At 30

Day 16: I Am Really Sorry

Chapter Sixteen

I think it's time to announce to my family about my cancer. The more I drag, the more I think they're going to be really angry at me for hiding this. Plus, they deserve to know. But if I'm going to announce it, I'm going to announce it in style. Today, I'm going to host a brunch party.

I woke up at 7am. After watering Bean, I went for some groceries shopping. What do people eat for brunch? Do I cater more towards breakfast food or lunch food?

I walk around the supermarket twice before making my mind up to meet in the middle. I walk home happy with some fruits, pancake mixture, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, spaghetti, prawns, cherry tomatoes, garlic and spinach.

And I began cooking. I've always enjoyed cooking. But since I live alone, it makes more sense to order take out. But today, I'm not cooking for one. I'm cooking for 8.

When I finished cooking, it's time to clean up my loft. I swept. I mopped. I wipe off the dust on the furniture. I set up extra tables and chairs. I dug out a table cloth from the bottom of my cabinet for the table. I set up the plates, utensils, cups and napkin. And for the final step, I put the food I prepared in the middle.

Before I knew it, it's already 11am. They should be arriving any moment now.

The doorbell rang and all of a sudden, I felt nervous. I am about to tell them really terrible news about myself. I guess I was keeping myself busy the whole morning to suppress my nervousness. I almost didn't want to open the door.

The doorbell rang the second time and I knew I had to open it. I slowly walked towards the door and there stood all of them. Mandy, Callie, Newton, Jonathan, Katie, Alex and my mum.

"Hey, Eve! What took you so long? We're here!"

I move to the side and let them in. They settle in and we all start eating.

"Your cooking is delicious, like always, Aunty Eve."

After mulling and hesitating for another hour, I told Callie and Newton to play in my bedroom and I close the door. Standing at the end of the table, I look at the rest of my family and friends.

"Hey. I gather you all here today because I have something to say."

"..."

"I'm... sick. I have been diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer. The doctor says my days are numbered and I'm left with about two weeks to live. I am really sorry for not telling you guys earlier."

Everyone froze. I stopped talking too. Nobody is saying anything. The silence is deafening. They are all staring at me, unable to process what they just heard.

Oh god.

~