Love after Death (S1) [Completed]

Chapter 13: The Surprise Behind the Tears

SEVEN YEARS AGO

It was Monique's first day back home after being confined in the hospital for ten days. It was also the first day she would be carried in a wheelchair to leave the same place. Liam, her boyfriend, who was studying medicine and wanted to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Michael, had been acting as her private nurse that day. Michael had been emotionally affected when he first learned the bad news, but despite his work as a doctor, he made sure to stay by Monique's side to help her through this tough time.

In the ten days that Monique had been in the hospital, it was evident how much weight she had lost. She had become pale, and weak, and it was as though she was a candle whose flame was slowly burning out. Meanwhile, her mother remained in a trance when she wasn't with Monique, only finding comfort in her sweetie.

"I'll cook you sinangag (fried rice) and adobo that I'll make sure tastes extra delicious, sweetie. Get well soon, okay?" her mother said, gently messing with Monique's hair. Monique, still weak but smiling, looked at her mother, her heart full of love.

"Michael, go buy some malunggay pandesal and make Monique a hot chocolate too," she added, not even lifting her gaze from Monique. Michael immediately obeyed.

"You love those, so eat as much as you can, my sweetie, to get better, okay?" her mother added, kissing her on the forehead. Monique smiled weakly, feeling the warmth of her mother's love and care, even though the pain in her body was overwhelming.

Monique was no longer able to walk or even move her arms and legs. She remained in the wheelchair, being pushed around by Liam. After Michael left to prepare the food, Liam sat in front of Monique to face her. He gazed at her delicate face, something he never got tired of looking at.

"Monique, listen to me, okay?" he said, holding her hand. Monique nodded in response.

"Get stronger. We'll do everything we can to get you through this, okay?" he said before standing up and walking behind the wheelchair. He gently pushed it, his eyes blurred with tears. He purposely stood behind Monique so she wouldn't see him cry because he had promised her that he would never show his tears to her again.

As soon as they reached the first step, Liam picked Monique up from the wheelchair. He carried her as though she were a bride, even though it was difficult. He opened the door with one hand and, with all the strength he could muster, gently laid her down on the bed. He sat beside her, gazing at her with a smile on his lips, but it was clear that the smile was strained. The tears in his eyes were fighting to break free.

"Liam, when the day comes and I'm no longer beside you, I want you to remember that only my body will be gone, but not my love for you. You will always have me here in your heart," she said, trying to hold her chest despite the weakness that kept her from moving freely.

"Don't cry in the last moments I have left, okay?" she added, repeating a promise they had made together. Liam nodded, unable to look her in the eyes. His gaze fell to her hands, which he took gently, kissing them. Monique smiled at this act of love. Liam, struggling with his emotions, stood up and turned his back to her. He couldn't hold back anymore and tears flowed, his heart breaking at the pain he felt.

"Rest for now, my... my love," Liam sobbed as he left the room. He couldn't bear the overwhelming pain anymore. Even though he didn't want to see Monique, he couldn't stay with her any longer in that moment, and so he left, leaving her alone.

Monique sat there, heartbroken, unable to move. She could only sit in the wheelchair, feeling powerless, and unable to do anything for herself. She knew Liam had cried, and although she had promised him she wouldn't get upset, she couldn't help but feel the weight of his pain. She whispered, "Forgive me, Liam."

The woman who had always taken care of Monique, her mother, shook her awake gently. "Sweetie, sweetie," she called softly as Monique awoke from her nap. The older woman smiled at her daughter, trying to lift her spirits. "Breakfast is ready," she said, pointing to the clock, which showed it was already 8 a.m. Monique had only been asleep for an hour, but the comfort of rest had allowed her to feel a little better.

Michael entered the room with a tray of food for Monique. It was the sinangag and adobo her mother had promised her, along with malunggay pandesal and hot chocolate. The sight of her favorite foods brought a glimmer of joy to Monique's face.

"Eat a lot to get your strength back," Michael said with a smile. Monique smiled faintly, as she eagerly took the food from her brother.

The mother was just about to speak when she suddenly asked, "Where's Liam?"

Michael and their mother exchanged glances before Michael answered, "He had some things to take care of." He smiled at Monique. "He told me to make sure you finish all of this, and that he has a surprise for you." Monique smiled back weakly, grateful for her family's support.

"Thank you, 'kuya'."

"You called me 'kuya'?" Michael asked, clearly surprised. "She called me kuya!" he repeated, laughing in disbelief. Their mother laughed as well, watching the siblings interact. "I'm happy you called me kuya, lil sister," Michael said, his smile growing. "You need to get well, okay? I'll be the one to monitor your condition from now on. We'll do everything we can to help you get better."

"Thank you," Monique said sincerely, although deep inside, she thought, I will be the one to leave you... Sorry...

Her mother squeezed Monique's hand gently, while Michael continued to smile, but the sadness in their hearts was evident. Despite the challenges, they made sure to stay strong for Monique.

They promised that they would never leave her side.

To Be Continued...