Purpose

Chapter 9

I woke up in a cold breeze forming around me. Then I saw everyone. But Sedric wasn't around.

The colorful room I once saw turned into monotone again. Along with their pale and worried faces. I didn't want to see them like this.

"Why are you all looking like that?" I cheerfully asked and tried to smile.

"Fatima..." I turned my head to mom.

"Why?"

"There's...there's something we need to tell you." I clenched my fist. I already know it. Why tell me again? I don't want to hear it.

Mom stepped closer beside my bed and stood there, shaking. Tears were starting to from in her eyes.

"Your----"

"I know" I coldly said and bowed my head. I heard her gasp in air.

"How?" Her voice started to shiver as well.

"I overheard you discussing about me, my counted time, and the medicine left that cannot hold my critical condition" I explained. Tears started to stream down from my eyes, soaking the blanket I'm in. I looked up to them and smiled.

"So please, don't do this. Giving me this first sight when I woke up, already feels like I'm dead. As much as possible I don't want to see anyone down because of me. Can you all do that?" I asked them. My voice became rash. I couldn't take it.

"We're sorry" Brother said.

"I bought new books for you" Sunny stepped closer holding a book. I smiled at her even with the tears I have.

"You know what?" We all turned heads to Joy.

"What?" Father asked. His voice seems so gentle it could melt me. It's not his usual tone.

"You should all go on a family trip" She suggested.

"That's a good idea" Mom said.

"Why don't we take Sedric with us?" I froze and looked at my brother who is now smirking. His eyes are red.

"Yes! You should take him!" Sunny agreed.

"Why? Your both coming with us. Sedric and Sunny" Mom said. I looked at her with wide eyes.

"We know you like him. It's actually really obvious" She said.

"Mom!" I shouted. I felt my cheeks warm. I bit my lower lip because of full embarrassment. They all laughed at my sight blushing.

"You are just too cute Fatima!" Sunny said. I sighed and smiled at them. At least that monotone atmosphere disappeared once again. But not like the last time, this time, it was because of my family and friends. I wonder where Sedric is?

***

I weakly went upstairs while the incident in Fatima's room kept playing on my head. Right now, I'm actually scared to see her. Scared to know that I might not see her there, resting her back on the bed, reading. And when I come in, se would greet me with that smile. A smile that would make my day.

I clenched my fist and rest myself on the wall. A smile that is fake. She felt the pain already, but try to hide the pain. Why? Why didn't I notice that?

Oh, right. I was freaking focused on loving and courting her. Wanna see her everyday to give me strength. But she's also the sight that will break my heart someday.

I gritted my teeth and got back up. I was terrified to go upstairs but I did. I am such a coward.

***