Woebegone – Final Chapter
W O E , B E G O N E
Travis
Toot… toot… toot… toot… toot… toot…
That was it, the end for her — well, almost. We were reassigned to a different room, but I couldn’t help but feel traces of bitterness from the previous one. It was like they tagged along with me. In a way, they did. If you asked me, I’d say that she’s exactly on the boundary between life and death. She lay there on the bed with a bandage around her face, similar to a cocoon’s. She never woke up since that day, but her heart was still beating. That I was grateful for, but I felt hollow inside like an empty shell. The only thing keeping me hopeful was the sound of the ECG that had been beeping continuously for the past few days.
I stood beside the window, glancing at the houses scattered throughout the horizon and people interacting with each other. Upon seeing kids playing with each other, I realized that it was already summer. After so many events that had happened, I didn’t even notice that school was over. That meant one thing.
I missed my graduation.
Just like a mist. I clenched my fist as I my mind wandered off about my senior days… my classmates… and that opportunity of being valedictorian… I guess the prize wasn’t destined to be mine. Well, it didn’t matter to me anyway… much… There goes my dream... shattered into pieces…
Once more, I glanced at my sister and walked towards her. My slow mind awakened when I noticed a small photograph clasped onto Tiffany’s bandaged arm. “That’s weird… it wasn’t there before…” I thought, rubbing my chin and wondering. Carefully, I pulled it out and took a look at it.
It was a family picture of the six of us before this mayhem started. Mom looked much more headstrong with the tips of her brunette hair curled. Dad was beside her, placing two fingers on top of Mom’s head, resembling horns. Beside him was Tina who wore her usual yellow head band on her straightened hair. Next to her was Tybalt, busy ruffling my auburn hair. On my left was Tiffany sticking her tongue out at the camera. We looked wacky… and happy… and it brought tears to my eyes just seeing all of us smiling. It was just a picture, but it was brimming with life.
I flipped the picture and saw neat writings on the back.
My wonderful family. I’m so blessed to have four loving children with different personalities. Every day with them brought a new story to light. Although there were ups and downs as the years passed, my love towards them will never change; and I hope that that love would last forever. – Tracy
When I looked up, Dr. Blaire was standing across the bed, her eyes fixed on mine.
“Dr. Blaire…?” I spoke up while holding the picture on my hand.
“Yes, Travis?” she answered, still looking at me.
“Umm…can I ask a question?”
“Of course.”
“Did you see her place this?”
She took a look before replying, “Yes. By the way, she has a message for you.”
My eyes flickered. I couldn’t believe it myself, but she was in the vicinity? How did I not notice that? I didn’t even get to see her, and she didn’t even give the effort to say hi… Mixed emotions started flowing in me. Whatever she had to say better make up for all this time… My ears listened attentively as she began.
