I didn’t know why Sabrina’s phone was with Christopher. Yet, I was overjoyed to hear the familiar raspy voice; I almost cried out in joy. I quickly held back my tears as I remembered the doctor’s words. Stop it, I can’t cry now if I want a speedy recovery.
At that moment, Lucas was pouring me a cup of tea. I quickly handed him the phone and begged him to speak on my behalf. I also mouthed Sabrina’s name to remind him of the subject.
Lucas did not understand at first as he took hold of the phone. However, something clicked in his mind as he responded, “Hello, I’m looking for Sabrina. Could you pass the phone to her?”
“She’s out at the moment and won’t be back anytime. I can pass on the message if it’s urgent.” Christopher’s voice was extremely hoarse. I could sense the exhaustion and dullness in his voice. It was as if his soul was sucked out of him. He was unlike the usual Christopher who was full of life that I knew.
I couldn’t be more excited as I held my breath and listened to his voice. I didn’t think I could still hear his voice. This is such an amazing feeling! How I wished Lucas could exchange a few more words with Christopher. That way, I could listen to his voice a little longer. I tugged Lucas’s sleeve and pleaded silently.
“It’s nothing. But, may I know who I am speaking to? Why do you have Sabrina’s phone with you?” Lucas knew what I wanted and acted upon it in an instant.
“I’m her friend. And you are?”
“I’m Sabrina’s friend who lives overseas…”
Both Lucas and Christopher did not exchange many words before Christopher decided to hang up. I was glad that I called Sabrina’s phone with a new number that had international roaming. The number’s coordinates were located in Yaleview and Christopher wouldn’t have known that this number had anything to do with me.
I held the phone and pressed my face to it as I desperately tried to feel Christopher’s warmth. I bit my lips, trying to stop myself from crying. I miss you so much, Christopher. How I wish I could hold you in my arms instead of listening to your voice.
“Are you and Christopher lovers?” Lucas asked in surprise.
“No, not lovers. He’s my one true love that has been through life and death experiences with me.” I placed my lips on the phone, pretending that I was kissing Christopher.
“Things won’t end well if you decide to be with him,” Lucas replied.
“Yeah, I know. I’m dying, so what happy ending would there be?” I couldn’t see Lucas’s expression, so I didn’t notice the signs of worry and warning in his eyes. I merely thought he was empathetic of my situation.
I choked as I recalled all the times I’ve spent with Christopher. I raised my head high to prevent myself from crying. However, it was too late. I could feel the tears flowing down my cheeks uncontrollably.
I looked out of the window towards the direction of Avenport. It was the city where Christopher was, two thousand miles away from me. I made a hugging gesture as I thought to myself. Christopher, you must live happily, even if it means that I’m gone…
I received Sabrina’s call at night when Lucas returned home. Sabrina told me that Christopher knew it was me all along. He even asked her about Lucas. So, I briefly told her about my encounter with Lucas.
“Are you sure you don’t want to meet him one last time? Christopher has been very out of it. All he does every day is roam around the house with your shoes in hand. Besides that, whenever Zachary and I visit him, he’d warn us not to disturb him. He wanted to watch the sunset with you in peace.”
I lowered my head and touched my ring finger where I once wore a diamond ring. It was now empty; I could no longer feel the ring and be reminded of the eternal promise that it held.
“Sabby, I missed him more than anyone else. But, I’m dying and I’ll disappear forever. So what’s the point for me to see him again? I don’t want to break him further.”
“Forget it, do as you please. These are some of the things I can’t interfere with. For instance, this. Oh, speaking of which, Darius mentioned that he sent you a new medication. It’s a new medication from Anglandur. Are you feeling better?”
“Oh, I feel less nauseous now.” I didn’t plan to tell Sabrina that I’ve stopped consuming any medication for a few days now. In fact, I don’t plan to take any from now on. I feel much better despite suffering from the occasional dizziness. But, it wasn’t as frequent as before.
“Really? That’s good news! You must take your medication on time, okay? I’ll visit you in a few days.
