Chapter One: "Goodbye"

For the first time in my life, I was afraid. Not the kind of afraid when your a bit scared or nervous about something, but really terrified through every cell of your body as if you'll never see it again; never see anything again. I was afraid to die. I was afraid that my death would cause my family and friends indescribable pain. I was afraid, yet nobody could help me. I was afraid, but I could do nothing to stop myself from dying.

Beside me, I could hear the regular rhythm of my own heartbeat. 'Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.' I closed my eyes as a rough tear fell towards my cheek. "Doctor?" I called quietly. Dr.Evelyn appeared instantly. "Whats wrong, child?" She asked, nervous. I had been on life-support for several days, you see. "I'm fine, doctor. But I would like you to call my family, I have to tell them -- and you -- something very important."

Soon, my close family and Dr.Evelyn were rushing into the room. "What's wrong, baby?" my mother frantically exclaimed, for she was always fretting about our health. "Mum, nothing is wrong. Don't be so worried about me." My father, who never much cared for nervousness aimed at illness, spoke then. "Then, why did you summon us? We were worried greatly, Anna, so we brought your... 'BFF'. Come forth, Amelia." Amelia! Oh no. This was going to make my job 1000 times harder. "Amelia, I've missed you so much..." I hesitated, then turned to address everyone. "Guys, I have something I need to tell you. I know it takes a large amount of money to keep me on life support, so I've decided-" I was suddenly cut off by my family screaming and shouting their objections.

Amelia sat beside me and held my hand helplessly, crying silently. "- I've decided to take myself off my life support." My mother hushed the rest of the family to speak to me. "But... Will it not cause you immense pain whilst you... die..." she trailed off at the end of her question, tears streaming down her rosy cheeks. "Dear mother, even the pain will be worth it. I wish to be at peace soon, I hope you can understand. I dont want to use your money for a helpless reason, like keeping me alive. I would die eventually, despite your fruitless efforts. I'm sorry."

Dr.Evelyn walked over. "We can take it off now, if you wish..?" She asked hesitantly. I shook my head. "In ten minutes. I need time to say goodbye." I replied, and turned to my family. "Goodbye, Mum and Dad, you will forever hold a special place in my heart. Goodbye, Jack and Leah, thank you for being the most irritating siblings ever and making me the woman I am now. Goodbye, Nan and Granddad, for spending all of your money on everyone else's Christmas gifts and letting them feel loved in a beautiful way."

Finally, I turned to Amelia. Both of us had tears blurring our eyesight. "Goodbye, Amelia. I hope to see you in heaven with me when you are old and have a big, beautiful family. I love you, bestie, and I always will." I choked out, smiling roughly. She hugged me tightly and I felt like I had made a mistake. A moment later, Dr.Evelyn said, "You've said your goodbyes, are you ready?" Startled, I nodded. "Goodbye, everyone, I love you all!" I sobbed, still somehow smiling. "Goodbye" everyone except Mum and Amelia choruses. "Goodbye, bestie, I love you." Amelia kissed me gently on the forehead. She moved out of the way for my mother. "Goodbye..." My mum sobbed.

That was the last thing I heard before I drifted off, toward the dark oblivion of death.