Make a Wish || Rhett and Link

Chapter 75 - Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving came around sooner than I thought. It wasn't really something I was looking forward too, mostly because it limited the amount of time that I had left.

My expiry date was growing closer, and that was terrifying. But for the sake of the kids, I wasn't gonna talk about that today. I didn't need to talk about it today. It would only ruin the day for everyone else.

Uncle Randy and his family, and Link and his family came over for the day. They spent the morning around in the kitchen, sitting at the table and chatting while the kids went to play outside. Rhett had brought out the bubbles that I'd played with on my first ever time to Link's place, and it seemed like they were having an amazing time.

I stayed in my room, mostly just sleeping and trying to preserve my energy, so I was okay when it was time for lunch.

After a while, one of Uncle Randy's kids ran in and climbed up beside me on the bed. "Come play with us! There's bubbles!"

I groaned slightly. She did not speak quietly, and I gently rubbed my head to try and ease the pain. "Maybe later, kay?"

"Nowwwww!" She grabbed my hand and tried to pull me off the bed. Unfortunately, my lack of strength meant that she actually succeeded.

It would've been a lot easier if I remembered what her name was, but I didn't, so I just sighed. "Please, just go see your Dad, okay? I'm sick."

"Byron plays with me when I'm sick!"

"I'm not Byron!" Who's Byron?

She pouted, before bursting into tears.

Uncle Randy ran in. I sighed to myself, and pulled myself back onto the bed.

"What's wrong, Eliza?"

"C-Cooper w-won't play with m-me!" She wailed.

He sighed. "C'mon, let's go play with the others. Leave Cooper to sleep, okay?"

"N-Nuh uh!"
He picked her up and took her out. I just rolled over under the blankets and fell asleep again.

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Rhett woke me up at lunchtime. I attempted to make myself look as presentable as possible, which meant going to the effort of putting jeans on, and socks and shoes, and my beanie as well. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to look like someone who wasn't dying.

I ended up taking my crutches to the dining room table with me, and everyone was already sitting around, chatting away lively and seemingly having a good time.

Link smiled when he saw me. "Hey, Super-Cooper. We saved you a seat." He pulled a chair out beside him.

I forced a smile and sat down. "Thanks."

I was so grateful that nobody made conversation about my sickness. In fact, they really just kept the conversation to loads of random things, like news events, Rhett and Link's youtube plans, and other stuff that I could (kinda) give input to. That was so good.

Jessie, Christy and Samara brought the food out, and I tried to convince Rhett to only give me a little bit.

"P-Please, c'mon..." I whispered as he placed a giant serving in front of me. "I don't wanna throw up and ruin everything..."

"You gotta eat, Super-Cooper." He sighed softly. "Just eat what you can, okay?"

"O-Okay..."

I barely touched it. I think everyone noticed that. But for the sake of keeping thanksgiving lunch civil, we didn't talk about it much.

Other than that, Lunch was really nice. Everyone just seemed happy, and I did my best to try and seem that way too. And as far as I could tell, it was working.

Until Rhett and Link decided it was time to go around the table and ask what everyone was thankful for.

Rhett went first. "Family, obviously. I'm so, so thankful for all of you."

Lily was next. "Being able to spend time together, and living in a free country."

Lincoln and Locke both answered with 'Xbox'.

Lando, Shepherd and the twins all said something along the lines of their favourite toys, or being able to play with their friends.

Most of the adults said Family, and Uncle Randy smiled at me when he said it. I tried my best to smile back.

Finally, it was my turn.

"Um... for still being alive... I guess." I murmured uncomfortably. "Oh, a-and having all of you here to help me."

There was a moment of silence.

"I'm thankful for that too." Lily reached over and grabbed my hand. I couldn't help but smile.

"Me too!" Lincoln added. Then Locke, then Shepherd, Then Rhett, then Link, and before I knew it, everyone had said it.

God, I loved my family.