Sunset

"I remember we always wanted to see sunrise when I was still healthy, Eric. But I can no longer wait for another sunrise now. How about the sunset, Eric?" you turned to me and smiled.

I took a deep breath and ask you again. Though I don't want to hear your confirmation.

"What do you mean, Chloe?"

"I'm waiting for my departure, Eric." you answered, but almost unheard. I tried to hold back my tears as I glare at the beautiful scenery right before us. But the moment I heard it, everything became black to me. Even the waves are no longer music to my ears now.

"Chloe..."

"The sunset is coming. I think I shall leave with the sunset, too." you added.

You were smiling and it instantly glows your pale face. But I close my eyes 'cause each word cuts like a knife.

"Please, don't say that, Chloe. You can still live..."

"Yes, I will stay alive. I will... as long as my memories are still living in you, Eric. It's only my body you will no longer see after this day."

Man, I don't think I can still stand this. This is crazy.

"You're just upset, Chloe. Let's go home."

"Eric..." but you pulled my hand back.

"Why are you acting so strange these past few days, Chloe? Are you really giving up now?!"

She paused for a minute before she replied.

"I heard your conversation with the doctor the other day."

I don't know how to explain that to her. I feel like my knees will stumble in no time so I sat in the sand. She sat beside me and laid her head upon my shoulder.

"I guess that's the reason why you insisted to go home when we were still at the hospital." I realized.

"No. Even if I didn't hear it out, I know I'm gonna leave too soon no matter how hard I keep holding on. My body can no longer endure the treatment, Eric. I know this will kill you but please bear with me for the very last time. Please, be with me until my last breath, Eric."

Chloe then closed her eyes.

And again I tried not to be emotional but my tears were dripping like in a hurry. And what hurts me the most is that even her voice has surrendered.

"This place brings both bad and good memories to me whenever I'm here. I remember I was barely 10 years old when my father taught me how to swim. Curious as always, I wondered what's underneath the water so I craved to swim deeper and see myself. My father warned me... but I betrayed him. I almost lost my life when I jumped off the water. And that was the first time I saw my father wept. I was guilty. Since then, I vowed not to swim again. I don't wanna see him weep ever again. Especially when it's all because of me."

"Until you and I met... here in the same place." I resumed her story.
I didn't care to dry my tears.

"You were alone, sitting in the sand while watching the sea. I was able to recognize you because we went to the same school and my family and I were newbies in your town. I was wondering why you were alone so I decided to approach you for the first time. At first I thought you don't have friends so I invited you to play with me..."

"But I thought you're just going to invite me to swim so I refused you." she said.

"I guess that was the first time I got rejected... by a girl." I joked.

"Silly!" you chuckled.

"But even before, you never walked away and instead you stayed by my side. Even until now. You have always been my confidant, Eric and each day I always thank the Lord for giving you to me. I knew I've been blessed." then you wrapped your hand against mine. I kissed you on your forehead.

"I still wanna live and spend life with you and with our little angel for even a thousand years, Eric but..." her cough stopped her.

I was terrified when I saw blood in her palm. And there's a trace of blood around her lips.

"But it seems that it's my call now," you said as you looked at the blood.

"Chloe..."

"No, Eric. Please..."

"I tried to accept the whole truth though it hurts me so much, Eric. These past few years had been tough for us and I'd been thinking of my father and I was also worried about you. I even questioned God. Why does he allow so much pain? Why does he allow so much suffering? What exactly did I do to deserve this?"

"But then I realized, I was so unfair to God. Whenever I receive blessings, I praise his Name. But now that my faith has been tested, all I ever did was complaining. I'm guilty. I was just so afraid, that's why. Death is inevitable, I know. And I am still afraid to leave now. But I realized at least my death is not sudden. I still have time to spend the remaining days of my life with the ones I cherished the most. Even in my dying moments now, I am still with you, Eric. And that's one more thing I am grateful for."

Chloe smiled. I knew she did and I am proud of her. How could you still manage to smile despite your condition? You're such a tough woman, Chloe.

"It's coming now, Eric..." she said, breathlessly.

"I love you, Chloe." I said with tears. She turned to face me. I grasped her face and kiss her lips. Then I hugged her tightly.

"I love you too, Eric, My precious gem."

"I will only love no one but you, Chloe. Please wait for me in heaven." I plead.

Chloe nodded.

"But please don't follow me too soon. Angel needs you."

"Yes, babe." I replied.

Then I saw the beautiful sunset.

"Babe, here's the sunset now," I said.

"C-Chloe?"

This time, she didn't answer.

My father-in-law approached me but he didn't move me. He just let my agony fill the entire night.

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