The One That Got Away

Chapter 12: In Between

This must have been the longest minutes of his life. Erik is siting infront of him feeling uncomfortable also. Ian on the other hand wiggling his foot and glancing to him once in a while. He's praying that his bestfriend and the doctor is just joking. He's praying that the initial diagnosis is just misinterpret or incorrect. He's praying that this is just a big mistake. He sigh. The moment he's about to ask erik, the doctor arrived with his papers that he assumed the results and he immediately sit on his chair infront of them. Erik and Ian both sigh and straigthen up their seat ready to be bombed by the big news. The doctor laid his papers, cleared his throat and looked at the both of them.

Doc: Ian, I'll go straight with you. The tumor in your frontal and temporal lobe is already 5 centimeters in width, and it looks like it's been a while

Ian: why is it like this? How is it possible?

Doc: there is no definite cause for brain tumor, it could also happen to children or adults, it's not uncommon for young people like you to get it that's why you suffer from headache and often feel irritated. That's all due to the brain tumor.

Ian: so, is it very serious? (He asked calmly)

Doc: the tumor is very close to your cerebral artery. That's why it causes hemorrhage. The constant severe headache and also the fainting you experienced today are both has something to do with the tumor. The condition is not looking good. And the only treatment we have now is the surgery.

Ian: and what is the rate of success?

Doc: only 15%

Ian: what if I don't get that operation? Hindi ba pwedeng daanin muna sa medications?

Doc: based on your condition now, the tumor is big enough to endanger your life. Removing the tumor is the fastest and most efficient way. If you don't do the operation, you would have a few months at most. We have to do the operation as soon as possible. But you also have to prepare yourself. The risk of the operation is very high especially since the brain is such a delicate organ. Even if it's successful, you could suffer blindness, amnesia, or even paralysis as well as other unpredictable side effects.

His case was hopeless. He wanted to runaway. Now, how can he actually live his life to the fullest, his life with shin knowing that this disease doesnt guarantee him 100% curable. He wanted to scream, wanted to punch the doctor in his face, he wanted to throw everything that hes holding. After a few more advices and recommendations of the doctor, Erik drove him home. Awang-awa siya sa kaibigan. Matagal nading iniinda ng kaibigan ang tindi ng sakit sa ulo, but they all thought that this is just a simple migraine. He looked at him once in a while while they are the road, he wanted to comfort him, and to say that everything will be okay, but if hes going to be honest with himself, Ian's case is hopeless. Hopeless. So he just shut his mouth up and promised himself that whatever happens, hes always gonna be there for his bestfriend.

When they got home, Ian went immediately to his room without a word. Erik on the other hand, decided to stay for a while and made an important call. When the call finished, Erik proceded to Ian's room to check him, but at shocked at what he's doing. Ian is throwing all his clothes in to a luggage.

Erik: ian! What are you doing?? What were you thinking??! Aalis ka?! Ian you have a severe condition!

Ian: thats exactly my point! Erik mamamatay na ako!!

Erik: hindi ian! If only you will choose to have that operation!

Ian: gulong gulo na ako! I want shin back.

Erik: what?!

Ian: thats the least i can do now erik, all my life Ive been dreaming of having a future with shin. Having a kids with her and grew old with her. Pero pano na ngayon? This fucking sickness is killing me! Paano ko magagawa lahat ng iyon?. If that operation only assures us 15% for me to survive!.

Erik: but we have to try!

Ian: what if i dont survive?! Ha?! Ilalaan ko yung buong oras kong buhay pa ako sa pagpapagamot sa sakit ko?..Tapos hindi magiging successful yung operation?

Erik: dont say that! I have a cousin in the states nuerosurgeon. I consulted your case. Sabi nila mga 30-40% yung survival.

Ian: tsk.. ano naman pinagkaibahan nun? 40%? That is still low! Kailangan ko pang mabuhay erik. Para kay shin.

Erik: yun nga ian eh. Para kay shin. You will do this for shin. You have to do this for shin.

(That hit ian. He needs to survive for shin. For shin.)

Ian: okay just give me one month.... Just one month. Pagkauwi ko galing sa london, ill take the risk. Bahala na. Tatanggapin ko whatever the result, I just want shin to feel all my love for her, kahit sa huling pagkakataon na.

Erik: (nooded)

Ian: please do me a favor, sana tayo nalang yung makakaalam nung sitwasyon ko. Sasabihin ko naman kina mama before my operation eh. Just dont mention it to others lalo na kay shin.. Ayaw kong maawa sila sa akin. Please promise me na wala kang pagsasabihan kahit na anong mangyari. Please erik?? Ikaw nalang ang pinagkakatiwalaan ko ngayon please.

Erik: ofcourse Ian, and I dont even have the right to.

(Erik smiled, and tapped Ian's arms, Ian returned it with a faint smile.)