Michael had previously asked, just before her abrupt disappearance, “What is it about these mundane things that you find so admirable?” 

Isabella's lips had curved upwards as she gazed at him, reaching out to grasp his hand in hers. 

“In life's busy moments, it is easy to overlook the precious experiences that matter. But it's these moments that I cherish and yearn for. God reminds us that He is always there, loving us even through our hardships. Sadly, we often let life's challenges and daily distractions cloud our appreciation for the countless blessings that God showers upon us each day.” As Isabella spoke, her tone softened, and she gently squeezed Michael's hand. "Even if we do not have enough time to fully experience it all," she continued, a slight tremor in her voice, "we can find peace in knowing that we are constantly surrounded by God's love

Michael had been yearning for Isabella for years, but her illness took her away from him. After all that time without her, all he could have with her was a mere day, not even a full one. A few precious hours to hold her close. And in those hours, he was blessed with her infectious laughter and captivating personality that always seemed to shine. However, it was all too overwhelming for Michael's mind to process, leaving only his heart to rely on. As he bitterly reflected, it seemed that God was not showing him any kindness in this situation.

Isabella dozed off for a few hours. As Michael gently caressed her face, he could feel the slight protrusion of her bones against his fingertips. A profound ache settled in his heart.

"Bella," Michael murmured in a soft tone.

With eyes half-lidded from exhaustion, Isabella gazed upwards at him. Tenderly, she grasped his hand and pressed a kiss on it. "Did you manage to get any sleep?" she asked him.

"I was watching you sleep,” Michael admitted in a hollow voice. Every time their eyes met, he could feel his composure slipping away. 

“It appears that some things never change.” Isabella flashed a wide smile at him. Her thin and pale skin stretched across her bony face.

Isabella was trying to ease the tension. She could feel Michael's stiffness beside her, and she could not bear for him to feel that way. How could she have caused him so much pain? When you truly love someone, seeing them suffer hurts even more than your own suffering. She recognised how selfish it was of her to call upon Michael now that she was dying.

Michael grasped her cold hands and gently rubbed them with tenderness. "Is there something I can get you?" His words echoed with a hollow emptiness. The façade he was desperately trying to maintain for her was slowly crumbling. 

Isabella withdrew her hand from Michael's hold and gently placed it on his face. "I have a request. Can you take me outside? I long to see the stars, just like we used to back in our hometown. Do you remember those moments?" She gazed deeply into his eyes.

“I remember everything, Bella.” Michael let out a gentle sigh while a small smile formed on his lips. 

In a tender display of affection, Michael delicately pressed his lips onto her forehead. Isabella felt cold to his touch. 

Isabella closed her eyes. She could feel the softness and warmth of his lips deeply enveloping her. It was as if every positive emotion and sensation imaginable was flooding into her body all at once. This overwhelming rush left her in a state of pure bliss, and she savored every second of it.

Michael swiftly excused himself from the room and made his way down the hallway in search of a wheelchair for Isabella. As he passed people, Michael took notice of their sorrowful expressions and the sound of weeping that echoed from various wards. He could only imagine that these were loved ones, grieving for their ill family members. 

It was a feeling of complete helplessness that consumed Michael as he stood there, not knowing what to do or where to go or what to think. All he knew was that he needed time. Time to try and make sense of the tragic event that had unfolded. He could not wrap his head around how this could have happened to her - someone so young and full of life, with an insatiable curiosity for the world. How could God, if one even existed, take Isabella away and leave behind those who were far worse? How could He let her suffer in such a cruel and unjust way? It seemed almost selfish for God to allow such injustice to occur. These thoughts consumed Michael, leaving him with a dark and bitter feeling towards the idea of God.

Isabella was not meant to leave this world so soon. Michael had always envisioned her growing old and starting a family of her own. How could fate be so cruel to take her away before she could experience more of life? The questions swirled in his mind: why her? Why not him? Why not someone else? The constant repetition of 'why' consumed his thoughts. It was unbearable to accept that the girl he loved had to be the one to leave. Michael would have gladly switched places with her in an instant. He casually entered a room designated for wheelchairs, finding it unoccupied. But just as he was about to leave, Michael suddenly began to cry.

In the midst of this dire situation, Michael could not help but feel the weight of impending loss and sorrow. The emptiness within him was becoming increasingly tangible, as though a physical void was growing within his being. It was a devastating feeling. One that consumed his thoughts and paralysed his actions. Michael knew deep down that once Isabella left, it would be a permanent separation, and the thought was almost too much for him to bear. He felt a vital and core part of himself being torn away.