January 20.
My head was throbbing. I felt like absolute crap. The dim light barely reached my half-open eye, and the cold was shaking my body. I wasn't at home — strange. I was supposed to die there the other day… so where am I?
Before I could even think, the door swung open. A blonde woman with glasses walked in. She wasn't a doctor. I tried to sit up, but it was useless; my body was wrecked. Forcing myself in this condition would have been pointless.
"Get well soon, Mr. Yhazem."
"Tha—" She didn't let me finish.
"And my condolences. Our teacher Shroud has passed away. Your sister is alive, but she's in a coma."
"Huh? Shit…"
My eyes shot open. I ignored my body and got out of bed immediately. My skin prickled with goosebumps. I tried to speak, but I couldn't.
The woman told me not to worry about the funeral expenses, and that my sister's medical bills were already covered. It was honestly tragic and absurd at the same time. I struggled not to lose my mind. I was shocked, relieved… It was all so tragically ironic.
"And this letter is for you, from Mr. Shroud. He must have left it before he died. I'll leave you alone. We'll talk later," she said, then walked out and shut the door in my face.
My hands were shaking. I wasn't even surprised anymore — I felt numb. Maybe I'd simply gotten used to all this in such a short time. Anyway… I took a deep breath, steadied myself, and opened the letter.
---
My dear student and son, Yhazem…
I'm not very good at things like this, and honestly I never wanted to write something like this, but fate… ahem.
Anyway. If you're reading this, it means I'm dead. You'll have many questions about my past, but it's too early for you to learn them. I hope your sister is safe. As for money, I have a considerable amount saved — don't worry.
Ahem, ahem… I don't know how to say this, but if it eases your mind, don't blame yourself. My death wasn't your fault, it was mine, son. And I'm not regretful. Dying for you was meaningful to me. You and your sister were more like family to me than students or acquaintances. From the times we ate together to the times I beat you up and left you out in the cold at night… ahahaha.
Anyway. I hope you two are happy. I love you, kids. (:
---
The letter suddenly began to get wet. I couldn't hold back the tears. I tried to speak, but I couldn't; I just cried silently. Words were useless.
It was already noon. Two hours had passed since I was discharged. I still wasn't myself. I needed to visit my sister, but I wasn't ready. I couldn't bear to see her like that.
I sat in the cafeteria, watching the news, and ate a portion of butter chicken. After finishing my meal and paying, I left, got into the elevator, and walked to my sister's room. The place was unusually quiet for a hospital. After a short ID check, they let me in. They opened the door, and I stepped inside.
She was there. Behind the curtains. A young nurse had just pulled them aside.
I rubbed my eyes. She was really there.
My sister… was alive,but how much does it cost?