Winning Skylinn

35

*present day*

Dear Jonny,
It's your birthday, and it's weird because I'm sitting next to you at the hospital. I wish we could celebrate, but you're just kinda lying there unconscious so...
I made you a cake, even though you're not gonna eat it. And then there's the fact that you hate sugar. I never understood that. Who doesn't like sugar?! Remember when you had that birthday party in third grade and you didn't have any cake or ice cream? You were so embarrassed... I don't know why I still remember that.
I can't believe this is your last year as a teenager. Next year you'll be 20!! I know you'll be here for that. You're going to wake up, I just know it.
But could you at least try to hurry?
Love,
Skylinn

I folded up the letter and took a bite of chocolate cake. It was moist and practically perfect, except that I was eating it all alone.

"Knock, knock."

I looked up, startled, and saw Jake standing in the doorway.

"Hey!" I jumped up to greet her, and we hugged. It had been awhile since I'd seen her.

"Just thought I'd come by and wish the old geezer a happy birthday," she said, cocking her head towards Jonny. She went over to his bed and just looked at him.

I found myself doing the same.

"What a jerk. Couldn't even wake up for his own birthday," she said jokingly.

I laughed. "I know, right? How rude."

It seemed like joking about Jonny's situation was the only way to deal with the pain. You couldn't take offense with the jokes, because it was all that sustained you, kept you alive. If you didn't at least try to laugh about it, you'd end up in a puddle of tears.

"Thanks for coming," I said to Jake.

"No problem. I'm glad I came. You know, I actually kinda miss the guy. Even though he always wanted to butt in on our sleepovers back in the day."

"Like he doesn't now?"

"Touché."

We laughed softly, so as not to wake up Jonny. As if we could.

"Do you think he'll wake up for your birthday?" Jake asked.

"I sure hope so."

I couldn't imagine a birthday without Jonny. I'd had six of them, but those were before I knew he existed. Every birthday after that had been with Jonny.

If he had to be asleep for his, the least he could do was be awake for mine.

- - -
A/N: Sorry for the short chapter. I've got big things ahead, so stay tuned!