Life With Cobain

That Morning

It's been a couple years since Kurt first got the pains. He doesn't have them everyday, about twice a week. I'm worried, but he won't go to the hospital willingly. I might have to force him to go. I can't stand it. I can't stand seeing him like this. He needs medical attention. Even Dad says he needs help, too. Kurt says it's worse when he eats, and he goes days on end without eating. He's thinner than ever. You can see his ribs through his shirt. He's also gone really, really pale. His ocean blue eyes don't sparkle anymore; but somehow he manages to keep his sense of humour. We dropped out of school ages ago, but we would've finished by now anyway. So we don't have to worry about homework or tests or pop quizzes and that shit. Dad was kinda disappointed, but he said it was my choice. I just couldn't take school anymore. My friends were disappointed too, but I told them we could still be friends. Strangely, Sarah and I are closer than ever, even after I told her I was dating Kurt. Kurt and I have been together for five years, twenty days and four hours. Yes, I'm precise. The girls are actually coming over today. I'm not really the typical "Let's Go to the Mall" type, so we decided on movies at my place. I got a day job in a store, and a cosy apartment I share with Kurt.To be honest, there's nothing to do here. C'mon, we're in Aberdeen! The dreary, dead town. I've been here all my life, the whole of twenty-one years, and I want to leave. I want to leave this town behind me. I hate it here. The only reason why I'm staying is Kurt. Nirvana are still going strong. They play small clubs and youth hostels. It's not much, but it pays the rent. They're getting more and more recognised though.

Kurt and I were walking down the street the other day, and some kid called out: "Hey, Kurt! It's me, Joshua, from the youth club. Your band is rad, dude!" Kurt practically ran up to him and gave him a tight hug.

"Hey, buddy. Josh, this is my girlfriend, Robin." Kurt introduced.

"Hi," I smiled at him. He had big brown eyes, a cute button nose and a massive grin. He looked young, about twelve, maybe thirteen?

He leaned up and whispered loudly in Kurt's ear. "She's really pretty." He said. I blushed. Someone just called me pretty.

"I know," Kurt whispered back. "See ya later, kid."

It's a sweet memory. It's the first time I ever got called pretty by a stranger.

I set the chocolate birthday cake I got for Kurt aside and turn the T.V. on. Today's his birthday, obviously, he's twenty-two. A year older than me. We aren't doing anything big, I don't think, just probably going over to Krist's. Just as I get comfortable, the phone goes off. I consider not answering it, but then again, it could be important. I get up, dragging my feet against the floor. I pick the phone up.

"Hello?" I mumble.

"Miss Alcatraz?" A deep, formal voice fills my ear.

"Yes?"

"It's your father," he continues. My dad? Oh God, what's happened?

"What's wrong?" I ask urgently.

"He's been hospitalised. A work collegue found him unconsious on the floor of the garage. We found cancer."

Cancer.

"W-what?" I choke out. I can barely breathe. My dad has cancer. How can this be happening? My mom's gone and now my dad might be too? The tears start flowing heavy and fast down my face.

"W-what type of c-cancer is it?"

"Oesophegeal."

"Isn't t-that the o-one with your throat or s-something?"

"No, it's to do with your gullet, the tube from your throat to your stomach." I sigh, wiping my eyes. I can't believe this.

"T-thanks, Doc. Is he okay?"