* Kelly's POV*
"How much time doc?" I had forgotten about my dad's attempted suicide and my focus was only on Suzzie who was getting worse.
"Tell me the truth..." I knew there wasn't much time left but I just needed to hear the doctor say it in as much as it would hurt me.
"You know we can't do anything to save her right now. She is at the last stage. The slightest heat would definitely finish her" He was telling me what I've known almost my entire life.
"Just tell me how much more time she has. Please" I was soaked in tears already.
"Four hours at most"
His words made me get to my knees . The hallway was clear and all I could feel was my head spinning. Suzzie had less than four hours.
I cried my pain out but I didn't feel any better.
"Whyyyyy?????"
I felt arms on my wrist. Mum.
She also knew about the time left.
Holding each other we sobbed hoping miracles still existed.
****
I didn't know how to face Suzzie but I had to.
The smile on her face when we walked back to her room was FAKE.
"I know it's less than three" her words made me swallow a lump. My heartbeat was fast.
Thinking of what I'd do to make the most of the three hours I walked to the right side of her bed. Mum took the left.
A tear fell from the side of her eye. I felt my heart literally sink. Mum remained silent staring at her only daughter who was now dying.
"Hey little brother I know you've been missing your swimming practice. You have to explain." She forced a frown on her face.
"I know"instead of shooting me a warning glare after saying this, mum smiled.
Suzzie was trying to make us think less of what was happening.
"In less than three hours you can relive your best moments. You can sing your favorite song. You can play your favorite tune."
"Su..."
"No Kelly.....At this time I would have loved to play that tune you love so much Kelly. Mum I would help you prepare cupcakes." Suzzie's eyes were now glassy. Her ever glossy lips now dry. Mum was at her worst. Crying while holding Suzzie's hand.
"...so sad that I can't do that for you right now. My hands can barely move."
This was the time I wished Deiy was here. She knew how to make me feel better even at my worst. I hadn't seen her after Suzzie ran off and hadn't thought of her.
God answered my thoughts and she slowly walked in. Her hair messy and eyes bloodshot. She was very close to Suzzie and this would affect her too.
I tried my best to avoid checking my wrist watch. (Suzzie had got it for me on my 18th birthday.)Each time I tried to stop myself but failed.
Suzzie went ahead and told us everything she wished to do at that time but couldn't. She talked of her dreams which were now shuttered.
****
Suzzie was still talking when her breathing got fast. I called for the nurse but as always they delayed.
I ran out like a lunatic to look for the doctor.
Rushing back to the ward. Suzzie was worse. Mum was barely taking off her eyes from Suzzie. Deiy sat on the bed side letting out sobs.
The doctor checked her pulse and eyes. All he did was shake his head and leave without a word.
I knew what he meant.
I was following the doctor when I heard Suzzie.
"K... Kelly" it was almost a silent call.
Turning around I saw Suzzie holding her shaking hand up to me.
My eyes were wide as I felt tears burn my cheeks. I stood where I was without moving an inch staring at her.
"D..d.. don't ev...er leave."
"What?" I managed to ask.
This time with a much stronger voice she said, "the song I've been playing for you. That's the title"
I finally got the strength to run to Suzzie. Her breathing was now slowing. Just when I thought the miracle was finally here.....
"Tell d..ad..dy I still l..ooo..ve him"
And those were her last words.
Everything became clear to me.
How she reacted when I told them about dad. Did she know she was about to die? Is that why she tried to be happy. Is that why she talked to everyone at her party? Is that why she was happy on her 21st birthday unlike others?
And the song title."Don't ever leave" How could she go for the title yet she was the one leaving.
LIFE.
