Remember Me

2019. 1. 20/2020.12.26

2019. 1. 20

I never imagined this day happening to me. 

I was just returning from a hospital check-up. I didn't expect anything positive but still, a shake of the head from the doctor made my heart sink. Despite all the medicine, I could feel my brain faltering day after day. It was scary even, how these memories slip through my fingers like fine sand. 

Eddy hasn't come to the hospital with me so I came back home, alone, feeling down. Then I noticed music - Liszt's Liebestraum playing from the house. And candles lighting up through the doorway. White roses leading the way to the front door. And oh gosh, Eddy, dressed up in a fine suit, his hair combed neat (a rare sight to see) and...I immediately knew what this meant. 

"I can't, Eddy, I can't..." I shakily crouched down to the ground, tears welling up from my eyes. I was happy but scared at the same time. How can I accept this when I know oh so well how much Eddy will have to suffer beside me? 

"I haven't even said anything," Eddy smirked. 

"Oh fuck, Eddy. Do not." 

"I have to, Brett. This is the day I have always dreamed of." 

"Me too, Eddy...but..." 

Eddy took my hand gingerly, helping me up to my feet. He led me into the house. 

"It will be better if you close your eyes." 

I inhaled a sharp breath. And I closed my eyes, feeling a stream of tears falling to my cheek. 

***

"It must have been hard for you to grow up independently," Eddy nodded as he bit off a piece of steak. 

"Yeah, my parents are all living out of the country so I had to learn how to take care of myself," Tina nodded shyly. 

"Two part-time jobs though? That's crazy. Are you living with anyone else?"

"Yeah, my roommate. She absolutely sucks though. She throws stuff at me when she's mad."

"What?!"

"I know, everyone knows she is a total bitch," Tina sighed as she sipped her wine. She has never been invited to such a fancy dinner before and she was determined to make the best out of this night. "She once swore loudly that she will going to kill me for real if I play heavy metal one more time in the middle of the night."

"That sounds threatening."

"Right? I can't wait to move out - get a house by myself, get a boyfriend and-"

"It's hard to believe that you do not have anyone yet," Eddy chuckled.

Tina blushed, looking away. 

"I mean...I want to, but I just couldn't find the time."

"I know. I'm a little workaholic myself too. I'm not working anymore though because of..."

"That Alzheimer's, right?" Tina commented, chewing on a more fatty piece of meat. 

Eddy managed a smile, looking down at his plate. 

"Yes, my..."

"Is he your family member? A brother? Who is he?" 

"Yes, a... family member," Eddy spoke quietly, clenching his fist.

"Gosh, I can't imagine how you put up with all that. And early-onset ones? Those are the worst. They are physically stronger so they are harder to control. I have seen them in some of the nursing homes," Tina blabbered on, ordering another glass of wine.