My mom stands up and exits the room. "Okay...what do I want to do?" a feeling of desire and longing fill the air. The pen begins to glide across the paper with grace, writing a slew of ambitions. Once complete, the paper reads,
"Atlas's bucket list
1. Visit the Skydeck
2. See live music
3. Go to a party
4. Visit the Garfield park conservatory
5. Learn how to swim
6. Get a tattoo
7. Dye my hair
8. Sleep under the stars
9. Cliff dive
10. Fall in love
"Hm,"
I examine the paper carefully. Satisfied with the results, I reach over and grab my phone to shoot a text to my mom.
"Hey mom, wrote the bucket list. U ask the doctor if it was okay for me to go?"
quickly, she replies back,
"Wonderful, and yes I did. She said it would be good for you to get some fresh air. I'll be in your room in a minute with some new clothes and your shoes."
I heart her message and opened up my Instagram feed. It's filled with thousands of teenagers living normal lives. As I'm mindlessly scrolling, I come across a picture of a gorgeous monarch butterfly. I can't wait to see one in person.
"Lassy! Here are your clothes."
My mom sets a stack of folded clothes onto my bed along with my old (and now practically deteriorating) converses.
"Thanks mom."
"Of course, dear. Now get dressed and go have some fun! I'll meet you in the lobby so you can show me your list."
I smile and nod as she closes the door behind her. I unfold the stack of clothes piled atop of my bed. I chuckle as I find a black T-shirt with "I ♥ ️CHICAGO" printed on the front in white lettering. Now everyone can think I'm a tourist. A pair of basic blue baggy jeans also lay on my bed. After dressing myself, I take a deep breath in, preparing myself to exit the room I've been confined to for so long. I ruffle my hair in an attempt to make it look at least halfway decent. Then, I turn the handle and make my way towards the lobby. I've honestly never realized how busy the hospital is. Doctors and nurses fill the hallways, most of them looking stressed and tired but still managing to be professional. I have a lot of respect for them, I'd never be able to do what they do. Especially having to be the bearer of bad news to families. I finally reach the lobby where I meet my mom, along with my doctor, Mrs. Rosa.
"Well hello Mr. Vlahos. Nice to see you out of your room. Now, if you have any issues at all while you're out, just call the hospital or one of your parents. Other than that, enjoy yourself, okay?"
"I will, thanks."
I turn to my mom who is smiling at me cheerfully.
"Can I see the list?" she asks.
"Sure."
I hand the list over to her and watch as she scans the paper.
"It's perfect."
I go to reach for the paper again but she snatches it away from me.
"Before you get that tattoo, make sure to run it by me first."
YOU ARE READING
Butterflies
أدب المراهقين[IN PROGRESS, will try to get new chapters out every/every other Friday.] Atlas was diagnosed with cancer. Despite the depression that comes with the knowledge of his unfortunate departure, he writes a bucket list filled with things he wishes to do...
