Autumn of May

CHAPTER 41: The Picnic

(Warning: Long Chapter Ahead)

We stayed at the hospital for how many days. Abbi barely wake up from her sleep. She barely smiles and her face is so pale. At first, I don't know how to face her. Because even that I tried my best to smile, for her not to worry about me, but inside of me, I wanted to hug her tight and do all the things that will make our every second worth it.

Nikka and Steve always visited here in the hospital and me, I never go home ever since she was admitted in the hospital. She's quite stable now but there are times that she will have some sort of heavy breathing and day by day, her body became weak. She's quietly looking at the book I gave her, she's reading it and that keeps her busy. She raised her head and smiled at me. Ngumiti ako pabalik sa kaniya. "Y-you should go home and rest Xav" she said in a very slow and weak voice.

Lumapit ako sa kaniya at hinawakan ko ang kaniyang kamay. "I'm okay Abbi, nakatulog naman ako ng mahimbing kagabi" I assure her. But honestly, I've never been sleeping for how many days already. She smiled gently and talk, "You know Xav, panahon na siguro upang malaman nina Lola at Lolo ang kalagayan ko"

Hindi ako umimik. I am worried kasi baka hindi niya kayanin ang mangyari and I'm afraid maybe something bad might happen to her. "Are you sure about that?" I asked her. Tumango siya ng mahina. "Oo Xav, matagal ko nang tinatago ito sa kanila and I think if they'll know mabibigyan ako ng peace of mind" she said. I caressed her hair and said, "Okay, if that's what you want" and I smiled at her. Agad kong kinuha ang phone ko sa mesa and dialed Nikka's number. I wanted to inform Nikka first before doing anything kasi siya naman ang mas nakakaalam when it comes to this matter.

Agad namang sumagot si Nikka so I informed her about Abbi's request. Sumang-ayon naman kaagad si Nikka and after a while, dumating kaagad siya sa hospital kasama si Steve at ang Mom niya. We both talked about Abbi's request and we come up with a plan na dadalhin namin sa labas ng hospital sa may garden si Abbi and we will have them a small picnic outside. Everyone agreed as well as Abbi and so tinawagan ko si Carlo na puntahan sa bahay nila ang lolo at lola ni Abbi and Carlo will be also the one who will assist them here at the city.

After a couple of discussion we are all set and naghintay nalang kami dumating dito ang grandparents ni Abbi. While waiting, Abbi fall asleep and everyone gather around at the sofa. "You know what, we haven't even do the wishlist that we had last time" Nikka said as she pointed out na hindi manlang nakalahati ang mga natupad na wishes sa wishlist namin. "Yeah right" I replied shortly. Nikka and Steve stared at me concerned about my current physical, emotional, and mental status. Steve reached his hand and gently tap my shoulder. "You're doing great Xav, alam kong magiging okay si Abbi. You don't have to worry that much" I smiled at him as if thanking him about the comfort.

After a short dinner, we prepare everything we need for tomorrow at natulog na kami. We will have a great day ahead and I want Abbi to be happy. She really deserved to be.

—-

(Alarm clock ringing)

I suddenly stood up from the couch and when I opened my eyes. Abbi is smiling while looking at me. Today, her face is bright and reddish as if she's not sick. She's already wearing a pink cute dress that matches her cute little face. "It's already 10 o'clock" she said while giggling. Nakakabit parin sa kaniya ang dextrose at oxygen and she's now prepared to meet her grandparents.

Pumasok si Nikka at Steve sa loob and they signaled me na everything is already set at si Abbi nalang ang kulang. I asked the nurse to assist me na ilipat namin si Abbi sa wheelchair. After putting Abbi on the wheelchair, I walk to her front and smiled at her. "You're so beautiful today, Abbi" I said and she smiled at me. I slowly pull myself up at dahan dahan na itinulak ang wheelchair ni Abbi palabas ng silid. Habang papunta palang kami sa garden, I saw the designs already and it's so serene and calm. Mayroong malaking picnic mat sa gitna and there are fancy designs that serves as a hallway.