A month later.

Damon had to stay at the hospital for two weeks to recover. The doctors had to make sure the medicine and the surgery were working and it seemed it was. They called it their ‘grand miracle’. Damon would have to go to the hospital every month for a check-up to make sure everything was still doing its job but, apart from that, he was cured for now. The doctors said he wouldn’t get to live til he was eighty but it was more than we could have hopped already.

This Saturday evening, I was wrapped in Damon’s arms on the couch and it felt like everything could not have been better when suddenly, he said:

“I have something to tell you.”

I turned my head to look at him.

“Ok, please let me finish and please don’t kill me!”

I unattached myself from him to completely face him.

“What did you do?”

“I sorta, kinda sent your book to a publishing house and they want to publish your book and I read it while I was in the hospital because I thought I was going to die so I wouldn’t be able to otherwise.” He blurted all that really fast and I blinked a few times.

“What?” I asked, a little shocked by the information he had just gave me.

“You’re going to be a published writer Leah.”

I stayed frozen for a few seconds, my mouth open a little and the words racing in my head.

“No way.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

I felt tears running down my cheeks as I screamed and he took me in his arms, making me fly in the air while turning.

“I love you so much.” He said, kissing me and wiping the happy tears from my face. “And you have no idea how hard I prayed to be able to see your reaction to this news. I thought I would have to write it in a letter.”

“Oh my god Damon, this is… I can’t believe this!!! Thank you so much.”

“You have nothing to thank me for, it was all your work, I just gave you a little push.” He smiled at me and I realized how happy he was for me, and that this, right there, was exactly what love was all about.

“I’m taking you out to a fancy restaurant to celebrate. Unless you prefer we just order Chinese food and watch the latest New Girl episode while doing happy dances.”

I jumped in his arms again. He knew exactly what I preferred so he picked up the phone and ordered us food. And I thanked the Universe again that he was alive and celebrating today with me because there was no one else I would have wanted to share the news with more.

                                                                            *

“Turn the volume up!” I exclaimed.

Damon jumped on the TV remote and we looked at each other, our mouths open wide. On the TV was Damon, singing in front of the X Factor judges. I watched in aw. He looked so freaking hot and sang so well. It seemed like it had happened years ago. I snuggled closer to him on the couch and when he exited the stage, I saw myself on TV and almost buried my face in my head out of embarrassment. I didn’t look ridiculous but I didn’t like to see myself. It was so weird, it felt like I was watching a stranger. Then I heard myself sing and cringed.

“Why did you make me go on stage? I sound awful!!” I complained.

“No you don’t. It was beautiful. I almost cried.”

I don’t know what got into the judges’ mind to say yes.

“I am so happy you didn’t die.” I whispered, laying my head on his chest, hearing his heartbeat.

“I know, you say that every morning.” I could guess his smile as he stroked my hair.