Breathe
by;michimichiro
Chapter 33
I woke up feeling something strange in my body. I checked my surroundings, but then I heard an unfamiliar sound. Slowly opening my eyes, I was blinded by the bright light above me. When I opened my eyes again, I saw Sarah looking at me with a sad expression.
"Sarah, why are you here?" I asked weakly, meeting her gaze.
She smiled sadly and gently touched my head.
"Eli, I'm glad you're awake," she said, holding back tears.
"Where am I? Why are you here?" I inquired.
"You're in the hospital. You fainted during yesterday's interview," Sarah replied.
I tried to remember what happened, but my memory was blank.
"Why didn't you tell me about your illness? We could have helped you," Sarah questioned, her voice filled with emotion.
Realising her concern, I took a deep breath before responding.
"Sarah, telling others about my illness won't change anything. It was already at stage 3 when I found out."
"There are treatments available. Let me help you find the right doctors," Sarah pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I don't want pity or sympathy. I've accepted my fate. Please leave me be," I expressed firmly.
"Don't give up. Fight for the ones who care about you, especially for Zia," Sarah urged, her words filled with determination.
I was moved by Sarah's sincerity and love, knowing she cared deeply for me despite my feelings for someone else.
"Eli, I love you, but I understand where your heart truly lies. Please, fight for your life, for that person," Sarah whispered, her voice filled with resignation.
"Fight your illness for Zia's sake, Eli. You have a reason to keep going," Sarah urged.
"Why do you think I've worked so hard to reach where I am today? Everything I do is for Zia. I want to give her life back, and I've already achieved that before this cancer took over. If I pass away tomorrow, I'll have no regrets, Sarah. I've accomplished everything I wanted in life. I've secured Zia's freedom, and everything I've earned will be hers," I explained.
"Listen to yourself. Do you think that's what she truly desires? She doesn't want your wealth; she wants you. Fight your illness because you can't give up!" Sarah pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
I remained silent, knowing I couldn't argue with Sarah. I yearned to live, but I accepted my fate when the doctor informed me of my limited time left. I had dedicated myself to helping Zia, the only person who treated me like family, despite the pain she had caused me.
"Eli! If you won't listen to me, I will talk to Zia. I'll ask Margot's help if that's what it takes to save you," Sarah declared with unwavering determination.
As Sarah left the hospital room, her unwavering determination lingered in my thoughts. I could see the resolve in her eyes, refusing to abandon me. Gratitude mixed with guilt filled me—gratitude for her care yet guilt for causing her pain by rejecting her efforts.
I closed my eyes, slipping into a troubled sleep. When I woke up, Zia was by my side, her eyes reflecting concern.
"Eli, Sarah told me everything," she said gently, holding my hand. "Why didn't you tell me? We could have faced this together."
A lump formed in my throat at the anguish in her expression. "Zia, I didn't want to burden you. I've come to terms with my fate."
Tears welled up in her eyes as she refused to accept defeat. "No, I won't give up! You've done so much for me. Let me do this for you now."
Before I could object, Sarah entered with a woman I didn't recognise—confident yet warm in demeanour.
"Eli, meet Margot, my ex-girlfriend. She's a top oncologist," Sarah introduced. "She's agreed to personally handle your case."
Margot offered a reassuring smile. "I've reviewed your medical records. With the right treatment, we can beat this cancer."
Their determination overwhelmed me. Zia squeezed my hand. "Please, Eli, give yourself a chance. Do it for me."
Moved by their determination, I realised my selfishness in giving up. Their unwavering support inspired me to fight.
With a nod, I agreed, "Okay, I'll try. For you, Zia."
Relief washed over them as Sarah and Margot discussed treatment options. Zia embraced me, whispering, "Thank you for not giving up on us."
At that moment, a flicker of hope ignited within me—a chance to battle alongside those who refused to let me go. I resolved to gather my strength and walk the challenging road ahead, knowing they would be there every step of the way.
