^^ the emotion (slowed) by børns

::::::::::

The rainy weather outside reflected Valerie's mood.
Sad, gloomy, and cold. Nevertheless, the perfect weather to stay inside and read a book.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab.

A book about a young woman from France, 1714 who trades her soul for immortality and a life of freedom. But the catch is that no one remembers her. Then 300 years later in a small NYC bookstore, someone finally remembers her.

(not me shamelessly promoting my favourite book)

(edit on 08/15/21: my new favourite book is the night circus by erin morgenstern)

But it was more than just a fantasy book, it was a book about a girl that wanted to be remembered. Because, don't we all?

Valerie's doorbell rang suddenly.

Should I get it? She thought. Val was currently home alone while her parents were out grocery shopping.
I don't want to. I'm lazy..

The doorbell rang again followed by knocking. Her feet carried her downstairs and towards the front door. After looking through the peekhole, Val immediately opened the door.

Then there stood James, her devilishly handsome best friend.

"James, what are you doing here?" Val asked. She opened the door wider for him come in. They'd been over to each other's houses many, many times so he instinctively entered.

He raised his hand past his soft brown eyes to muse his dark locks. "Well, you weren't at school today." James looked a little worried, since she never texted him back. "You never replied to my texts."

"Oh... uh.." Valerie sputtered. Make an excuse you dumbass. "I had a very bad migraine this morning and decided not to go. And the phone light made it worse, so I took a nap."

Yes! That sounds very believable.

"Ok.." James said unsure. "Let's go walk to the park, Val."

:::::

As the two best friends sat on the swings, all James could think about was how strange Valerie was acting lately. Her heavy breathing has been there for a while. Is she—?

But Val was thinking about her next letter...

:::::

Dear James,

In the first letter I said I would tell you what's wrong. The second letter should be where I explain things right? Don't freak out or anything. I shouldn't freak out either. But...

I'm sick.

Sick. That sounds pathetic.

The truth is, I have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

After another checkup, the doctor said I was late for treatment when I was tested, and there is no cure. I don't know how long I have, but I plan to spend all my time with you and my family.

Also, I guess you could say, You take my breath away.

Love,
Valerie.

::::::::::

"shadows fill my mind up,
zeroes tell me my time's up"