CHAPTER:10

My consciousness flickered, and I saw my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Louis standing around me. I asked what had happened, and they informed me that I had fallen down the staircase and lost consciousness. I couldn't recall the specifics of the fall. Then it hit me—I had forgotten to take my medication that day, and that must have contributed to my collapse.

My parents took me home and instructed me to rest. They made it clear that I wouldn't be going anywhere until I fully recovered. The night passed with me tossing and turning in bed, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of the trip. It felt like some cosmic force was conspiring to prevent me from going on that expedition. Why, I couldn't fathom. I didn't want to die confined to a bed, surrounded by machines, and unable to pursue the things I desired. Yet, I was resolute; I was determined to experience new things in life, and I wasn't going to let my condition stop me. If I were to die, I wanted it to happen while I was out there. So, I got up and began packing, finishing around 2 a.m. I returned to bed, hoping for the best.

Time ticked away, and by 6 a.m., my alarm was ringing. As I rose from bed, a mixture of excitement and nervousness filled me. I readied myself for college and made my way downstairs. Upon entering the kitchen, my parents asked where I was headed. I replied that I was off to college. Their reaction was explosive; they were angry and expressed concern that I was unfit to handle so much stress and work, fearing it would worsen my condition.

I responded with a declaration, "I don't care whether I live or die today because, one day, it will happen, and you both will have to accept it." My words left them hurt and downtrodden. They reluctantly allowed me to go to college and told me to take care. Though I was tempted to ask about the trip, I refrained to avoid upsetting them further. After breakfast, I left for college without saying anything more.