Hold On I Still Need You

-The Vibrant Colors of Joy-

A/N: "True Colors" Justin Timberlake & Anna Kendrick. 

Sophie's POV: 

I opened my eyes to the gentle morning light seeping through the curtains, a heavy weight settled in the pit of my stomach. The news from the doctors still echoed in my mind, the harsh reality of my limited time circling like vultures above me. Six months. That's all I had left if they couldn't find a cure for my disease. The room felt suffocating, the walls closing in around me, a stark reminder of my mortality.

I turned to my bedside table, where a photo of Keefe and I laughed together under the warm summer sun, the sky a brilliant blue canvas above us. Keefe, my best friend, my confidant, my source of light in the darkest of times. He had been my rock since the diagnosis, never leaving my side, his mere presence a balm to my shattered soul.

The weight of that realization settled on my chest, making it hard to breathe. The fear and uncertainty threatened to overwhelm me. It felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair, struggling to stay afloat. But then, amidst the darkness, there was a flicker of light.

As I got ready for school, a ray of hope pierced through the clouds of despair. Keefe. My best friend. He was like a burst of colors in an otherwise monochrome world. His mere presence lifted my spirits, pushing back the shadows that threatened to consume me. With him by my side, the weight on my shoulders lessened, if only for a moment.

I spotted Keefe as soon as I entered the school grounds. His infectious smile greeted me, and suddenly, the world seemed a little brighter. We fell into step together, his easy chatter filling the air around us. His jokes were like medicine for my soul, momentarily distracting me from the specter of my illness.

"Hey, Soph! How's my favorite warrior princess doing today?" Keefe's voice was laced with his trademark humor, a shield against the harsh realities we faced.

I laughed, a genuine smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Warrior princess, huh? I might need a suit of armor to fight this battle."

Keefe's eyes softened, his expression turning serious for a moment. "You're stronger than you think, Sophie. We'll get through this together, no matter what. I promise."

His words wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, dispelling the shadows that threatened to creep back in. In that moment, I believed him. With Keefe at my side, I felt invincible, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Throughout the day, Keefe stayed by my side, a constant source of strength and support. We immersed ourselves in our studies, losing ourselves in the world of books and learning. But amidst the hustle and bustle of school life, there was a quiet understanding between us, a bond that transcended mere friendship.

At lunch, I joined Keefe and our friends at our usual table. Biana, Dex, Tam, Linh, and Marella welcomed me with smiles that tried to mask the worry in their eyes. We chatted about our day, about trivial things that felt precious in the face of my looming deadline. Their laughter was a balm to my soul, a fleeting moment of respite from the darkness that threatened to consume me.

"So, Sophie, I was thinking we should do a group project together for the science fair," Dex suggested, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.

"That sounds like a great idea," I replied, mustering a smile for his sake. The thought of a future beyond my six-month deadline felt like a distant dream, but I wanted to hold onto it, if only for a little while longer.

"I'll help too! We can create something amazing together," Linh chimed in, her voice filled with determination.

As the conversation drifted to our project ideas, I found myself swept up in their excitement, the warmth of their friendship thawing the ice around my heart. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to believe in the possibility of a future beyond my illness, in the vibrant colors of joy that painted the world around me.