You're my Antidote.

I. Cancer

Dan sat sadly in his room unsure on what to do with this new feeling right now. All the knew is whatever this cancer thing is that his doctor says he has, isn't good. His mother sat crying on the way home and was yelled at by his father in the kitchen when they did get there. Dan hated this more than anything.

Dan Howell eleven years later now sat in the children's hospital with that same feeling in his chest as he waited for one of his many doctors to call them back. Dan and his mother made this five-hour trip every four months along with stops at his local doctors. He really learned to hate doctors offices by the age of sixteen. Lost in that thought Dan was pulled into reality when his doctor, Dr. Smith, called them back, "Dan Howell, come on back."

When Dan and his mother sat down they were greeted by a small smile. "You're looking lovely this evening Mrs. Howell." Dr. Smith said like he did every time. Dan was now used to people flirting with his mother after she left his father. It was nothing new.
"Why thank you." She smiled and turned to Dan who returned her smile.
Dr. Smith started up again, "Now Dan, we're gonna start doing something a little new, if you're okay with it of course." Dan nodded feeling that feeling again. "We're gonna ask your mother to leave the room when we do the testing and drawing blood." The doctor nodded as he spoke.

Dan mumbled, "Sure... but can I ask why?"
Dr. Smith nodded again, "Of course Dan. I just believe that it's time you start doing these things on your own. You need to know what to say without your mother here. Just to get you ready for when you come by yourself. If that is something you choose to do."
Dan nodded, "Okay.." With that, a day of testing started up again. Dan lived with this all his life and it didn't really bother him as much as it did but it still hurt.

After a long day, Dan finally had time to himself in his hospital room. He got to walk around the floor where his room is and that's probably Dan's favorite part of being at this hospital. They actually have trust in Dan to walk around and make his own food, unlike his mother at home. He actually got time to himself here.

Dan smiled as he thought about all of that and walked into the lounge area on his floor and was startled by a boy about his age with black hair sitting there. No one was ever out this late except Dan. When the boy finial saw Dan standing there he jumped and put a hand on his chest, "Oh hell! You scared me!"

Dan took a step back and rubbed his neck, "I'm so sorry... I'm normally the only one out here this late at night. I didn't mean to scare you."

With this, the boy laughed lightly to himself and patted the seat next to him.

"It's okay. I'm Phil."

"Dan."