I chased the ambulance where New is. I wasn’t letting him go just yet, not when we’re so close to the end. It was quiet, Tristan and John sat in the car speechless. We all know what’s happening, but we didn’t want to acknowledge it.
“Tristan, park the car.” I pulled over to the ER and threw him the keys.
I chased New but was blocked by a nurse.
“Sir, this is off limits.”
“I’m his boyfriend, I’m the only one he's got. He doesn’t have a family anymore.” I explained. She insisted I stayed here outside.
I sat on the chair, cowering. John stood across me, leaning back on the wall.
Tristan ran to us, “what happened?”
John swung his head from side to side.
“What?!” Tristan exclaimed.
“We don’t know yet. The doctors haven’t said anything.” I clarified.
“You idiot! I thought he’s gone!” Tristan hit John’s head.
John broke down and cried hugging Tristan.
The doctor swung the door open walking up to us.
I stood and tidied myself.
“What’s happened, doc?” I asked.
“He’s stabilised now, we’ll be sending him to his room soon. Based on his medical history, I’m afraid there’s not much we could do anymore. Admission to the ICU would only be costly and pointless.”
John howled after the doctor’s explanation. I’m in complete shock, I can’t even process my own feelings. I stood frozen, staring blankly while tears ran down.
He looked so peaceful. New lay on the bed, there were several machines monitoring and helping him live longer.
“I’m afraid he’s already in a vegetative state,” the doctor told me as I came back to see him. I’ve been staying by his side for a couple of nights now. Tristan would bring me fresh clothes and wash my used ones while John would bring me food. They volunteered to be with him last night for me to rest. No matter how hard I tried though, I couldn’t sleep. Not when my life lay there on that bed with him.
“His health deteriorated quickly last night. He’s in tremendous pain right now.” I teared up looking at my loving boyfriend.
“He doesn’t have much time now. I suggest you say your farewells now while he can still hear your.”
“Thank you, doc.” Tristan escorted the doctor outside.
“You guys talk to him first.” I gave my seat to John
“New, buddy? This is John, your irritating friend.” he concealed his sobbing with a chuckle.
“The doctor told us about your condition. He said you’re still in pain right now. I wish there was something I could do to take that pain from you, even if it meant me inheriting it. You’re a great friend, I hope you know that.”
John looked at us, “God knows where I would be right now had it not been for you,” he was reduced to tears.
“You literally found me in the streets barely living. When I lost everything I had, you helped me get up my feet. You built up my strength, you helped me find a job, heck you even managed to straighten my academic performance. I am more than grateful for the second life you gave me. I wish I could do the same and I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the times you had to put up with me. For the times you had to understand when no one else did. Most of all, I’m sorry it had to be you who had to go so soon. I’m gonna miss you so much, old friend.”
John kissed his forehead and gave way for Trsitan.
“Tristan here, New.” Tristan held New’s hand over his left hand and patted it with his right.
“Do you remember when I ran away from home? Because of the fight I had with my father? He was mad because of my performance in freshman year. I hated him so much for that. But you made me realise he was only looking out for me. You were right, and I’m happy I took your advice to apologise. Ever since I’ve never been closer to my father and in a few days he’ll walk proudly with me when he hangs the medal around my neck. I wish your father could’ve been the same. I wish he could’ve been kinder. You’re the most compassionate person I know, you didn’t deserve the pain he gave you.” Tristan bowed his head, he whimpered.
“Thank you for that second chance I had with my father. Thank you for the better life you gave me. Your help was beyond effective. My prospects are so much better now and it’s all thanks to you. And lastly thank you for the friendship we shared.”
Tristan kissed New’s forehead as well.
I held New’s hand, kissed it, and rested my cheeks on it.
“Hey, baby.” I looked at him.
“Us meeting in the corridor wasn’t an accident. I was actually waiting for you there. I noticed you looking at me from afar and it got me interested. When I finally found out enough about the department you are in, I waited. I waited patiently for days hoping we would finally have the chance to meet. It paid off, that Friday afternoon we finally met.”
“You really did teach me how to love again. When I thought my heart was broken forever, you took it in, nurtured it, and now you’re giving it back. I know you asked me to love again, but I hope it would be alright if I didn’t for a while. Not while I feel the warmth in my heart where your hands once touched.”
“You once wondered what your purpose in life was and I think I found out what it is. Hearing John and Tristan’s recollection and reflecting on mine, I realised you’ve served your purpose a long time ago. Maybe life gave you a limited time here because you would make the most of it and would make sure that others won’t waste theirs. You gave John a future, a future you could never have. You gave Tristan a chance at love with his father. A fatherly love you were deprived of. Lastly, you taught me to love again. To love others in your memory and honor. Thank you so much, New. Thank you for your love, for your life, for you.”
“I know you’re hurting right now and I never want you to. If you think you can’t fight it anymore, you can let go. I’ll be alright, my darling.”
I kissed his lips, my tears travelled down from me to him through our connected lips.
Suddenly, the heart monitor beeped flat. Tristan yelled for the nurse and I stood up to make way. I held John and Tristan hugged us as we watched the doctor and nurses try to revive him. They shocked him, his body jerked to no avail.
“Everyone stop. It’s been an hour now. Call time of death.” the doctor ordered the nurses.
“Time of death, 03:33hrs Thursday May 23, 2019.”
The nurses turned off the monitors and machine that kept my boyfriend alive. John screamed and Tristan held him to calm him down. I walked to New, my trembling knees lost its strength. I knelt right beside his lifeless body.
“Good bye, my love.”
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