I love you but I can't promise the future (2)

It was Sunday the next day. Charles called Daryle early to go attend church nearby. The fellowship starts at 9:30 and will be done by 11:30. After church they would go out for lunch together. He wanted to maximize his time being with her and create beautiful memories for them.

Tomorrow, he needs to travel to the capital city. He was so anxious what might happen to him once he is admitted at the heart center. He still wanted to live and raise a healthy loving family with her. He wanted to raise their children and teach them well. He planned to follow his dad's example as a public servant.

But alas! Life is sure full of surprises! He always wanted to ask God why he gave such a heart to him, yet was always left speechless realizing that he had no right to question his Creator.

Last night after he came home from sending Daryle home, he told his plan to his parents. He would donate his eyes to any single young man who needs eye transplant. He made his parents promise this to him. It was hard for his parents to accept that their youngest son has to go this way, but as it is, there were things that are out of human control.

She didn't pick the call. He wondered if she was still sleeping. He called Mrs. Duran instead.

" Hello Aunty, can I ask Daryle out today? We'll go to church." He asked politely.

"Oh, sure Charles. She's in the bathroom maybe taking shower. " She answered.

"Okay, please tell her I'll wait for her down the highway at 9:15" He said. He wanted to pick her up from their door step but he found it harder to catch his breath now. He easily gets tired unlike yesterday.

"Are you not coming up?" Mrs. Duran asked.

"Aunty, Im sorry, I find it hard to breath when I climb up . Please tell Daryle, she already knows why" He said respectfully.

"Okay, okay. No problem. I'll tell her now."

"Thanks aunty. Bye!" He said then he waited for the other line to go off first before he ended his call.

One hour later they were sitting together at the middle pew of the church. There were around 500 people.

They stayed quietly after the sermon was finished. It was then that he took her hand and intertwined their fingers. She turned to face him and he looked at her eyes.

He said, " Daryle my love, in front of God and in this church, I will say my thanks and farewell to you. Please don't cry when Im gone. Be strong and take courage. I pray that God will send you someone who will love ypu more than I do." He reached out for her hair and tucked them away from her eyes before he continued. "When he comes your way, you will know him by his eyes. Remember what I told you yesterday?" he reminded her.

"Are you really donating your eyes to someone?" She was curious.

"Yes, I have already talked about this with my parents. I made them promise." He said softly.

"Charles...why do you have to go?" Her voice started to falter as her started to get blurred.

"Hushhh, my love. Please don't cry. Promise me you won't linger long if you need to mourn for me." He said while taking her to his embrace.

They stayed there until almost everyone got up to leave. There were some random couples and children around. He saw the Pastor talking to a couple, probably counseling them as it was their schedule to minister to couples' problems.

"Do you need to talk to him as well?" She asked him.

"I don't think so. There are more couples in que before us. He's busy" He replied.

They went out and drove to a restaurant two kilometers away. He didn't like crowded places now. It makes him feel more tired. He just wanted a quiet and peaceful surroundings. This change was also a surprise to him.

After eating, they strode to the balcony of the restaurant. It was a bit windy and the air was fresh. He closed his eyes, inhaled then exhaled slowly as if he was savoring the air. Daryle took her cellphone and took a photo of him without his knowledge. After she shot all angles of him, she joined him for a selfie.

" Charles, smile..."'She said as she leaned against him with one hand holding her phone.

"Do you need help to take photos?" the voice of an elderly woman came behind. She was a cleaner in the restaurant.

" Yes please'" She replied and then handed her cellphone to her.

She embraced him by his waist and he hugged her by her shoulders while his lips kissed her forehead, or his chin was on top of her head.

They thanked the cleaner, gave her a tip then left. He drove home with her. He wanted to rest again. 'He get's so easily tired now' she thought as she followed him to his room.