The Space in Between

Chapter 27

Dre's condition isn't getting better day by day. If there's one thing he taught me, it's always to seize the moment as long as you have the chance.

I chose to wear this beautiful sky-blue dress that I haven't worn in years. Whenever I wear it, I always get to hear that the color perfectly suits me. I tidied my hair and put a little make-up on.

But apart from being so all made-up, I want to put a brave face on and be at my most cheerful state - the same way he does when he visits the kids' ward.

When I got to the hospital, I met Lara by the door of Dre's room. I can see she's trying to look strong but it's obvious that she's sad and tired as if she hasn't slept in ages.

"Hi, is everything okay?" I asked her.

"Yeah. I guess. I'm not sure." She answered. Every word sounded like a heavy pang in her heart.

"Why don't you take a rest and get some fresh air? I can stay with Dre for some time." I offered.

She was about to decline but I continued, "Don't worry, I'll call you right away if something seems not right."

I can sense there's still a little bit of hesitation but I gave her a smile and an encouraging nod. She finally agreed.

When I entered Dre's room, he lit up. It was like the first day we met him in the hospital bed, smiling at me but this time, it's weaker.

"How are you feeling, buddy?" I asked innocently.

"Feels like a newborn. Couldn't be better." He replied, still smiling.

I know he's lying. I was feeling tense. "You know you're the closest friend I - I have right now." I stuttered while saying it.

He cleared his throat and whispered teasingly, "I'm your ONLY friend right now."

Surprised, I jokingly gave him that piercing look and rolled my eyes. We both laughed.

A few hours had passed and our stomach already hurt from laughing the whole time. I decided to do what I came here for and took a paper out of my purse.

"I know this may sound crazy but you have to bear with me. Please don't judge." I stopped and we both laughed again.

He was waiting so I continued, "I want to read a letter to you." That moment I knew my face suddenly turned red.

He gave a sweet smile and nodded.

I cleared my throat and started.

I'm so used to living alone. Faced all my problems by myself, took all the pains on my own believing that tomorrow is another day, laughed out loud with different groups of people who come and go. I made myself believe that I don't need anyone but in reality, silently, I was searching for you.

I never knew you existed, but I was hopeful. And here you are, looking at me, teary-eyed. And yes, Dre's eyes started to get wet so I smiled at him. I continued.

I wish we could have met when I was living my life to the fullest, when I was at my happiest. But you decided to appear when I decided to disappear. I didn't want you to fix me, I never asked you to save me.

But still, you gave me light, when I already gave up hope. You look past my flaws without judgment and always highlight the goodness in me. Hearing praises is so foreign to me, it makes me cringe.

When you came to my life, I never felt alone for the first time. You made sure to walk next to me every step of the way. You carried me when I could no longer make another step. Thank you for being patient with me when I can no longer give an ounce of patience to myself.

You helped me give a new meaning to life. It's like you lit up a bulb I never knew I had. Through you, I'm shining brighter, sometimes it's even blinding but you never turn down that brightness.

I don't know what I have done to deserve having you.

You filled the void and I could never be happier. I'm opening up that special place in my heart for you to occupy forever.

I promise to always take care of myself, continue to be a source of someone's happiness, and see good in everything around me.

Thank you for fighting for me. Thank you for being my warrior.

He couldn't keep his tears from falling. I held back mine, I just couldn't get the smile off my face.

"You know what's weird? I wrote this letter a few years ago. It wasn't meant for you." We both laughed again.

"Seriously?" He asked. "What's the point of that then?"

"I wrote this letter for my ex-fiancé. It should have been my vow to him on our wedding day. Apparently, he never got the chance to hear it because it seems like I wrote it for the wrong person. This was actually meant for you in the first place." I explained.