The Letter

Written by maknae094

 

My name is Henry Collin. I'm dying because of a heart disease. The doctor said that I could die any moment because of a sudden attack. I'm ready to die but I'm waiting for a girl. A girl named Patricia Swain.

 

"Henry!" Wendy called him. She's one of the interns in the hospital where Henry was confined for almost a year now. "Are you out of your mind? What are you doing?"

"I'm just getting some fresh air." Henry said while he sat on the chair. He's in the most comfortable place of the hospital for him, the rooftop.

"Getting some fresh air? You looked like you were going to jump because of depression." Wendy sat beside Henry. She's just a year younger than him.

"Yes, I'm dying but I'm.."

"You're waiting for a girl named Patricia Swain who left 10 years ago. Henry! Do you seriously think she'll come back?!" Wendy said while she's holding her head and acting that Henry's out of this world.

"Patricia will come back." He said while smiling.

"Come on Henry! I'm not saying this because I pity you. You're dying! You should be enjoying the moments. And what are you doing?! You're depressing yourself and waiting for a girl that you don't even know when will come back." Wendy said in an irritated voice as she stood up.

"Wendy! Henry!" Kris, another intern in the hospital shouted at the two. The guy opened the rooftop door and he looked like he was searching for the two for quite a long time because he was panting as he walked.

Wendy spoke in a sarcastic tone. "Good timing Kris! What is it?"

"There's a letter for Henry. Here." Kris handed the envelope to Henry. "Gotta go. I have to check some patients."

"Who will send a letter to you Henry? That's very.. touching." Wendy teased Henry and laughed afterwards.

"I don't know. Maybe Patricia will send one." Henry was not serious when he mentioned about Patricia but when he looked at the envelope to check who sent the letter, his heartbeats started to beat faster.

"You look like you've seen a ghost. Just open the letter!" Wendy was more excited than Henry to open the letter.

Henry opened the envelope. He unfolded the letter and started to read. "December 25, 1995. 3 Patterson Place, Barrie Ontario, Canada."

"Do you have a relative living in Canada Henry?" Wendy can't help to ask when she heard Henry but he didn't answer. He continued to read the letter.

 

My Dearest Henry,

I'm living with my Aunt in Canada now. It's Christmas Eve here and it's so cold because it's winter. I have to wear three jackets when I go outside.

 

Henry paused for a while and Wendy noticed that tears were already in his eyes.

 

I drink hot chocolate in mornings because it makes me remember when we first met at the school's cafeteria. You spilled your chocolate drink on your uniform when I bumped you. I didn't regret that I bumped you back then because that was where it all started. And can you still remember the day when I asked your name and said that your name suits my pet hamster? I really named him after you so I can call your name when I miss you. I also attend high school here and my classmates are very noisy. They remind me of our classmates always teasing us whenever we talk.

 

"Are you okay Henry?" Wendy asked Henry when he paused reading. "You can stop reading."

But instead of answering, Henry continued to read the letter.

 

I really miss you a lot Henry. I wish I didn't have to leave you but I have no choice. My mom died because of a brain tumor and I have the same complication. My Aunt keeps on insisting that I should live with her and continue my medication here because there are lot of specialists here. I had to leave you because I want to live longer for you. Please don't worry too much about me. I'm always smiling because you said that I have the most beautiful smile.

When you read this letter, please call me on this number +170********.

Hugs and kisses.

Your Sunshine,

Patricia

 

Wendy was worried when Henry finished reading the letter. "Henry,"

"I have to call Patricia." He sounded despaired. He held Wendy's shoulder. "Can I borrow your phone? Please. Let me call Patricia."

"But Henry!" Wendy was cut off by Henry.

"What? You didn't bring your phone? Then let's go. I really need to call Patricia." He started to walk but Wendy stopped him.

"Henry, that letter was dated 10 years ago."

He looked at the letter and read the headings again. "December 25, 1995."

Wendy was sad to say the truth but she didn't hesitate. "That was 10 years ago. Patricia may be.. there's a high possibility that she may be dead by now. She said she has a brain tumor. People who have brain tumors have less chance of living that long."

"That's not true! You're lying. She's not dead. I have to call her!"

"Here's my phone. Try calling the number." Wendy gave her phone to Henry. She knew that there's a low chance of Patricia's survival but she needed to help her friend. Who knows? Patricia may be alive.

Henry dialed the number written on the letter. The other line rang and that made him smile. "It's ringing Wendy! I know Patricia's alive!"

"Hello? Who's this?" A woman answered the other line.

"It's me, Patricia!"

"Oh! You must be Henry Collin."

Henry was in confusion. "Yes, I am. Is this Patricia Swain?"

"No. No. I'm her Aunt."

"Oh! I'm so sorry. Uhm, where's Patricia? I just received her letter. Can I talk to her?"

The woman on the other line took a deep breath before she began talking. "I'm sorry, Henry. Patricia's not here."

"That's alright. When will she come back? I'll call later."

"No. She's.. Patricia's dead. She died 10 years ago. She had an extreme headache that Christmas Eve. She was unconscious for a week. The doctor said that she should undergo on a surgery because the tumor was spreading fast in her brain. The doctor performed the surgery but.. Patricia didn't endure the operation. I accidentally saw the letter last week when I cleaned the room she used to sleep and I thought that I should send the letter to you. I'm sorry."

The letter dropped from his left hand and he fell on his knees.

"Wendy! Tell me this is just a dream." He said while crying. He didn't mind that a girl was seeing him crying. "Please. Wake me up."

"Henry, I'm sorry. I'm afraid that this isn't a dream." Wendy felt pity towards Henry.

"Why does she have to die? I should be the one to die earlier. She's a good girl. She changed my life. I was useless. She's the first girl to trust me. She made me realized so many things." He was crying in Wendy's arms. Wendy knew that Henry is in so much pain and he needed someone he can lean on.

"Don't say that. You have to live. You have to live for Patricia. You're not alone Henry. Kris and I are here and the others too." Wendy patted Henry's back as she said the words. She didn't know where the words came from but she knew she needed to say it.

"I'll.. I'll never forget Patricia because I love her. And you're right Wendy." He stood up as he wiped away the tears from his eyes. "I'll live. I have to live for Patricia. She'll be sad if she was to see me like this."

Wendy smiled and tapped his shoulders. "That's better! And please, don't ever cry again. It doesn't suit you."

Henry smiled and looked at the sky. "Really? I thought crying suits me well."

Patricia Swain maybe dead but her memory will always be in Henry's heart.

For the last time, Henry held the letter Patricia wrote for him 10 years ago. "I will never forget you Patricia. Thank you." He whispered in the air.

 

THE END

 

Thank you -Dee♥