In the following weeks, my life revolved around medical treatments and procedures guided by Margot. The initial chemotherapy left me exhausted and queasy, but Zia remained by my side, offering unwavering support and patience through the tough times.
"You're quite stubborn," she teased, fluffing my pillows. "But I'm glad you're letting us care for you now."
Sarah was equally persistent, ensuring I followed Margot's instructions diligently. Despite moments of pain and fatigue that tempted me to give up, they never allowed me to dwell on defeat for long.
"You will overcome this, Eli," Sarah asserted. "We won't accept anything less."
Margot's expertise shone as she tailored my treatment based on my body's response. Her dedication, despite our initial unfamiliarity, left me in awe.
During a hopeful moment, I questioned her motivation. "Why go to such lengths for me, Margot? We are practically strangers."
She responded with a warm smile. "Because you mean the world to the woman I hold dearest. Sarah's love for you is reason enough for me."
Her words highlighted the sacrifices Sarah was making, balancing her career with hospital duties to ensure I was never alone. Her unwavering commitment overwhelmed me.
Gradually, the treatments began to chip away at the cancer. With each positive update, I saw hope gleaming in Zia and Sarah's eyes. Their encouragement and affection fueled my determination.
"You see? We can do this," Sarah chuckled, squeezing my hand after a promising test result.
Tears of joy filled Zia's eyes. "You will make it, Eli. Keep fighting for both of us."
Their unwavering belief in me provided strength. I resolved to match their efforts with every ounce of perseverance I could muster.
The battle was arduous, marked by setbacks and painful procedures. Some days, staying conscious was a struggle. Margot's expertise, coupled with the unwavering devotion of my guardians, helped me cling to life.
One night, after a gruelling round of chemo, Zia leant in and tenderly kissed my forehead.
"Thank you," she whispered, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you for giving us hope and not giving up."
In that moment, I realised that every hardship had been worthwhile to witness the relief and love in her eyes. She had given me a reason to live when I was on the brink of surrender.
Bolstered by Zia and Sarah's love, I discovered newfound strength. My recovery progressed steadily until the day Margot delivered life-altering news:
The cancer was in remission.
Zia broke into tears of gratitude, embracing me tightly as Sarah and Margot beamed with pride. Through their perseverance, we had triumphed over an impossible challenge.
"I told you we could do it," Sarah laughed, her eyes shimmering with emotion.
As I held Zia close, cherishing her warmth and the fresh start I had been granted, a wave of gratitude washed over me. Without these remarkable women, I would have forfeited a second chance at life.
After Margot's final examination, she outlined the next steps. "The hard work isn't over. You must continue with maintenance treatments and regular check-ups. No skipping appointments," she winked.
I pledged, squeezing Zia's hand, "You have my word. I won't waste this miracle you've all given me."
Sarah playfully ruffled my hair. "We'll hold you to that promise."
In the ensuing months, I adapted to a new routine under Margot's guidance, while Zia and Sarah ensured I adhered to every instruction diligently. Though challenges persisted, I faced each day with a renewed spirit.
Having confronted death and emerged by a narrow margin, I cherished every smile and laugh shared with my two guardians, who had pulled me back from the brink.
Slowly but surely, I regained my strength and independence under their meticulous care. Upon being deemed fit for discharge, Zia brought me back to the mansion I had acquired with my wealth.
"This is yours now," I told her with a smile as we entered the grand foyer. "Everything I own is yours."
Tears glistened in her eyes as she shook her head. "I don't want your riches or possessions, Eli. I only want you, alive and besides me."
She cupped my face gently. "You are my family, my home. That is all I need."
In that moment, her words enveloped me in a warmth I had never known. Zia had transformed my life, filling it with love and family. Sarah and Margot had joined her, offering me a reason to live—a loving family I had never imagined having.
Embracing Zia, I knew my personal battle had concluded. The suffering and pain had given way to peace and contentment in the arms of those who cherished me.
I was finally home—with them in this new chapter, blessed with a priceless second chance to embrace life to the fullest.
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