, Jesus leaves me! Why can't I be the one instead of Cat...why can't I just bloody die! " screamed Michel and punched the wall. His pain was so intense that even Cheryl couldn't figure out what to do that will calm him down. Cheryl was quiet for a while after Michel's outburst. A brief silence later, when Michel was a bit better and in a state to listen, she started comforting him, saying, "Mike, honestly I don't really know what to say that will make you feel better. But, trust me everything happens for a reason and you are NOT unlucky. Do you get that? You are one of the best people I know. And as they say, God only gives hardships to those who are capable of handling them. You are very strong Michel and do not ever think of giving up your life or I'll bash you black and blue. Also, I wouldn't say everything is alright right now because quite evidently, it's nowhere close to that. But I can still say this, Catherine isn't going anywhere! She is a fighter and she WILL overcome this...okay? She's gonna be with us". After Cheryl said this, she took the letter Michel was clutching in his hand and he too, let her take it. Upon reading the content of the letter, she was stunned and speechless. It was a love letter that Michel had written to Catherine. "Yes, I know. You didn't expect this. Honestly, I've liked Cat for a very long time and I want to say it all to her. I wanted to confess to her for the longest time, but I couldn't find the courage. And now that all this has happened, I can't, I just can't. I don't have the strength it takes to see her like that, with IV tubes all around her. It breaks me every time I see it. Plus, she's in the hospital and after she gets the shocking news that she has cancer, I just can't give her another shock. It's just not right." gasped Michel."I understand the situation you're in Michel. But, you know what, if you really believe that she's your true love and that you like her a lot, you should tell her. She has the right to know that there's someone who loves her so much. Besides, what if she too likes you? She also needs someone to love, and if she finds out there is someone who loves her unconditionally, don't you think it'll help her in this tough period?" explained Cheryl with a soothing calmness in her voice. She even suggested him to read out his letter (epistle) to Catherine if he felt too nervous to say it to her face just like that. But, Michel chose to confess to her first and then maybe read the letter or just hand it to her later. Kate, who was standing hidden, away from them, heard the entire conversation and after reassuring herself that everything was fine with Michel and that Cheryl would be able to handle it,  she left.