Soulmates 10

Engagement

Saturday. Tomo sat up in his chair, dressed nicely for an outing. The doctor had granted him a week off from the hospital, promise not to do strenuous activities. He wore another shoe. His hair was tidy, shining from a fresh shower. He hadn't showered so often. He missed everyday baths, but couldn't do it as he was fragile after chemotherapy. His Tshirt was new, he wanted to show Kenni his wellness.

They went to the mall. Tomo insisted on walking, not a wheelchair. It was embarrassing to him. So they stopped when he was tired, breathed with difficulty. His hand would be cold which also showed his lethargy. Kenni wanted the swan rings. They were made of silver platinum. She felt the joy burst forth inside as Tomo held her finger and pushed it in. she blinked until he came into focus. The ring fitted perfectly in his finger as well when she helped him put it on his fourth finger.

"Now, we are lovers, almost husband and wife. We'll have a wedding when I'm totally better," he said kissing her lips. Kenni closed her eyes as he came close.

He embraced her. I'm so glad I can give myself to you. Memories of how she had always followed him about. "What are you laughing about?" he asked musically.

"Remember how I used to be spoilt. clumsy and you never got impatient with me? You always let me dance on stage when there were no shows. Only when I told you to stop being superstitious."

"Yea….." he wheezed. She led him to a bench, and it stopped. Tomo stroked her hair, said playfully, "You're still clumsy."

"What?? Come again. How dare you!" she pretended to be mad and hit him on the shoulder. They laughed at the silliness.

"You, will always be more clumsy than me. But I guess there isn't any need to worry anymore, you and Saito will handle well without me."

She frowned at this. "We want you to be back onstage when you get well. What's wrong?"

His face had a strange tranquility. He confided, and his fiancee was shocked to hear it, that he would never regain his original strength to perform next time. The doctor warned of future relapses. "I don't want to go to the ICU. I need more rest. I have already written to tell my fans of my retirement. Performance had overstrained my body. I will still write scripts and coach. Don't be sad, after all I'm still here and we'll be together. Let's spend the rest of our days in peace and love."

Kenni wanted to cry more, but hated to upset him. Tomo smiled a small smile, catching her face with his soft fingers. She leaned forward into him and held him tight. "I Love you," he whispered into her ear. His ambers filled up with tears and he stifled his sobs.

I have to make these sacrifices......... .It's so painful. I suppose it hurts more than I dreamt of. But Kenni needs me. So that's final. He took a shaky breath and rubbed his tears.

They took a taxi back.

The Painting

After tedious efforts by everyone. the painting was finished at last. Three months later. Tomo lay back on the pillows, contented. His sickness had advanced to the fourth stage. He could barely breathe without oxygen aids. They had fixed the tubes to the mask to help. Cancer in his stomach up to the lungs was the sole reason. He looked haggard. His will power wasn't wilted however.

His friends helped him change his sodden clothes. Often they did cooking, cleaning and took turns to accompany him. Tomo got to taste everybody's culinary, of which Kenni still excelled in. It was less strenous to accept their help than to push them away. The tragedy was, he didn't have much longer to live. No one said or mentioned about it, hardly believing it was true. Tomo sempai had gotten better in the beginning of November and stayed at home without relapses. Until the doctors became concerned with his labored breathing. His condition declined again at the end of November. He entered the hospital, having to accept more medicine and an operation. It still did not improve.

Kennex didn't want to talk about it. The artiste was determined to fruitfully use his final days to spend as much time with her as possible. And he prayed more. He didn't stop hoping for a miracle.

Tomo sempai declined interview sessions but could still speak a few minutes with his close friends. One at a time, and they had to disinfect before they came in.

"Bow, come. You must be tired," he said, patting his bed. The man took his hand and smiled.

"Still so concerned about us even now. Tomo, how do you feel? Are you scared?"

The pale lips lifted positively. A dry cough. " Yes I am. But I have to be strong. It's not.... so bad, now. I can concentrate on what I'm doing, lessening much of my previous agony. How are you? Sorry that you see me in such a fallen condition." The hair held by a band constantly shed, the back of his skull was clearer everyday. It had lost its lustre. The eyes were the only light.

Tomo took the bucket and vomitted. After gargling with some water, he gasped, shivering.

"The chemotherapy huh? Rest. C'mon, it's cold? I will get you an extra blanket."

"Heating pads, please." The patient said thanks when the nurse peeled them off and applied to his arms and chest. Bow looked curious. "They help to make warmth. Blankets aren't much use. So is everything ok with your family? Your oniichan and aunt came yesterday. They are so kind. he turned his head to the window I really truly appreciate all of your kindness. I will remember always."

"You mustn't give up. You're gonna be better. The medicine will fight the disease." His friend hugged him, feeling the bones under the shrunken form. Felt his tired heartbeat. " I don't want you to leave me."

I won't give up. It would be dishonorable to give up when you're all supporting me. Tomo hugged his friend back weakly. He was usually shy with hugs but now they were very comforting. And more warm. "I promise to fight it with everything I've got. Now let's eat. I can't finish the dessert. Help me?" The patient sat up, gesturing to the food, steamed fish and soft rice. He ate half of it usually, now it was just a few bites.

He told Bow not to be too depressed and go out for a walk more. The scenery was so beautiful. Tomo read the cards they had made and bought for him, touching the words. If only he could hold them forever.......He began to cry, his tears wetting the surface.