Neil

I talked to Theera last night. We were up till 12 talking on the phone. She seemed a bit off, but told me everything was fine. Apparently her blood pressure had suddenly dropped from her panicking, and from the stress, causing her to faint. We didn't talk about what happened in class at all. We talked about everything else, from our dreams in life(she wants to become an actor and open a famous film school/production house in India), to the DC and Marvel Universe, to our favorite meme account, to what we had for dinner.

She wasn't in school today, considering she had fainted yesterday. She had to stay in the hospital last night, so it makes sense that she isn't coming to school today. The weird thing was I didn't see Aditi, Saami, or Bhoomi today either, which is a very weird coincidence.

I got home five minutes ago, and am currently munching on chips as I scroll through instagram. I haven't gotten a message from Theera yet, which is really weird. She usually texts or calls as I'm on my way home. But, the last I've heard from her was last night, when we talked. After that, I didn't get a message or phone call from or about her. I'm really worried, but I put my phone down on the counter to get started on my homework. I have a lot of work to do today, but the only thing on my mind right now is Theera.

****

It's been close to 20 hours since I've heard from Theera, which is really weird. She hasn't replied to any of my calls or texts, and I'm starting to get worried.

"Mom," I say, going into the kitchen to find mom.

"Hey Neil, what do you need?" Mom asks.

"Can we talk?" I ask.

"Sure, what's going on?" Mom walks over and sits down in front of me at the island.

"I think I messed up mom."

"What? With what?"

"Theera."

"Ah. Girl trouble."

I nod. "But I have no idea what I did wrong."

"What happened Joseph?" Mom asks. Mom doesn't usually use my Christian name unless she's angry, concerned, or we are in church. And right now, I think she's concerned.

"I don't know ma. We talked last night. Everything seemed fine. But she wasn't in school today, and she hasn't messaged or called all day."

"Well, did she block you?"

I shake my head. "No. She didn't. My messages go through, and I can see her posts on insta. She didn't block me mom."

"Hmm. Maybe she just needs time?"

"From what?"

"You, honey. Or, maybe she lost her phone, or it's dead." Mom suggests.

"Mom, I know Theera. She charges her phone every night."

"Maybe her parents didn't want her using her phone after she fainted yesterday."

That makes so much more sense. "Hmm. Yeah, you might be right." I sigh.

"Joseph, Theera likes you. We all saw it. Plus, you're smart, cute, kind, and hot."

"Mom!" I exclaim. Sometimes, she just doesn't have a filter.

"What?" Mom laughs.

I smile slightly and roll my eyes before walking out of the kitchen and into my room.

****

I haven't heard from Theera since Thursday. It's been a day and a half, and nothing from her. Today is Saturday, so there is no school, but Theera still hasn't reached out, and I'm freaking out. Mom gives me my toast and coffee, and I sit on the island. I take a sip of my coffee when I see a small hand reach out and grab my toast out of my plate. That's my last straw.

"Sana! Gimme my toast back!" I snap.

I've never done that before. I'm usually very chill and calm when it comes to Sana. I can tell I scared her, but I am very worried right now.

Sana stares at me, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Joseph! Apologize to your sister now!" Mom yells at me.

I glare at mom before getting off the chair, grabbing my phone, storming up the stairs, and walking into my room, making a point of slamming my door as I lose it. I sit down on my bed, my head in my hands. Tears blur my vision. I hear my door open and close. I don't look up as footsteps approach my bed, and I feel the bed sinking as someone sits on it.

"Neil." Mom's voice is gentle, contrasting what it was just a few minutes ago.

"I'm sorry." I cry, hugging her tightly. "I'm so sorry."

Mom holds me and gently rubs my back.

"I'm sure she's fine, Joseph." Mom says.

"She hasn't called or texted Mom. She hasn't been active on any of her social media accounts either."

"Honey, I'm sure she's fine-"

"No, it's not like her mom. She would have told me if she was going to go MIA for more than twenty fo-" I trail off as I suddenly remember what Theera had told me. I quickly get up and rush over to my bookcase. I sift through the row, looking for the envelope. I pull it out once I find it, and open it. Mom's watching me without saying a word. I pull out a folded piece of paper and unfold it to see Theera's neat handwriting.

Dear Neil,

Okay, so if you're reading this, I'm probably dead. Don't freak out, but it's probably true. Or, I'm unconscious and Saami didn't reach out to you(though I believe I'm probably dead). The thing is, I have brain cancer(or had, considering I'm probably dead). I have been getting chemo for a few months, and it's been hell. The only people who know right now are Saami, Aditi, and my teachers. I didn't want anyone else to know, because I hate pity. I don't need people to treat me like I'm some fragile thing ready to break because I'm not. That's why I didn't tell you either. I liked what we had. It was nice, and I didn't want anything to change about our relationship.

Speaking(well, writing) of relationships, I want you to know that I actually like you. Like, a lot. And not in just a platonic, friendly way. I like you more than a friend. I've liked you since the third day of school, when I first saw you(I know, cringe, but it's the truth). When you asked me out, I would have said yes. I saw the truth in your eyes. I just didn't know when I was gonna die. I wanted to tell you many times. Every time you looked into my eyes, or our hands brushed against each other, I felt myself get stronger. I fell for you fast and hard, but I didn't want to be in a relationship and then end up dying and leaving you alone. I know what it feels like to lose someone that is close to you and I didn't want you do go through that pain. I don't want to hurt you Neil. I love you too much to do that. I hope you can forgive me.

With Love,

Theera🤍

*****

I stare at the piece of paper in my hand. Tears are rolling down my cheeks, and I let out a sob. I look up at Mom.

"She-she had cancer." I say. I barely recognize my own voice. It sounds so quiet, so vulnerable.

"I know honey." Mom says.

"The hospital. She's at the hospital. I need to see her Mom."

"Neil-"

"Mom, please." I beg, looking up at her.

"Let's go." Mom says, and we walk out of my room.

****

We pull up into the parking lot of the hospital. Mom turns the car off, and grabs her purse. We both walk into the hospital and up to the front desk.

"Maria! Isn't today your day off?" The receptionist asks.

"Linda. Hey. I just wanted to check in on a patient who was admitted two days ago." Mom says.

"Name?"

"Uh, Theera. Theera Kesavaswamy." Mom answers.

Linda types something into her computer and stares at the screen for a few minutes.

"What is it?" Mom asks her.

Linda looks up. "The patient, what's your relation to her?" Linda asks, glancing at me.

"My patient, and my son's friend." Mom tells her. "Linda, what is it?"

Linda gives me a look of pity before looking back at Mom.

No. No, it can't be.

"I'm so sorry Maria. The patient you asked for died during her operation yesterday."

I let out a sob. Mom pulls me to her and hugs me tightly as I sob into her shoulder.

She can't be gone. I will never see her beautiful face, or her stunning smile. I won't hear her voice or her laugh. She's gone and she left me with nothing, nothing but memories.

*Runs away to Antarctica and lives with the penguins*

So...uh...hehehe...ik yall wanna kill me right abt now but um, can we not? I wud vry much like to stay alive so it would be appreciated if you can forgive me and let me live. Please? Thanks.

So yes, Theera is dead. Ik, im cruel, but life's like that so dont blame me. What r ur thoughts on the last chapter?

I'm debating on making another book as a continuation but I'm not sure. Lmk if you would be willing to read a continuation portraying Neil!