The End or The Beginning

"Krekkrek krekkrek"

The sound of bicycle wheels turning steadily on the paved road. The air was warm, the sun shone brightly, the blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, and fat white clouds drifted along neatly. With great enthusiasm, Val took his bicycle and decorated his beautiful face with a big smile as the sunshine right above his head. He was leading the group, with the others trailing far behind.

"Val, wait for us!" another exclaimed in the background.

At that moment, the air, wind, sun, sky, everything was so perfect, as if it had been crafted just for him. Val's palms opened wide, shielding his face from the direct sun. The sun was becoming intense, posing a risk of burning his fair skin, but he craved it. Having been deprived of the sun's warmth, he feared he might soon develop moss on his face.

Val smiled widely. Ever since that day arrived, he cherished all the little things, even the most insignificant ones. The tiny leaves of the flamboyant tree that landed in his hand, along with the distant chirping of birds. Everything had become so valuable to him. He expanded his chest, breathing in as much fresh air as he could. The voices called out from behind, but he simply continued to savor the moment in silence. Releasing his hold on the bicycle handlebars, he spread his arms wide, shut his eyes, and felt the wind caress his cheeks. The chilly air brushed past his ears accompanied by the delightful melodies he could hardly put into words. He allowed the wheels to roll downhill, carrying him far to the end of the road.

"Val! Val wait!" Jason and the others keep following him closely at his back.

It's a very beautiful life.

 ....

Several weeks later.

The great city of Argent.

The street lights illuminate the pedestrian area. Delicate shadows stretch along the long road, with flamboyant, and cherry trees neatly lining the sides. The beautiful orange skies hover perfectly above the serene city, despite the many cars racing to escape the darkness and immerse themselves in the light. Large buses frequently halt at bus stops, only to be swiftly replaced by buses on different routes. Another common sight in the bustling city. Yet, it feels as though all the sounds are muted.

No matter how many people were around, everything just seemed to float outside of Jason's ears and mind. He continued to move forward, even as his knees felt heavier and more tired than usual. It had never been this difficult before. The road he traveled every day might now become a route he dreaded passing through.

He tries to show his calm looks, as he always does, with Val on his back, he walks slowly but steadily, as much as he can trying to enjoy every second they have now. Val's thin and frail body made Jason not dare to walk fast because it might hurt him.

Val closed his eyes, letting Jason's slow steps take him to a beautiful dream. The warmth of someone he missed so much, someone he trusted with all his life. The faint smell of the sweet sweat with body heat mixed at one, made his chest relieved. Val tightened his grip on Jason's front chest. He might lose his grip slowly as his eyes get so heavy.

"Boss, I like your back, it's so warm"

Jason held his breath, trying to remain strong and prevent himself from sobbing. His heart ached, and his stomach burned hot as if he wanted to release the emotions overwhelming him. Despite his efforts, he couldn't stop the tears from flowing. The big man cried, lifting his head tried to conceal his tears in the darkness of the night.

Val's body was not as the first time he carried him.

Val was like a kid, his body was thin, and he could feel his bones were very clear. His weight had decreased drastically. Unlike before he could still feel Val's wide and warm chest. Now, the chest turned to bones and cold, he could feel it pressing against his back. Jason wanted to scream but what could he do? All the pain he felt meant nothing to what Val was feeling now, he had to be able to endure it, for Val's sake.

"Val"

It took a while, but Val answered.

"Emm"

"After this, let's go to the sea again. We'll run on the beach, fly kites, grill fish, sing under the moon, and take a boat out to sea."

Val smiled.

"Hey, it looks fun, Boss, but I don't really like fish."

Jason smiled, he climbed the bridge with Val on his back. It didn't take much effort since Val is so light. The hospital building was right in front of them.

"Well, then you can bake macaroni, just bring chicken, whatever you like, okay?"

Jason waited for Val's reaction, but the young man was just silent, Jason stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened realized that Val's hand fell limp.

"Val, wake up Val" Very anxious, Jason ran quickly down the bridge.

"Val! Hang on, okay?"

….….

"The beginning of the end is the beginning, the beginning of the beginning is the end. In the end, we will never know, whether this is the end or the beginning. Everything is so confusing, sometimes, when all is almost over, that's where we find the beginning of something new, perhaps, good news, or perhaps, vice versa.."