I was still looking at different ways of designing Isaac's eye. There were so many different combinations to size, color, and shape. I still hadn't told Isaac that I was looking into this for him. I had however received a letter in the mail, which was peculiar because I only give out my email.
This letter was from non other than Van Houten himself. Before opening I was confident that it was going to be a drunk slur of how repulsive I was to ask him to fly here. I was wrong, well kinda.
"My Dearest Hazel,
It's Peter Van Houten. It was brought to my attention by my, reinstated, assistant Lidewij that you were asking me to fly to America and visit. I am sad to inform you that I will not make the trip. Nor, assuming you were going to ask this, will I start the sequel to 'An Imperial Affliction'.
Yours truly,
Peter Van Houten."
The stench of alcohol was absent on this letter, which brought some surprise to me. This letter was of no surprise. I hadn't gotten my hopes up when I read the return address. Van Houten has been a very planned out disappointment.
I neglected to write him back with the knowledge of my letter ending up in the trash bag. After reading the letter I invited Isaac to the literal heart of Jesus.
When he arrived I helped him to the elevator. The whole ride down was silent and I was immersed in thought on wether or not to reveal my design for his "robotic eye".
The decision was made. "Isaac?" I muttered out of weak lungs.
"Yeah, Hazel from support group?" He said with a chuckle.
"Remember when Gus had mention something about a robotic eye?" I said with a sense of regret.
"What about it?" He said with some confusion.
"I have been looking into designing one. I know it's a dumb concept but I wanted to see if it was possible." I said with even more regret than before.
"Are you serious Hazel?" He said an before I could start defending myself, "that is awesome. Can it work? Have you contacted anyone to make it?"
He was interested. Wait, how does that happen. "Umm, I was just drawing different shapes because I was looking at them. I didn't think about telling anybody except you. We don't have the money to fund this." I said with shock visible in my voice.
"But I can fund it." I turned to see Van Houten standing sober. For a big man he was nimble and stealthy.
"What are you doing here? You said you wouldn't come." I said with some anger.
"Hazel Grace, do you think I would honestly neglect the wishes of my number one fan. Whom reminds me of my lost daughter. I merely sent that letter so when I arrived, you would be shocked," he continued. "however, I have a feeling this next news will be of bigger shock. I have not touched a flask of whisky since returning to Amsterdam. I had my assistant smash them all in an attempt to sober up."
Van Houten wasn't one to lie. Although I had my doubts. "Would you fund this project?" Isaac spoke up not knowing where Van Houten was.
"If it's a way to one-up cancer, I would gladly fund every dime." Van Houten said with tears welling up in his eyes and a smirk on his round face.