Chapter 3

For the next few days, I did everything I could to make her last few days the best they could be. Every morning, we'd talk for an hour and a half. Once I got back home from work we talked more for another few hours. She seems a lot more talkative during the late afternoon period of the day, probably because she's asleep until I come back. Finally, during the evenings, she would ask me to tell her a story about my childhood. She wanted to know what it was like having a normal life and not knowing you have a disease that would slowly kill you as you get older. Then she would tell me how she was sheltered for most of her life. Back when she was originally diagnosed with the disease, there was no known cure for it…or even what it was. So her parents and doctors did not want to take chances if it were contagious. Thankfully it wasn't, but it was hereditary. Very little is still known about it, but at least a vaccine was made that while didn't cure the person would at least slow down the spread and give the person a little more time. Clearly, she wasn't able to get the vaccine and has been locked in her apartment till she would meet her inevitable death. So even though I researched ways to help, she said it was already too late. "I only have another week or so left." She told me. If that was the case, then I give every second to be with her. Until the very end.

I decided to call the entire week off so that I could be with her on her final days. Even though I wouldn't get paid I didn't care, being with her was more important than some stupid money. One day she knocked on the wall so I leaned toward the hole and a large blue handkerchief started being pushed out. It fell on the backboard of my bed and I could hear her labored breaths. "Could….could you put that on?" She asked. I picked it up and was confused about what she meant. "Put it on where?" I asked. "I want you to go to my door and cover your eyes with it…." She didn't even finish, but it already clicked for me. "You mean you want me to come and see you?" "Yes….*cough* more specifically I see YOU. I wanna see the face of the one who has made my last five years of life the best years I've ever had." I was overwhelmed, I never thought I'd get the chance. Granted, I wouldn't be able to see her, but just being in the same room as she was more than I could ask for. "I'll be right over." I got out of bed and walked quickly out the door and stood in front of her. I was nervous, my stomach was in knots. I took a deep breath, tied the handkerchief around my eyes, and opened the door. Once I stepped foot into her room, I carefully closed the door. "I'm over here." She called out. I knew she was to my left, but I understand why she would tell me as I'm blindfolded. I turned and started walking toward her, I assume, and I kept walking until my right leg hit the edge of her bed. "Ow." I groaned. "I'm…sorry. Please…come closer." I stuck out my hands and started feeling the edge of her bed, moving to my left until I eventually touched her hand. It was cold and felt boney, like that of a living corpse. "Please, could you come closer?" I nodded and ran my hand against her arm, the entirety of it felt ice cold. I kept going until I reached her shoulder then she told me to kneel. I couldn't tell what was happening, but I could feel her placing her hand on my cheek. "Just as I thought…..you're just as handsome as I knew you'd be." Hearing her say that made me blush. "Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have gotten you in my life. You have been the best thing to ever happen to me since I was diagnosed with this….curse." Her words were heartfelt yet also saddening at the same time. I could hear her sniffling and wanting to cry, so I grabbed her hand with mine to calm her down. "What is your name?" She asked. "M-My name? It's…Luke." She didn't respond for a second, "Luke…." I heard the bead creak and then felt something cold pressing against my other cheek. I realized it was a kiss. "I love you, with all my heart." She said as pulled back. I felt my eyes watering and let two years flow down my cheek. "I love you too." I responded, choked up. She took back her hand and heard the bead creak more, then something metal lightly hit the side of the bed. "Here, take this," She said, so I stuck out my hands and was given what felt like a metal can. "Thank you, but what is it?" "It's something special….something I want you to open when I pass. Can you do that?" I nodded, "I will. You have my word." "Good. Now then…..I should get some rest, as much as I would want to be with you forever." "I could stay here. I don't have work for the next two days, I could…" "Shh, shh, shh," She stopped me, "No need. I'm more than fine going back to our talks through the wall. Now go, enjoy the rest of your day….Luke." "Alright, but if you need me, I'll come back." I got up and left the room, taking the can with me and once I got back to my room I placed it on my nightstand. Hoping I wouldn't have to open it for a while.

On my way back from work, I saw the landlord coming out of the woman's room. "Uhh excuse me," I called out, "What're you doing in there?" "Huh? Oh you're her neighbor, right?" He responded, "Just checking to see if there was anything of ummm….."value" in there. Yeah, the diseased broad that lived here kicked the bucket a couple of hours ago." The moment he said that my heart sank and all the color drained from my body. "H-How long ago was that?" "About three ago." My mind was racing the world around felt like it was tilting, I rushed past the landlord and slammed the door to my room. I burst into tears, sliding down against the door. She died before I could say goodbye….before I could hear her voice one more time. I felt like I wanted to end my life right then and there just so I could see her again, but I knew that's not what she would have wanted. My chest ached and I couldn't control my tears. It took me a few minutes to calm myself down, at least enough to where I could process things. Then I noticed the metal can on the nightstand and I reached out to grab it. When I did I saw the lid was open but not fully, so I pushed back and saw a piece of paper in the can. I grabbed it and put the can down.

To my love,

While I could not tell you this in person, this letter will explain everything. Ever since I met you I knew you were the one for me. From the first time we spoke, I felt an instant draw to you and a feeling I had never felt for anyone before. I write this letter because I know you're my prince charming, my true love. And while I still have function in my hands, because who knows how much longer that will last. I will give you this letter before I die as a way to tell and show just how much I love you. With each passing second that love only grew stronger and stronger; to the point where I would scream it to the whole world.

Every time you were not around, it killed me more than my disease. Not being able to hear your voice feels like the entire world has gotten silent. Should I ever get the chance to meet you, I guarantee you're the most handsome man alive….at least in my eyes. There's not enough time in the year to tell you how much you mean to me. I also took a picture of myself while I still look like a normal human being. It should be in the can along with $5,000. I know it's not a lot, but I'm sure if you save it you can find a far better place to live than here. I hope that you live your life to the absolute fullest with no regrets and maybe when you too pass on, we can see each other in person and be together forever.

Sincerely, Cassidy

I put down the letter and looked back into the can. There was a roll of cash but I didn't care about that, I grabbed the folded photo that was at the bottom of the can. I unfolded it to reveal the face of the woman I feel for. Her long auburn hair, those gorgeous green eyes, and a smile that could light up the darkest of places. Her skin was a little pale and she had dark rings under her eyes, I guess that's from lack of sleep and the disease. But to me, she looked like the most beautiful woman to ever exist. I put everything back into the can and placed it back on the nightstand. I took a long deep breath, gathering all my emotions, and sat at the foot of my bed. I was going to fulfill her last request and live my life the best I can. And one day, I'll be able to reunite with my love….Cassidy.