Take Care of Your Heart

"Based on your previous medical history, you were born with a congenital heart defect," the doctor issued a statement to Charissa. "I recommend you to go to the hospital every week and undergo some tests."

The revelation shocked Charissa who up to that point had been generally healthy for most of her life. But when Cathy brought up her drinking binge the day after I left, she could only blame herself for what happened.

"It was my fault sis," Charissa tearfully said to Cathy. "I never knew how weak my heart was. Drinking too much booze must have aggravated it. I feel bad about myself."

"It's ok," Cathy explained. "You already apologized to yourself and to your daughter, and learned your lesson. Move on and pick up the pieces, sister."

Charissa slowly accepted the reality of it all. She would have to live the rest of her life with a fragile heart and take care of herself.

Meanwhile, Clark went outside while I slowly followed suit. Upon looking at his reflection on the window, my worrisome eyes pictured a man who was openly weeping for her loved one.

Rarely would I see a man cry for something special. But on that particular day, Clark's emotions were on the pessimistic side as he realized that his wife would never live a full life again.

"What's the matter pop?" I inquired my father on why he was crying.

"Your ailing mother, my beloved wife, she'll never be the same again," Clark tearfully explained. "It was extremely difficult for me to accept. Charissa had been relatively healthy, but when she committed the worst sin imaginable, I realized that her days would be numbered."

"Pop, it was unfortunate that I felt responsible for all this," my tearful voice resonated within Clark's ears. "Deserting her was a huge mistake, and I'm sorry for that. Had I listened to her this thing might not have happened."

"It's already happened Christine," Clark told me. "We need to move on and look ahead to the future."

"I know," I said to Clark. "We need to take care of Charissa from now on."

Clark and I embraced as the rain finally stopped. The sun rose again and all of a sudden, things were looking upward.

A few days later, Charissa was discharged from the hospital and returned home. But with the uncomfortable realization that she could never enjoy a normal life, Charissa openly delivered a difficult decision that stunned us.

"I have decided to quit as a news anchor," she revealed her plan to us. "I realized that the hectic shifts and heavy workload could pose a huge risk to my health, and with my heart already weakened by a congenital defect, it's just too much work to deal with."

Charissa added, "For years I loved my job and gained so many friends. I was grateful for all the opportunities given to me, no matter how hard they were. But in the end, my health remains my utmost priority and I needed to slow down a bit."

Cathy, by far her most loyal viewer and supporter all those years, could not overcome her raw emotions and openly wept. Even I could not prevent myself from sobbing uncontrollably.

After all I envisioned Charissa as a fan, the key reason behind my desire to become a journalist.

"Don't cry dear friends," Charissa advised us. "I'll still be involved in some other capacity, but as an independent social media journalist. Don't worry about me. We can still talk and hang out together sometimes. Continue to support me wherever I go."

Charissa bowed down while we gave her an applause. She hugged each of us in appreciation and then we started to eat lunch.

The following day, she returned to her news agency and filed the resignation papers to her boss.

"You're resigning?" the boss humbly asked Charissa.

"It was a difficult decision, but I must leave so as not to jeopardize my health," she made it clear to her boss. "Thanks a lot for all the ample opportunities you gave to me. I'll never forget your fatherly kindness."

The boss humbly accepted Charissa's resignation. He immediately left the office to find her replacement.

We accompanied Charissa to her workplace and when she announced her decision to leave, her co-workers openly cried. It was too difficult for them to accept, but they also understood the priorities that my mother must take moving forward.

Free from all the burden of work, Charissa and Karina accompanied Michelle and I to school to pay for tuition. There were only a few days left before a new school year begins and Michelle and I couldn't get more excited to start anew.

Except that we were greeted by a long line of students paying for their tuition as well. Even Ella and Carson joined in as well.

"How is it going?" I cordially greeted Ella and Carson as they marched towards the counter.

"It was long but other than that it's moving fast," Ella responded with profound joy. "We couldn't wait to start so let's go for some lunch after paying the tuition."

After paying all the dues for the next school year, Michelle, Ella, Carson and I went to lunch at an adjacent cafeteria. Charissa and Karina eagerly joined us on the table as well.

But after all the fun and lively chatter, there was still one more task to go. A routine checkup eagerly awaited Charissa at the local hospital.

We stayed behind while she underwent a private physical examination. Following the extensive consultation, Charissa joined us and revealed some encouraging news.

"Guys, the doctor said I'll have a pacemaker and some medication to alleviate my heart condition," Charissa notified us. "I may no longer possess a healthy heart but at least they would help me live at ease for a few more years."

From that point forward, Charissa lived with a pacemaker and some medicines to stay alive while she continued with her weekly checkups. As for work, she began making a weekly podcast and a video blog regarding the latest news in business.

As for Michelle, Ella, Carson and myself, a new school year beckoned. Next Monday would mark the first day in school and we couldn't be more excited.