The song of 16

The time passed by so quickly and I didn't even notice that I had a quick nap in Liam's room. When I woke up I saw Shaun Standing beside me and looking at the book I'm reading. He looked so curious about it so I asked him.

"What's with that look?"

"What is that book all about? And why are you reading here?"

"Oh, this? It's Liam's new book. Actually, it's a draft and it's all about his life. I requested this book from him but sadly it isn't finished yet."

"Liam is writing a book about his life? Really? I can't even imagine how he puts some of the best words to describe his so-called "realistic" life. It's his first book about his life, right?"

"Definitely, yes. I didn't even expect that he's going to write it for me. We argued about this book last time but when I went here yesterday his room was totally a mess. Papers are everywhere. So I decided to clean his room and I found this."

"But wait? Does Liam know you're here? You know his rules, Leah. He never allowed somebody to go into this room and touch everything in there."

"Obviously no. He hasn't woken up yet and he will know about this only when you tell him everything. We're the only person here, Shaun."

"Hm.. maybe not now." We suddenly cut our conversation when Claire appeared and she's standing with her arms crossed.

"Claire! How was Liam?"

"Is he already awake?"

"Is he okay now?"

"Are we allowed to see him?"

"Wait.. You guys please calm down and please ask one question at a time."

"Oh, sorry." Shaun and I said in chorus."

"So, Liam had some complications this morning and we still need to monitor him. Also, he isn't awake yet but we all hope he will soon. But the good thing is although his vitals aren't stable for now we detached some supporting machines because he didn't need it anymore. Little by little Liam can manage to live without any machines connected to him. He's still fighting."

"That's great news. I do hope he'll wake up as soon as possible. Leah's birthday is around the corner."

"We all hoped for his recovery, Shaun. Leah, what do you want for your birthday?"

"Leah?"

"Leah? Are you okay?"

I came back to my thoughts when Claire and Shaun suddenly waved at me.

"Ah..y-yes. I'm okay. I'm just thinking about something."

"Are you worried aren't you? Shaun asked.

"Kinda."

"You don't have to worry. Liam will fight. He will, I promise. Claire said to make me feel better.

It's been a few days since Liam moved to the ICU. I really wanted to see him but I can't. I'm going to continue the book I am reading to stop worrying about Liam but, as I will turn into the next page Claire asks me what is this book all about.

"Is that yours?" Pointing at the book I'm holding.

"No, It's Liam's draft for his new book."

"What is that book all about? You look so focused while reading."

"It's about-" I can't finish my sentence because Shaun suddenly butted in our conversation.

"Claire, you really never gonna believe her when she says what that book is all about."

"Wait.. what? Do I miss something here?"

"Leah, go spill it."

"Shaun, I was going to tell her not until you butted in our conversation."

"Oh… sorry"

"So as I was saying it's Liam's draft for his new book. It's about his life. Actually, I requested him to write his life story but I never expected that he'd grant my request."

"Oh.. Liam's book about his so-called "realistic" life is really worth waiting for. I really can't believe that he'll write a book like this. For the past years I knew Liam, he didn't want to share anything about his life with other people. I wonder how strong your friendship is. He actually trusted you, Leah." Claire said while smiling.

"I'm surprised too."

"Why don't you read the second chapter for us? I really wanted to know his story."

"Sure, It's my pleasure."

*Reading*

"Chapter Two: The song of 16"

"Does the moonlight shine on Paris..."

"After my grandfather passed away I was the only one who's talking to the moon and imagining random things in life. I already went back to my parents and left my grandmother. I never left her because I want to, I leave because I have to. I spend almost a half of my life with them and I never see myself leaving one of them in the future. It's hard to leave someone who's with you through thick and thin. The stars and the moon are my only friends at that time. I already lost everyone around me. Maybe that's the part of the process of their so-called growing up. I already accept the fact that I'm the only one who's there for myself. I just suddenly remembered my 12th birthday, I was holding a balloon while wearing a party hat and it's exactly 12 am in the midnight. Then, I went to our terrace and luckily the stars are spreading in the sky while shining so bright. Also, the moon is so beautiful that night. That day was supposed to be our trip to Paris with my grandparents. They saved a lot of money for that trip. Because of my obsession with the moon and the night time I always ask my grandparents what the moonlight looks like when it shines above the Eiffel tower? Is it beautiful if it shines on Paris? That night I started to build a dream. Then, I found a song. It talks about moonlight over Paris; it's actually a beautiful song. So, as I was listening to that song while staring at the sky my mom suddenly appeared. She stood beside me and suddenly asked "Do you miss him? I know he's staring at you. Search for the brightest star and you'll find him" I don't really know what she's talking about that time because I'm just a kid. I spent an hour or two that night while singing the happy birthday song all by myself. It's really fun celebrating another year of your life not until you're the only one who's celebrating it. Heartbreaks are painful but do you ever cry on your birthday? It's more painful than being brokenhearted.