My name is Augustus Waters. I am seventeen years old. I had cancer, had my leg amputated, and have been in remission for about a year. My life isn't all immensely interesting. I used to play basketball, until I realized I was doing the same thing every time shooting a ball into a hoop with a net on it, having false hope the ball will go in, watching it miss the basket, and then restarting all over again. Pretty stupid idea if you think about it. That's when I quit basketball and started playing video games.
As I woke up and hobbled up the stairs from the basement to the kitchen, I could hear mom whispering to dad about something. I figured out about 20 minutes later as mom called for me and told me I was going to support group to see my best friend, Isaac. Support group sounded like the lamest thing ever but, of course, I had to go for Isaac, my half blind man. I walked out the door and got to the car first so I hopped in the driver's seat and started the engine. "Gus, get out of the driver's seat you know you are a terrible driver, and if I had my way you wouldn't have a driver's license. Go to the next seat." Groaning about how it took me forever to get in with my fake leg, but eventually she got me to switch seats.
Mom started the engine and we were off. Obviously she doesn't know how to drive, the road felt too smooth when it should have been bumpy like it is when I drive. "Sweetie, remember to be extra nice to Isaac, his cancer has come back." "Trust me, I know," I reply annoyed. "Gus," is the stern answer I get in reply. Within a few more deathly silent minutes, we arrive and she tells me she will the car here, and is walking somewhere to meet dad, and to drive myself home. After an eternity of directions, mom kisses me, with way too many sound effects, and walks away.
I head in the opposite direction and open the door to the church and let myself in. As I walk in, I notice two or three people walking down some stairs and follow them. Turns out, it was the right place. I found Isaac first, and then head over to the "refreshments." Once I grab a drink, I sit down and talk with Isaac for a couple of minutes when this girl walks in. She is most likely the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. With jeans and a t-shirt, I immediately know she's different from all the other girls I've met. This one doesn't care what she looks and I don't even care if she has cancer, she will be mine.
I didn't even know I was staring at her until I notice two beautiful eyes staring back at me. She gives me this look like, "I'll get you." We're still staring at each other when this Patrick guy stands up and leads the meeting. He tells us about his cancer and then starts to go around the circle asking us our name, age, diagnosis, and how we are doing. He doesn't once ask anyone their REAL story, like their actual life and who they really are. What kind of person they are, what they like, or a meaningful question that will get them somewhere. As he continues on he get to Isaac. "My name is Isaac. I'm about to have my other eye taken out and then i'll be blind." When he done the whole group replies, "We're here for you Isaac," in the most monotone voices ever. After Isaac is the girl i've been watching, Her name is Hazel, is 16, and like everyone else here, she has cancer. She says she is doing fine but I know she really is bored and has nothing else to say. I keep my eyes on her until I get asked about myself. I tell them that I had cancer in my leg, had it amputated, and have been in remission for a year and a half. I didn't expect to be asked anything else when Patrick asks me my fears. I don't even pause before I say, " I fear oblivion."