“You are incredibly rude,” the voice spoke once more, causing Michael to come to a halt. "I tried to get your attention, but you chose to ignore me."

Michael turned his head to the right and saw the familiar sight of Mr. George's house. It had been over a year since his passing. Michael remembered the kind-hearted neighbour who always had a smile on his face and a warm greeting to everyone. But now, Mr. George's children had placed their mother in a home for the elderly, and the once lively house had become empty and still.

Michael's curious gaze swept across the property. He found no sign of human presence. Yet, amidst the vastness of the property, his eyes were drawn to a bright and vibrant multicolored umbrella that stood out against the drab surroundings. Suddenly, a girl appeared from behind the imposing wall that divided the two properties.

Michael was completely caught off guard, his eyes widening and his body freezing in surprise. He hastily wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead, feeling like he was drenched in water.

“Hello!” She greeted Michael with an exuberant wave and the most radiant smile he had ever seen on a person. "I am Isabella Sims," she cheerfully announced.

Michael was so surprised by her presence that he could not find his voice.

"Can you please tell me your name?" Isabella asked, as Michael remained silent.

Michael's sudden movements were almost mesmerising as he strode towards her. His body seemingly under a spell. He closed the distance between them and leaned against the wall, his tall and lanky frame giving him an advantage to easily see over it. Michael’s initial thought of Isabella Sims was that she seemed like a real-life Snow White. Her porcelain skin was incredibly pale and flawless, giving her an ethereal aura. The way her full, red lips seemed to be the only pop of colour on her face was reminiscent of the iconic fairytale character. Her thick, straight hair cascaded down her petite frame and reaching below her small breast made her seem so majestic to him.

Michael was unable to deny the fact that the girl before him was undeniably beautiful and exuded an aura of mystery. It was as if she could disappear into thin air in the blink of an eye, and perhaps that was the reason why Michael found himself unable to look away or even blink.

"I am Michael Lark," he stated, and extended his hand towards Isabella in a friendly gesture.

“Hello neighbour. Last night, my mother and I moved in. Unfortunately, the rest of our belongings have yet to be delivered. So, if you happen to hear a knock on your door and I kindly ask for some sugar, please don't think I am strange.” 

If such a thing was even possible, Isabella's smile seemed to become even more radiant as she took hold of Michael's hand.

Recalling the past, Michael let out a sigh. "Bella..." he murmured to himself. "I cannot help but feel incredibly anxious to see you." A faint chuckle escaped him as he realised how ironic it was, as all he had yearned for since her departure was to lay eyes on her once more.

As soon as he arrived at the hospital, he promptly approached the front desk and sought assistance from the first individual he spotted. He conveyed his needs to the young lady. What struck Michael immediately about her was that she did not resemble someone who would typically be employed in a hospital. In fact, if he had simply passed her by on the street, he would never have guessed her occupation. She had the appearance of a model, someone you would see on the cover of a magazine. The woman's name displayed on her nametag was Amelia. She sifted through some documents, searching for Isabella's name and room number. 

Amelia uttered a noncommittal sound, causing Michael to feel a sense of unease. He was afraid that Amelia was about to break the news of Isabella's death, but he couldn't understand why they would contact him if that was the case. After all, he was not a relative. He was just the man who loved her. Then it occurred to him that perhaps the message was sent by Isabella's mother.

Amelia spoke in a sympathetic tone as she remarked. “You are her first visitor in over a year. Poor thing.”

Michael was taken aback by the nurse's words. 

"What did you just say?" He could not believe his ears. How could Isabella have been there for over a year? It seemed impossible. “How long has she been here for?”

“Three years,” Amelia answered. 

Michael's hands tightened on the counter. How could this be? Three whole years! She had been here the entire time. 

“What could possibly be the matter with her?” Michael thought aloud.

Amelia took a brief pause and locked her gaze on Michael. "She has been diagnosed with Leukaemia."

Michael's face fell as he processed the news. "Leukaemia? That's... a type of cancer, right?"

Amelia nodded somberly. "Yes, unfortunately. It's a cancer of the blood cells."

A look of concern washed over Michael's face. “This can't be true. She can't possibly have Leukaemia!" He cried out with disbelief. "She is so young. She’s my dearest friend. The one I cherish most. She still has her entire life ahead of her." 

His voice was filled with a seething rage. The pain he felt was almost unbearable, pushing him to flee, to run away from it all. He yearned for the overwhelming emotion to diminish, to become less tangible. A part of him longed to release his tears, while another part was consumed with an intense fury. Desperate to lash out at anyone or anything.

Amelia's voice softened. “I am truly sorry. Perhaps you were unaware that Isabella was ill. She has been struggling with it for some time now. But she's been so strong, trying to fight it every day.”