Today was the day I would strike off the last and tricky thing from my list, I hoped. My heart skipped a beat as I saw her enter, her clear brown eyes longingly scanning the room, looking for me. “It isn’t one-sided, after all.” I smiled to myself. Tucked mischievously behind a curtain I saw her getting tetchy, preparing to leave.
The butterflies in my stomach briefly made me forget the discomfort I was in. I was glad the doctors had insisted on keeping me under observation here. Thanks to this hospital, I found the love of my life! Who were they trying to fool though? I knew my time had come. I wasn’t really the child they mistook me for.
I’ll let you on a secret. Unbeknownst to anyone else I made a bucket-list last month. I’ve heard it is a big and important thing for dying people. I would’ve told Mom but she cries a lot even if she looks at me nowadays. Is it my appearance? I wonder. She didn’t mind looking at the boy in that movie though. I forget its name now. Some famous actor played my real life character. Cool, isn’t it?
Now, I know the list must be something fancy and adventurous but I was too tired to think or find a diary to write it on that day. Procrastination isn’t good so I scribbled three points behind an old prescription leaflet lying on my bedside table and made small check-boxes in front of them. It looks good, yes? 🙂
I finally blackmailed Dad (since I’m not allowed to have burgers, sigh!) last Sunday and got the first item checked off my list. Second one was a bit tough, what with me being restrained to the bed all day. I spent some time playing in the swimming pool instead. Small compromise, but I’m happy.
The third one, however, seems like a sticky one. I shouldn’t have taken the teenager tag too seriously I guess. I’m not even sure it is worth it or not.
This girl, my angel, and I are both headed for heaven soon. The nurse said that she has some kind of terminal cancer and she won’t make it. She likes me but doesn’t know anything about my list yet. I would like to believe she has one too. Would she understand my love and help me go away in peace? I must find out soon. A progeria patient never has too much time, you see.
This post is written for Day 4 of the The Write Tribe Festival of Words June 2018.
Adding an old post for Write Tribe Festival of Words June 2017.
Writing prompt:
Write a story about a character who finds out that he or she is dying and has been knocking things off his/her bucket list and has finally reached the last item.
Oh, this is heartbreaking! I am glad that the kid decided to make himself happy before embracing the last journey. I loved how you narrated a touching tale in the boy’s voice showing his emotions, keeping a brighter tone throughout. Well done, Varsh!
This was both beautiful and heartbreaking. Loved it.
This is so very sad but I love the spirit of this boy. I do hope he (and she) found love for whatever little time they had.
interesting story telling
Oh such a poignant tale. I hope they both together find peace and joy soon.
Very poignant and touchy oe,nicely penned.
Thanks for reading, Jyotirmay.
I am reading this in office just before the weekend. Really touching…
Thanks a lot, Jai. Coming from you its quite a compliment.
Touching tale…
Thanks for reading, Anita. 🙂
This is such a touching tale you have shared Varsha…Keeping sharing such posts..I love to read them
The last wish on his bucket list is so sweet! ? And this lovely story touched my heart!
It was heartbreaking beautiful Varsha. You can make readers cry and smile at same time.
Sad story! I am feeling quite emotional while reading this. I wish every single person get chance to fulfil their wish lists.
What a touching and emotional story, eo beautifully expressed and well penned. I’m intrigued. Keep it up..
This is so heartbreaking story, make me emotional. I wish no one in real life face these problems
The best part of life is enjoying it.This little boy shows us how.A story with a soul
That is a powerful fiction story indeed very well written Varsha. Very precise.
Aww Varsh you took my heart with this post. Loved each bit of it.
Very touching…. Especially the innocence of the little boy.
It’s really pathetic to see a child is all set for his last journey. But at the same time it makes happy to see him planning for the last good days. We don’t know when death will come so we should live every single moment of it.
This is sad but good to know that the kid kept the happy spirit. Touching story!
Omg Varsh that’s such a touching write up. How do you get such ideas.. . Love it
This is such a poignant tale. Loved reading this Varsha
It was a good read. I never tried my hands on writing fiction but this story made me think of trying one soon.