Houston, I Think We Got A Problem!

PROBLEM XLIX : Another Game!

Problem XLIX : Another Game!

A good friend once told me, I could love you to the moon and back, but I could still let you go.

It was my mother, she told me this before I never saw her again. My birth mother, She wrote it on a piece of paper and entrusted it with my care taker at the orphanage. I received it on my twelfth birthday. I didn't understand it then, but maybe I understand it now.

I still don't know if I'm reading into these lines right, but I have a feeling history's repeating itself. If, the pessimist part of me thinks, this condition of Houston could be fatal then he would have to leave, let go. Let me go. And I'll have to let him go.

How am I supposed to do that?

Grace came to pick me up today for school and it didn't take more than one glance for her to realize something had been terribly wrong. I didn't know what to tell her, she was relentlessly asking but I didn't know what I should've said. Houston didn't want anyone knowing about this, I believed.

So, when the car came to a stop, I hauled myself into the school gates without letting myself look back.
And then I was looking for the green-eyed boy throughout the school, with no success at finding him. After searching through his classes and hallways, I finally found him in the gym with a ball in his hand. I couldn't help but sigh, I was a little disappointed. If this thing had the capability to hurt him, then I wasn't a big fan of him with the ball. But I couldn't expect him to drop everything completely. How could I tell him to?

The look in his eyes when he had confided in me, it was heart breaking. It was like he knew giving up the game would end him. He didn't believe me when I told him, that things would get better, that he could do whatever he wanted to with his life.

Dean was with me in my English class, and he took Houston's seat, knowing he wouldn't be attending. Maybe Dean knew about his ailment. But Houston hadn't mentioned telling anybody.

The news of the day was that there was going to be another game, it was supposed to be a friendly game among the fathers and sons. The previous generation verses the present generations. And it was an understatement to say that everyone was buzzed. Everyone was pumped.

Including Houston.

And I was worried. Worried for his heart. Ever since he told me, I wanted to tell him to quit the team, but its not what he would want. And if he ever does quit the team, it has to be on his own, or it would finish him from the inside. I couldn't do that to him. But I could drag him to the doctor, which is what I did.

After school had let out, I pulled him to his car and stole his keys. It was the first time, I was in the driver's seat in his car, and it felt fine! And then I drove him to the hospital. Houston didn't comment when I parked in the parking lot, he just stared at me with a blank face. "Fine, let's do this."

I cheered as he lazily got out of the car, I followed suit and shut the door softly behind me. I grinned at him, appreciating his willingness. I held my hand out for him to take, which he did like second nature and we went in.

Dr. Henley, was a renowned cardiologist in town. She was the one who had treated Maeve and Houston was very reluctant to go in. it was understandable, but it had to be done.

"Houston," Dr. Henley greeted, showing a smile. "What can I do for you today?"

"Yes, can you please tell Clover here that I am absolutely fine and can play tonight."

Much out of the humor, Dr. Henley repeated the same words to me in a deadpanned voice. I cocked and eyebrow, looking at Houston, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Tell her like you mean it!" Houston whined.

Dr. Hanley frowned, "You know I can't do that Houston. Maybe playing tonight won't end you in a hospital, but in the long run it is going to get bad for you if you don't stop. Houston, I have seen your sister go through this. You know how this ends, I would advise you to rethink your decisions."

Houston swallowed visibly, bot saying anything. I didn't know what to say or if I should even say anything. I wasn't good in these situations and I definitely didn't want to make it worse. But I had to try, I knew it. "Houston-"

"What if this was the last time?"

Houston couldn't risk-Wait what?
I did not expect that.

"What?"

"Houston?" I called, removing his gaze from the doctor. "What are you saying?"

"Isn't this want you wanted?" He hissed, with venom in his voice. I stumbled back at the harshness which didn't go unnoticed by him. He sighed, pinching the bridge on his nose. "I'm sorry HoneyCakes. I know this is for my own good. I just...I need to say goodbye. Just one last game and I will leave it behind. Promise. I just need one more." Like a drug.

I literally could not say no that that.

I nodded hesitantly, looking at Dr. Henley to tell me one game wouldn't hurt. Houston followed my gaze, and looked at her too.

Slowly, a smile appeared on her face, "Don't go losing it now."

Houston's eyes widened, as did mine. I wasn't expecting a positive answer. "Are you fucking serious?"

Dr. Henley shook her head in disappointment at Houston's choice words. "Not if you use that kind of language in front of me son."

Houston immediately apologized and he was literally buzzing with excitement. I don't think it had registered properly in his brain that this would be his last game.

Houston was so excited, "Did you hear that HoneyCakes?!" He whispered in my ear, his heart humping with excitement.

"Wait," I look at Dr. Henley, "Is it completely safe?"

"Yes, about that. There will always be a risk related to any stenous activity with his heart condition. But if this is his last game, a goodbye it would give him closure, which will be good as a mental aspect."

"So you're saying that he's at risk while playing?" I screeched.

"Yes."

Houston's shoulders slumped beside me, his excitement depleting. "I'm really hoping there's a But in that sentence..."

"But for one night, you will have to take these pills. Once before the game begins and once during the half time. These will regulate your heartbeats. Do not forget, Houston." She warned.

Houston was too excited to give any heed to her warning but I had heard it loud and clear.

...

So, this story is coming to an end, only a few chapters left.
Which one should I continue next?