When Her Dreams Came True

~Chapter 15~

As it turns out, Gabbie was diagnosed with stage 7 bone cancer and was given the maximum of a year to live. When the doctor broke the news, she didn't cry. She didn't want to. She simply felt empty, as if her entire being had been brutally ripped away from her. Dan didn't cry either. He wanted her last memories of him to be happy and fulfilling so he did not shed a tear. For Gabbie. Phil, however, did cry. He sobbed in frustration at the unfairness of it all. Gabbie didn't deserve this. She had been through enough this last year alone. He had always been a strong believer in atheism but events like these only strengthened that faith because, if there was a God up there, he would be able to see that she didn't deserve this. She deserved to live a long life with the people that she loved and cared about. Not in pain or worse.

Over the next week, the chemo and drugs seemed to do nothing for Gabbie. It seemed that her terribly short life would be coming to an end soon. She was scared that she wouldn't be able to tell Dan, Phil and Christa to carry on for her sake and was becoming increasingly anxious that was the end was near. She could feel it. So, right in the middle of August, she called the three of them to her hospital room. As they entered, they saw Gabbie sat up, her hairless head glistening under the bright white lights, and she beckoned them all towards her as she paced herself for what she was about to say. "I want you all to just listen. No interruptions, no comments because this is very important. Understand?" They nodded. Gabbie took a deep breath. "Dan," she began, "I know that you have had a lot of hardships in your life so this one will probably just add to that list. I'm sorry for that because you deserve to have a happy life with Phil." Dan glanced over the bed at his husband. They smiled for a second but continued to listen to Gabbie.

"Phil. You are the most joyous person to be around and my mood was improved by being in the same room as you. When I'm gone, don't stop smiling because lots of people around you are going to need a happiness boost." A single tear escaped from her eye as she turned to her girlfriend. Christa immediately took hold of her hand and tried to hold back her sobs.

"Christa," Gabbie said, her voice breaking in emotion."you are the most beautiful person I have ever met and my life was complete with you in it. Thank you so much for being there and, after I've died, don't forget me. Promise?" Christa was unable to speak but mouthed an "I promise." Gabbie took Phil's hand and Dan put his arm around her shoulder. "The reason I'm telling you all this is that, whatever hope I have left, is gone. I am going to die very soon but I don't know when. It could be tomorrow, it could be next year so I had to tell you all what to do without me. I also have to tell you this." Gabbie shook with sadness as the words that escaped her lips were barely audible but loud enough to sink in.

"Thank you. For everything."

Gabbie passed peacefully in her sleep that very night