Purpose

Chapter 2

I was quietly reading the book that Sunny gave me when the door opened.

"Hey" He said. I closed my book and looked at him.

"Hi" I greeted. He smiled at me and sat on the edge of my bed.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Fine" I simply said.

"Do you happened to have a wish for today?" He asked. I smirked. My, he just had to make it simple. My dear brother, thank you.

"I just want to see the outside. Behind this wall" I said and pointed at the wall by my side.

"I'll see...what I can do" He smiled bitterly. I opened my boom once again, but before I could reach, he took it from my hand.

"Hey!" I shouted.

"You like reading now?" He asked, sounding so flustered about it. I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Anything wrong with that?" I sarcastically asked. He chuckled.

"You seem strong enough for me. You don't need to be cooped in here" He joked. Then suddenly, the good mood I was having with him sank. Let's say I get to see the outdoors, but will they even let me go on my own?

"By the way, mom and dad will come here for today" I looked at him, surprised.

"What? But mom told me they can't go. They always can't" I whispered.

"Hey, they'll come. Trust me. And they will give you the best gift you will ever receive" He encouraged. I smiled.

"More than books?"

"More than that" He said. I nodded.

"Now give that back" I demanded and pointed at my book.

"Get it if you can" He playfully said.

At least I get to be happy like this. With my family and friend.

***

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!" I opened my eyes to see everyone here. There are balloons, cake, almost all kinds of food.

I didn't know why but my tears just suddenly streamed down. Actually, this is the first time I'm being surprised like this. They're all here. Mom, Dad, My brother, Sunny, Joy, even my tutor! I've never been so happy.

"T-Thanks guys" I cried.

"For what?" Mom acted innocently. I smiled at her.

"Thanks mom" I mumbled. She smiled at me and embraced me. I embraced her in return. Then the others came next. Giving me presents.

They all sang and cheered for me. And I didn't have the time to frown. This sight and beautiful event just made me happy. When they finished singing, everyone became busy in eating. I only sat on my bed, watching them enjoy. At the corner of my eyes, I saw mom walking towards me. I thought she was going to hug me but only placed her mouth near to my ears.

"Come" My eyes widened.

"W-Where?" I stuttered.

"Outdoors" She said gently and smiled. I thought I wasn't supposed to go outside?

"Just this time" My smile widened. I nodded at her. She carried me and sat me in a wheelchair. She silently took me outside. On the garden.

"Enjoy" She cheerfully said and left me. I was infront of the glass door. Behind that glass is the outdoors I've been waiting and wanting to see. Now, it's just a few walk from me.

I rotated the wheels that let me outside. The hospital's garden. My eyes wondered. It was so wonderful I almost cried. Best gift. That's what he meant. Thank you everyone.

I strolled around the garden. I saw some kinds of plants I've studied. A fountain, an aisle. I saw trees. The breeze of this day caressed my skin, I felt glad. I saw fishes. There are some people here. Some are patients, some are visitors. And one thing caught me eyes. A group playing soccer on a small field. I went near to watch. Could be nice to play.

I watched them play. While they were playing, one of them kicked the ball too hard. It landed on my feet. The ball! I nervously took it.

"Uhhhh...miss" I looked up to see a guy. A handsome guy. I just looked at him.

"I...need the ball back" He said and pointed the ball I'm holding. I looked at the ball and handed it over to him.

"Goodluck on playing" I said and smiled.

"Uhhhh, thanks?" Unsure of his answer, he walked back with his team and resumed the play. I wasn't expecting that it was going to end soon. I looked down on the grass. I placed my feet on it and felt it. I'm not actually wearing any slippers.

"Hey" I looked up to see the guy who took the ball from me.

"Hey" I replied. He smiled at me and sat on the bench beside me. There's a bag placed on that bench, it was his. He took out a bottle of water and drank it. I just looked at him. Why is my heart beating so fast? Is this what it feels like to be around guys? Then why am I not feeling this on my brother? He's a guy. It's so uncomfortable.

"How long have you been here?" He suddenly asked. I was about to say the truth when something made me scared of telling.

"Not long" I lied.

"What's your condition?" He asked.

"Critical" I said and smiled. His eyes widened. I laughed at his reaction.

"Your not serious are you?" He asked.

"I'm not" I said between my laughs.

"So, have you ever played before?" My smile fade away.

"Never" I said.

"Then...want to play?" He asked. Suddenly, I felt happy.

"Sure!" I shouted in excitement.

"But first..." He pointed at my wheelchair. I stopped.

"Oh no...I don't...I-----" He trailed me off. He took my wrist and dragged me to stand up. He let go of me and I managed to stand for awhile but I fell on the ground. He hurried to me.

"I'm sorry! Sorry, I didn't know" He said and carried me back at the wheelchair.

"It's fine" I said and smiled.

"What happened to you anyway?" He asked, worried.

"My lower body isn't working the way I want them to. It's just like...I can't make them move" I explained. He nodded in response.

"Your paralyzed" He simply said. I smiled again.

"I guess I am" I said.

"What's your name by the way?" He asked.

"Fatima Castillo, you?"

"I'm Sedric Zade Cullia. Nice to meet you" He said and offered his hand. I took his hand and shook it.

"Same here" I said and smiled.

Sedric...Zade...Cullia huh? Nice name.

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