'You have a year at most left to live...I'm.. sorry.' Dr. Nakamura apologized grimly.

I inhaled sharply. What is this feeling? Sudden shock, like millions of tiny needle pricks running up my arms, was what I felt. Is that what people call a revelation? My arms gripped my sides as I retreated into myself in a fetal position on the couch.

Now that I recall this memory, those were the words that I was most terrified of hearing, those that which nearly made my body freeze, goosebumps already appearing from the sheer thought of death.

Even now, my bedroom gradually got a little colder, the clock ticked a little slower, and even my hearing seemed to get a little softer, but worst of all, silence seemed to encase the whole room.

It was suffocating. Like being shut into a dark room with only a glimmer of light glowing from a crevice above, just hoping for a way out of this nightmare.

Except my nightmare was no nightmare. There was no light at the end of the tunnel, no hope that could chase away the darkness. Nothing at all that I could hope to save me. My body was failing me and I knew it.

(Flashback)

"Would you like me to inform your family? Or-"

"No!' I interrupted abruptly, my voice still caught in my throat. "'I...I mean, please don't tell them… I should be the one to tell them the news." I stated a little stronger, the silence making itself known again.

"Are you sure? It wouldn't be a problem."

"No, really...It's something I have to do," I reassured the doctor. "Besides," I continued with a smile, "I don't want to burden you with telling anyone such unfortunate news... But, you must promise me one thing," I stated with a serious face.

"And what is that?" Dr. Nakamura asked with concern and worried filled eyes.

"You must not tell anyone about this... Not before I do," my voice sounded with resolve. "You will keep no documentation that this visit has ever occurred as well as any evidence that I have been ill. State that I had a minor illness, if you must, but you are to resume your duties as my personal doctor. Am I understood?" I asked with my professional business look.

"Hai, Oujo-sama," replied Dr. Nakamura with a slight bow.

"Ok! Now since that's settled, I should really be off!" I yelled with a huge smile and much forced enthusiasm as I marched to the exit. "Thanks for the checkup Dr. Nakamura! See you later!" I waved.

"Take care!"

(End Flashback)

'No one must know,' I told myself, my hair acting as a curtain from the light seeping through the window blinds. 'It is not their burden to bear.'