Destined to shine ( English ) #LookingForAlaskaContest

Chapter 7 - An irreparable loss.

On weekends or in the afternoon, we used to go the four to the park which was one block from our house with my nanny and Pauline Augustine, grandmother Tess. We played and we were having ice cream was the perfect ending after a long day. When I close my eyes and concentrate, I can still see the smiles and hear the laughter.

What perhaps no one imagined it was a Sunday afternoon would leave deep scars. I was eleven, my thirteen brothers and as Tess had a cold, she can not go to the park with us. It seemed to be a day like any other spring: the sun appeared covered by clouds, the trees were green, the flowers bloomed beautifully in vibrant colors and the birds sang. Still, the air remained heavy or maybe it was just a bad feeling, so I did not give a damn. Later, he would tell me who was actually a premonition of what would happen.

Amidst this scenario, we played with a ball when she rolled near the sidewalk and fell into the street. It was then that I ran after her and bent down to pick it up, without paying the slightest attention. I got up and realized that a car was coming toward me. He was so close that I was paralyzed with fear, so I closed my eyes and heard Phillip scream my name out loud. Soon after, he pushed me to the side and the car hit him.

As you can imagine, the following moments were desperate. Seeing him there on the ground, dizzy and faint feeling came over me. Pauline connected to the emergency, while Phillip was unconscious and surrounded by people. Marcus hugged me and tried to calm me, about a few minutes later the ambulance arrived and rescued. We got into a taxi and went to the hospital, Pauline told my father what happened immediately by phone.

Once we arrived, the doctor said his condition was serious but Phillip was conscious and wanted to see us. Marcus first entered the room and they talked briefly when I saw him lying could not stop crying. As I approached the bed, he smiled and said he was glad I did not suffer any injury. Phillip made us promise that Marcus and I cuidaríamos each other, no matter what would keep us together. All I could say was, I promise and forgive me. Then he uttered his last words:

_ Being your brother ended up being my greatest gift, I love you. Never stop believing in your dreams, they keep us alive and hopeful. Promise me that you will not lose faith in itself.

At the time, I was so afraid of losing it I promised. I not want him to be tried, or would be tired, and asking me was no big deal. Then, Phillip gave me a look as if he knew his life was nearing its end; just beats him were getting slower and fell. His heart went into cardiac arrest and doctors tried to revive him, but without success. They could not bring him back.

Layla and Christopher arrived a few minutes later. She was so desperate and distraught when receiving the doctor's news began to shout:

_ My son did not! I want my son! Bring it back.

She had a nervous breakdown and the doctor gave her a sedative that made her fall asleep. My father did not know what to say or do in, was completely unresponsive. When he came to, he wanted to clarify the facts and understand them through Pauline. After hearing it, Christopher made a decision:

_For favor, Pauline, do not mention to anyone else what just me talking. At this time, Layla is shaken emotionally and could not handle it.

She promptly replied:

_ Do not worry sir I understand the seriousness of the situation. You can count on my discretion.

I heard this conversation sitting in a chair right there in the waiting room. Dad talked to me and then tried to comfort me by saying:

_ Phillip loved you and wanted protect her, this accident was not their responsibility. Do not blame yourself Sophia, sometimes bad things happen to good people; not always we can accept it or find an explanation. We are a family and we will be together in the midst of this terrible storm.

We gave a strong, long hug, but not restrain myself and debulhei me in tears. He broke down and wept. Marcus joined us for a few minutes and we were all three together at the silent embrace. When my grandparents came to the hospital, they were stunned by the news. No one wanted to believe it was true, seemed a big lie. Christopher then asked my grandmother Amelia:

_ Please, take them to your home while I take care of Layla and legal procedures for the funeral. I do not want them to stay here longer.

Dad tried to stand firm for us and did not want to cross him, deep down he collapsed. Everyone was heartbroken and I was so stunned that I could not speak. The words just would not come out, I had lost my voice, it was like he was in shock. Marcus held my hand and said:

_ Let's go through hard times and we need to be more united than ever. I'll always be here by your side.