Dre's health continued to deteriorate. His breathing required more effort than before. They were days he was more asleep than awake.
"I know the time is near." Dre said in between heavy breathing.
I nodded.
I decided to show up every day as much as I can even though I wasn't sure if I can handle it when that day comes. I also want to be there with Lara if that happens, at least, there's someone she can lean on.
The doctor told us that Dre's fighting but his body was already resisting the medications.
"I want to feel alive." He said while smiling.
"I know a place but we have to get your doctor's approval." I had to be honest so I won't make his hopes high.
He agreed.
Someone was wheeled in suddenly. Sam, Raffy's mom, was pushing her while she's on her wheelchair.
Her smile brightened the room but you can see in her eyes that the perkiness has gone.
"Who's stronger today?" Raffy asked Dre with confidence.
With a weak voice, Dre answered, "You are. You've always been."
Raffy smirked. She continued, "Did you record your sleeping hours today? How long is it?"
In another setting, I might have thought of her as Dre's doctor.
Dre answered, "I have no idea. I lost count." He then gave way to a weak, sarcastic laugh.
Raffy frowned.
He then looked at her and said, "You're so cute. You're such an angel."
Raffy's mom and I looked at each other and smiled. I excused myself to look for Lara and talk to Dre's doctor.
Lara and Sam were sitting in front of each other in the café next to the hospital. Liv told them that she would take care of both Dre and Raffy after having doctors' approval so the two mothers can have their time by themselves. Even with hesitation, they ended up agreeing. They need to re-energize.
Sam noticed Lara's silence. She held Lara's hand from across the table and looked at her sympathetically.
"I thought I was already prepared when the day came but I guess there were no words to describe what I'm feeling right now and what I'd be feeling afterwards." Lara started.
Sam only nodded. She wanted Lara to take this moment to express what she feels.
YOU ARE READING
The Space in Between
Fiksi UmumLiv is chasing death, and Dre is living life to the fullest. She feels hopeless and wants to end everything. He never runs out of energy and is easy-going. Will their Universe align even when they are taking different paths? Will he influence her...
