4 Darkness

(Six months later)

It's already been six months since Felix learned about his illness. 'Time and tide await none' is just another fact that had little to no special meaning at all for some. But as for Felix, it seemed like it passed through in a blink of an eye. Felix couldn't tell his family the truth. But he was also aware of the fact that he can not lie to them forever. He tried his best not to show any signs of discomfort that may lead to suspicion. He was successful in keeping up a front so far.

Every passing day, he could feel his body growing weak. Losing consciousness abruptly, throwing up blood, piercing pain throughout the body, losing weight was some pain he got used to in these past few months.

(Danny's clinic)

"Felix, I think it's time for you to consider chemotherapy. I don't know the reason behind your stubbornness in not attending any of your chemotherapy sessions arranged by me, but I would really like if you could give this a serious thought"

Felix was always against the idea of chemotherapy. One of his biggest fears was the pain resulting from it. He knew that the little time he was left with wouldn't be easy either but he never would wish to spend those little moments confined in small rooms of the hospital, while his cells are being ripped apart.

"Danny, when did you become such a worrywart? I am perfectly fine as the way I am now. Although I doubt if you really are as amazing of a doctor as those medical magazines state. You are more scared than I am. I suggest you visit my clinic for therapy."

"Felix you idiot! I am trying my best, okay? It's you that is not acting as a patient. There are lots of people who wait for hours just to consult me. I doubt you would know how it is to be famous because you barely have any patients coming to you."

"Pfft! Did u forget how many girls confessed to me when we were in high school?. You have been single your entire life, you have no right to defame me, hehehehe"

" Yeah, I still regret becoming friends with you. Every girl I liked eventually confessed her feelings to you, you have been that sneaky bastard since childhood. When I think about it, I just wish I could stuff your face with red chilies."

They both cracked up as they continued reminiscing about their school and college days. Felix and Danny have been best friends for almost 15 years. Danny never wanted Felix to suffer, and he could not help but bring his personal feelings while treating him. Felix couldn't help but notice Danny's behavior turning more and more cautious towards him. He could read Danny as an open book. So he would always try his best not to worry him.

Felix stopped taking up new patients for the last three months. He was busy wrapping up his schedule. He transferred most of his old patients to other psychiatrists and left were those who refused to change their doctor from Felix to someone else. So he still had to work for a couple of months. Felix's senior at work, chief Dr.Leo knew about his condition. So he took most of Felix's patients in when he needed to transfer them. He also helped with all the paperwork that Felix would need in order to leave the hospital.

(GRAYS' RESIDENCE)

Throughout the ride from his clinic to home, Felix felt drowsy. Cold sweat running throughout his body followed by a headache. Felix entered the home to find his dad sitting at the dining table, waving at him, asking him to join. Felix slowly pulled the chair out and took the seat beside him. "Sera said she will cook tonight. She also sent Ms. Tang home." He slowly whispered in his ears. Ms.Tang is the cook that has been serving the Grays' even before Felix was born. Felix could hear the sizzling noise of the oil followed by an intense burning smell. Felix looked in the kitchen's direction and knew exactly what tragedy was happening inside those four walls.

"Dad!! Is Felix home? I heard someone coming in. Bro! If you are listening, please come here. I am almost done with the fried rice but it doesn't look too good. I need your help"

Felix couldn't hold back his laughter. He looked at his dad, who was smiling and asking him to help Sera in the kitchen. He pushed back the chair and stood up. As soon as he took the first step, he felt a sudden gush of blood in his nose. He saw drops of warm blood dripping from his nose reaching the ground. His right hand reached his face spontaneously, but before he could comprehend what was happening, his vision turned blurry. He lost strength in his legs, gradually collapsing on the ground. He could see the panic in his dad's eyes as he was rigourously trying to wake him up, yelling his name. And all of a sudden it all went black. He could no longer hear his dad's voice. He felt peace in that darkness. All of his worries were fading away as he continued to sleep, unable to open his eyes.

To be continued...