Heather sat beside Alex, her hands still intertwined with his. She hadn’t slept all night, probably wouldn’t in the near future either. Yesterday, she had felt numb, unable to process everything that was happening.
But today, today, her body ached. The exhaustion sat deeper in her muscles, her legs feeling heavier with each small movement. Slow and steady, the pain in her ankle became more real. She shifted in her seat uncomfortably.
"What are you thinking about?"
Heather glanced at Alex and forced a weak smile. "Nothing."
"Why are you sad?" Alex pressed.
Heather swallowed, pressing his pinky gently. "I don’t like it when you fall sick. It breaks me."
Alex looked at her, his expression soft. "I know what’s going on."
Before Heather could respond, the door pushed open. Lily and Lila walked in, their arms full of gifts. Caius had called them. Heather barely registered he called them. Atleast be had people to call when things felt overwhelming, she hadn’t even touched her phone, hadn’t showered. She was still in her party outfit, had only washed her face.
"Hi." Lily dropped a stuffed penguin onto Alex’s bed. "A little birdie told me you’re obsessed with penguins."
"Fascinated," Alex corrected.
"Even in this state, he’s still outsmarting his old aunt." Lily managed to pull a small smile from him.
"How are you holding up?" Lila turned to Heather, placing a hand around her shoulder.
Heather barely met her eyes. "I’m managing."
"Caius is losing his mind outside." Lila sighed. "He thinks you’re shutting him out."
Heather didn’t respond immediately. Why did Caius expect her to talk to him? He meant nothing to her. She didn’t care if he was spiraling, at least it meant he’d leave her alone.
"It’s hard for women to express how we feel sometimes," Lila continued. "Especially in situations . Men expect us to just get over it or talk about it like it’s nothing."
Heather exhaled. "What does he know? He’s never given birth."
"Exactly. And if you don’t want to talk to him, you can always talk to me. Or Lily. Or Lucy."
"*Lucy sends her warm regards," Lila added. "She couldn’t make it—had to fly back to Italy. Work’s a nightmare for her. Her job kicks literal ass."
"Language, Lila." Lily rolled her eyes. "Don’t mind her, Heather. She can’t go five minutes without using slurs."
Heather let out a short exhale, something close to amusement. "No one’s perfect."
"My mom is." Alex murmured.
The room went silent. Lily gushed. "Aww."
Heather couldn’t even hide the wave of emotion that overtook her face. Alex was always so sweet, always knew the right thing to say, even now. She smiled widely. "No, you are perfect." She squeezed his hand gently.
"I think I want a child," Lila announced suddenly.
"You’ll regret it. Not every child is like Alex."
"I’ll rephrase; I want a child like Alex."
Alex smirked. "You can’t get a child like me."
"Okay, fine, I want a child with similar qualities."
Heather stopped listening to them. She focused on Alex instead. He was happier than yesterday. Did that mean the chances of him surviving had increased? She wanted to ask how he felt when the door pushed open again.
A doctor walked in, followed by the nurse.
"The surgeon is here." The doctor spoke clearly, his tone was even. "You have thirty minutes before the surgery. Only immediate family is allowed in during this time."
Heather barely registered the words. Thirty minutes. Just thirty. Caius stepped inside as the doctor and nurse left.
"We’ll wait outside." Lily gave Alex a small wave. "Good luck, kid."
Heather turned back to Alex. "Are you nervous?"
Heather knew she had asked him because she was the nervous one. Her hands had started shaking. She tried to calm herself down, but the more she tried, the faster her pulse became.
Caius stood at the door, looking at Alex in a way that made Heather’s stomach turn. Like he was staring at him for the last time.
Alex cleared his throat. "I know what’s going on."
Heather leaned in. "You do?"
"I know I have brain tumor." His voice was soft, calm. "And my chances of surviving the surgery are very low."
Heather stiffened slightly. "How do you know that?" She shifted in her seat, uncomfortable.
"I heard you and Daddy talking about it yesterday." Alex lied.
Heather glanced at Caius.
"We’ll do everything in our power to make sure you make it." Caius assured him.
Alex shook his head. "I might die."
Heather inhaled sharply. "You don’t know what you’re talking about. Don’t say things like that."
Alex smiled. "I can feel it." His grip tightened around his stuffed penguin.
Heather looked at Caius.
Caius’s voice was quiet. "I’m not going to let you die, Alex."
"You can’t control everything, Daddy." Alex whispered.
Caius froze slightly. It was the first time Alex had actually called him Daddy. Before, he had only referred to him as his dad. But now, he had said it. Caius just stared at him.
Alex exhaled softly. "I have just one wish, Mommy and Daddy."
Heather swallowed. "What’s that?"
Heather glanced at Caius. "You already have a family, Alex."
"No." His voice was quieter now. "I want you two to marry."
Heather inhaled sharply. She looked away. She hadn’t expected him to say that. She didn’t want to marry Caius. And now,.Alex was asking her to do it. As his final wish. She could feel Caius watching her. Waiting. Seeking her approval. Her throat felt dry. "I... don’t know."
Alex pressed further. "I don’t know what’s going to happen when I go in for surgery. But I know I want to be happy before I go in. I want you to be happy too."
"We’re happier without being married." Heather murmured.
"Mommy..." Alex’s voice wavered. "This is my final wish. You may not see me again."
Heather’s heart squeezed in her chest.
Caius turned to her. "Let’s just do it to make him happy."
She knew Caius wasn’t asking because he wanted it. He was asking because Alex wanted it. Heather turned to Alex again. She looked at him, really looked at him. And she felt pity. She wanted him to be happy. Even if it meant going against everything she had planned. Caius knew that.
"Alright." Heather’s voice cracked slightly. "I’ll do it for you."