Always Winter: Never Christmas (The World you Want)

Chapter 11: A Fallen Friend

Peter was rushed to the land’s center wherein ill people where being taken care of and being healed. In fact, the center is right next door of Master Dawn’s premises in order for him to check the health status of the sick people. As Peter was taken to the center (which is called theVigor Midpoint), his mother was with him while both Master Dawn and his son Digory visited Peter as well as they’ve heard the news.

After hours of waiting, the physician gave them the results about what happened to the young man and he declared that Peter is currently in the state of comatose due to his illness that is continuing to get worse. Lizbeth became depressed and started to have tears in her eyes as she heard the news about her son. Dawn and Digory were surprised to hear the news as well and as for Dawn, his surprise was that of the fact about Peter that he known him as a strong and brave man with no mere weakness.  Digory also knows him the same way his father does even though he just known him for a little time. As they entered the room, Master Dawn asked Peter’s mother the permission to tell the news to young Ginny about his condition. Lizbeth gave Master Dawn the permission however, Digory interrupted them saying that Peter told him not to tell to Ginny about his condition when it gets worse. Lizbeth was surprised so she asked him “Since when he told you this?”

“Months after we have become good friends, Peter told me this and I asked him why and if there is a problem but he only said that what he had told me must be kept as a secret specially hidden to Ginny. That’s all” said Digory.

“So why you did not tell us then?” asked his father.

“Trust” his son answered then both did not have any answer to what he said as they both know that Digory’s intention is to honor his friend and keep his promises which is really a sign of true friendship.

“How then we will explain Ginny about this? She is his best friend” Lizbeth asked.

 No answer was given as they have thought of good answers to give until Master Dawn said “Nothing.”

“What do you mean father?”

“Nothing we will hide from her.”

“But father, I…”

“We shall tell her the truth.”

“I made Peter a promise” continued Digory “A promise that I should keep for a friend.”

“Digory” said Lizbeth “Not all secrets must be kept hidden, some must be known for that is the truth which will free you from your own blindness. And we all know that Peter and Ginny are best of friends since childhood. She must know the condition of her best friend.” Both Master Dawn and Digory agreed to Lizbeth even though Digory is still hesitant to do so because of his promise. The three stayed at the center and waited for more results about Peter’s condition. Night was finished and dawn soon came. No results were still given to them only the fact that Peter’s condition worsened and he is in the state of comatose. Because of what have happened, Master Dawn decided to let his own son take the lead while Peter is not able. Digory agreed with the task given to him and so, he was given the book that Peter uses and his guide as well.

The gathering came and all people were surprised and wondered why the young Peter Philipps is not present at their meetings. We all know of course and assumed that Ginny would be the most worried person in the crowd and you are of course correct with your thoughts however, she did not seem to be forceful to know the condition of Peter instead she approached their friend Digory and said “Wherever he is or whatever is happening to him, I just want him to know that I will always be here for him and will never leave his side.”

“That would be received” Digory answered then Ginny embraced him and kissed him in his cheek. The gathering was over and a month has passed since then.

That same month, the medic who takes care of Peter has finally given the results or the founding of the young man’s condition. Digory and Lizbeth were the only present persons there as Master Dawn and Ginny are in a conversation about the night’s daily gathering and some other things. The medic whom they call “Warnie” approached them and spoke to them about the results.

“Indeed, our young Peter Philipps is a strong man to have survived this and kept this condition of his for a very long time.”

“What is this battle that he is on?” Peter’s mother asked.

“Though his bravery is strong, the enemy is giving the same strength. I am sorry but your son is suffering from lung cancer which he is fighting for almost 4 years and his condition continues to worsen. I am so sorry for your son’s trial” Warnie said in a deep, calm and desolated voice. Honestly, most stories that has this scene often gives the crying part for the characters however in this case, as Lizbeth and Digory heard the news, tears were shown dropping from their eyes but they have bowed down their heads and whispered together “Please, give him strength” then Digory comforted Peter’s mother and said “Have faith, we won’t lose him. He is courageous.” Warnie then left them in Peter’s room while both still have their tears with them but prayer in a quiet voice.

Hours had passed when Master Dawn came with Ginny however, the master was the first person to enter the room to check inside while he suggested Ginny to stay first at the outside door. Dawn was shocked to hear the news from his son and his face was so pale and likely he has lost hope in his friend but in his silence, Digory heard his father whispering “Please, please, please” which is the very first time he heard his father speaking like that and so, he quickly approached his father and gave him strength. Dawn had tears in his eyes as well but not really like much the same as neither Lizbeth nor Digory. Dawn had forgotten Ginny until there was a knock from the outside and Digory opened the door.

From the door, you cannot clearly see the patient inside for it is in the very right side of the room and the person opening the door as well as the door itself will block the sight. At the head part of the bed, there’s a little bookshelf; in the left side, there’s a window and a long bench where visitors may seat and in addition, the door has curtains from the outside to lessen the cold temperature inside.

Ginny asked “what happened?” She was originally planned to ask “what took you so long?” or “shall I leave?” but she saw the gloomy face of Digory that showed up to her. Digory bowed his head and wasn’t able to speak to her so Ginny taped him and touched his right shoulder asking “what is going on? Tell me Digory.”

Finally, Digory showed his face again and cleared his teary eyes then said calmly “inside.” Ginny nodded and so he gave a space to enter the room. As she entered, Digory closed the door and so the 4 of them are inside. Ginny looked at both Master Dawn and Lizbeth seeing them both seated and their heads bowed down. Both felt her presence so they have approached her and Master Dawn embraced her then Lizbeth. “Go on ahead” said Lizbeth to her. Ginny moved forward towards her best friend. She saw Peter laying down in the bed who looks like that he is just sleeping. He is being covered with more than 4 blankets to heat him up a bit and he is wearing a jacket as well. Ginny looked back to them looking at Digory “what happened to him?” Digory gave an expression of guilt so she turned back facing Peter and knelt instead of sitting on the chair.

As she knelt, she held Peter’s hand saying “Wake up Pete, I am here now. Please. Do this for me, for your mother, for your friends, wake up Peter. We need you” tears came from her eyes as well and the room was filled with sorrow and grief.