Chapter 3

Guimin stared at her in disbelief. ‘How could that happen?’ he thought to himself. ‘No, that’s not possible. She’s probably just pulling my leg.’ Guimin started laughing as he thought she was joking. Synthinta smiled getting why he was laughing.

“It’s so funny how you took that so seriously.” Synthinta said once her laughter subsided. “But really, your facial expression was hilarious.”

Guimin clutched his stomach and sighed. “Oh my God, Synthinta; you completely got me there. How could you say that with such a straight face?” Synthinta nodded.

“It takes practice.” was all she said to her friend. “I’m so tired, Guimin. After laughing so much with you it feels like old times. I’m glad that I got to spend time with you like we used to, it was so much fun.”

Guimin glances at his watch. “I should probably go back to the orphanage. They wanted me to catch up with you on your life ‘cause we’re low on money and only one of us had enough to stay out here for a day.” Synthinta nodded understanding. “I’ll catch you later.”

Synthinta followed him out and waved him goodbye as he drove off to where he came. After waiting ten minutes, she hopped in her own car and headed towards the hospital about 20 minutes away from her home. When she arrived, the nurse took her to the doctor and they talked.

“It’s getting worse, Ms. