I still didn’t understand what was going on. Even Paul’s sadness was evident in his eyes.
Claire’s mother invited me to enter the room. It had been three years since Claire and I broke up, and this was the first time we were meeting again. The only times I had seen her were in pictures in magazines or on social media, which were rare.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her—the once lively, cheerful woman with a beautiful face and long hair now looked completely different. The beauty she once radiated was gone, but I could still feel the goodness in her heart.
A heavy weight settled in my chest as I looked at her lying on the bed. I remained standing, staring at her as she slept.
Her lips and face were pale. She was wearing a red bonnet. Tears started to fall from my eyes and rolled down my cheeks.
“Claire…” I said her name. Seeing her in this state filled my mind with so many questions about her.
She slowly opened her eyes, and when she saw me looking at her, tears fell from her eyes as well.
“Arlo, is that you? You’re here?” she asked me with a smile.
“Claire…”
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, Arlo. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. Please forgive me, Arlo,” she apologized to me.
“Daughter,” I heard Claire’s father say as he entered the room.
“Dad, could you and Mom leave me alone with Arlo for a while? I just want to talk to him,” Claire said softly to her father.
“If you need anything, daughter, we’re just outside,” her father replied with a smile before stepping out again. I pulled a chair closer to Claire’s bed and sat beside her.
“When did this start? When did your condition become like this?” I asked.
“It began when I left you. No one knew I had leukemia except for Paul. I didn’t want to add to your burdens at a time when you were so focused on your company. I needed you, your time, and your attention, but I could see and feel how important your work was to you.
That’s why I chose to distance myself from everyone. Paul was my support; he was the only one who stayed by my side and understood me. I know you blamed Paul for why I left you. I also know you were furious with me, thinking I betrayed you. Arlo, I never betrayed you.
Maybe this is my fault—what’s happening to me now, and to you. If I had had the courage back then to tell you the truth, maybe you would still be mine. There hasn’t been a day or hour when you haven’t been on my mind. This is all my fault.
Paul almost strangled me because, even in his sleep, I kept calling him just to ask about you. But I’m genuinely happy for you now because there’s a woman who makes you happy and brings a smile to your face. Take care of her, Arlo. I’m sorry, Arlo.”
“Claire, I should be the one apologizing to you because I failed you in many ways and thought badly of you.”
“Psssst, let’s forget the past. What matters now is that we forgive each other. Before I leave this world, my wish has been granted—to see the face of the only man I’ve ever loved one last time. Can I hug you like before? And maybe, can I kiss you like before? Because I know this will never happen again. My operation is today, and I know deep down that I don’t have much time left. I didn’t even think you’d come.”
I wiped the tears streaming down Claire’s cheeks, hugged her tightly, and kissed her forehead and lips.
“Thank you, Arlo, for not rejecting me. Love Lily deeply. I love you so much, Arlo. Smile for me; I don’t want to see you all sad because of me.”
“Claire, you are a strong woman, and you’re fighting.”
“I’m tired, Arlo. I want to rest. My body is weak; no matter how much I fight, I can’t do it anymore. My body hurts from all the injections they’ve put into me,” Claire said; even though her eyes were filled with pain and sadness, she forced herself to smile.
“Arlo, please tell Mom and Dad that I’m ready. Arlo, hug me again,” she requested. I hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead.
“You’ll get better, Claire. You’ll recover,” I whispered to her. She only smiled at me.
“Thank you,” she said weakly.
