Chapter 8 - Chapter 7

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(ZHIO)

I have lied to myself for so long that father will still regain consciousness. He's been 'dead' the moment he was declared brain dead. There is no in-between. I have only spoken to him for few hours in a year and could only recall our few moments together. How abrupt all of it happened was just unacceptable.

I suddenly remembered his words that day. How everything would be so hard when he's gone. And I am already going through so much hardship.  

Dad had lost so much weight in the hospital. Bones jutted there and there; he was barely recognizable. I felt a little shame that I still haven't found the girl I could spend the rest of my life with and introduce him to before he goes for the grave. I might not be able to keep the promise we made. But someday, who knows, there might just be a girl that would suit perfectly well with what my parents wished for me.  

I held my father's hand and bid the last words I have thought of. It might just be the right time to finally let go.

"Tell mom my greetings. I love and thank you both," I whispered.

Patients in comatose still could hear.  

The creased document that Eriez gave me earlier stared from the trash bin like a nightmare. My hands still trembled as I gathered enough courage to take it.

"Rest in peace dad," I leaned in closer to him before finally signing the paper.  

(ERIEZ)

The door to the hospital room creaked open. Wenziel and I both stared at the folder Zhio was holding as he approached us. His eyes went from me to the other doctor with us. Although he went back to hiding his emotions, sadness still escaped from his eyes.

"Do whatever you want," Zhio muttered as he handed me the folder.

The faint beeping of the machine from inside the room sounded like a requiem already.  As we expected, Zhio didn't want to be there at James' passing. He's walked solemnly down the corridor without turning his head back at us even once.  

I couldn't help but look at the white walls and be reminded of James and Zhio once more. Like those walls, both had seen deaths more than anyone was allowed to before their hearts break from pain.  

"That kid had been through so much," Wenziel said to no one specifically.  

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