****************Eight Months After Augustus' Death*************************
"Mom, I'm going to Isaac's!" I called as I headed out the door.
"Okay, drive safe. Have fun. I love you."
"You too Mom."
Upon entering my car, I broke down. Ever since Augustus died, my parents have treated me like a bomb. I guess in a way, I am a bomb. I bottle up my feelings until one day, my sanity shatters like a thin piece of glass.
I know Augustus wouldn't want to see me like this. He's probably looking at me from Capital-S Somewhere with disappointment. But I can't help it. Every single thing I see or do reminds me of him. I stopped going to Support Group, stopped leaving the house. When I told my mom I was going to Isaac's, it was a lie. He'll just be my cover.
I know one day he'll start asking questions. And then I'll tell him. Right now, I don't want to feel a thing. As I pull up to the bar, I know what I'm doing is wrong, but I don't care. The bartender knows me by name now, and has out a beer for me.
"No. Something stronger." I say
"Memories?" He asks, and all I can do is nod and pull out a cigarette. "You need to take it easy, Hazel, You know what those can do to your lungs. Your lungs that are already damaged, I might add."
"I don't care anymore. I have an appointment with Doctor Maria tomorrow. That doesn't stop me from doing it," Why won't he just leave me alone? Hopefully the few shots I had just drank were enough to affect me, but it doesn't feel that way. Shit. I need more. Now. "Give me another one, James."
"No. I'm calling a cab."
"NO! Please, I can still drive. Just don't call a cab. I'll be fine." I grab my keys and walk out the door. Apparently, the alcohol affected me more than I thought, because I can't see straight and I'm stumbling. My oxygen tank rattles and shakes behind me as I lug it and myself back to my car. I'm driving down the road, and all I see is a flash and then darkness.
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"Ma'am, I'm sorry. There's nothing we can do." A man in a white coat says. I can see my mother, my father, and the man. They're all crying. I try to go up to them, but I can't. They don't see me. That's when I turn around.
There is me. My pale body amidst many a tube and wire. I'm as pale as a ghost, and by the look of it, only the respirator is keeping me alive. I'm on life support. There was... an accident? Yes. That's what it was.
Then I see a light. Someone is walking towards me. the light is so bright, I can barely see, but I make out the crooked walk and poor posture of none other than Augustus Waters. He smiles.
"Come on, Hazel Grace. It's time." And that's all he has to say,
