Dying Wish

Chapter 23

Laura slowly opened her eyes to see her parents and Tobias all staring at her. "I'm okay," she said weakly with a scratchy voice that was damaged by her violent cough. It just then dawned on her how rapidly she'd changed and began to deteriorate. She observed her hand, which was looking rather bony. "I want to weigh myself," she told her mom.

"Why?" Her mom asked.

"I think I've lost some weight the past couple of months. I want to check," she said.

Aubrey looked concerned, also realizing how skinny Laura was beginning to appear. She'd always been slender as far as they knew, but she did look like she had some recent weight loss. "Okay," she said, getting a small scale.

Aubrey momentarily returned with a scale and helped Laura out of bed up on the scale. 96.3, it read. It was true- she had lost about ten pounds since a couple of months ago, which was concerning for someone in her condition.

Aubrey called for a nurse to come in and explain the situation. Quiana came. "Hey Aubrey! Hey Laura! What's going on?" Her perky self said.

"Well, Laura's had some weight loss within the last two months, Ten pounds," explained Aubrey with concern. "She was just already so small that I'm worried this is making her too unhealthy. She's in the ninety pound zone."

Quiana looked a bit concerned herself, but maintained grace. "The best thing you can do right now, Miss Laura, is eat. Eat more than usual. Try to gain weight. Treatments usually make people lose weight, which is why I think you've lost some. Just keep eating."

"It doesn't feel very good to eat anymore, though," said Laura. "I can only eat so much before my stomach feels like it's going to explode. Normally a small sandwich or two is enough for me for an entire day."

"Well, you'll have to find some way to pack on some more calories, but be as healthy as you can about it. Get your vitamins and vital nutrients. The more you eat, too, the more your stomach expands so you can eat more," explained Quiana.

"I'll do my best," sighed poor Laura. She hadn't been feeling well for the past couple of months, but was so tired of going to the hospital she stuck it out until she absolutely had to. She would just push through with the love and support of Tobias and her parents.

"You didn't tell me you were feeling so bad," said Aubrey, a little surprised.

Laura was ashamed for not letting her mom know. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to stay home after feeling the niceness of it again."

"I thought you were improving," explained Aubrey.

Laura shook her head no. "I'm never going to. I'm destined to die from this."

"No, Laura," scolded Aubrey, "don't say that! Don't give up! I can't bear losing you. And remember, five years ago you said the same thing and you've lived even longer."

"I feel it, Mom," said Laura. "I won't be reckless or try to die, but I absolutely feel like things are coming to a close."

"Laura, no!" Said Aubrey, very afraid that Laura was right. Aubrey could almost sense her death around the corner, as well.

"Sorry, Mom. Just promise me one thing?" She asked.

"Your wish. I remember," nodded Aubrey solemnly.

"This really matters to me," emphasized Laura.

"I know, honey, I'll think about it," Aubrey said once again, with very little consideration for it.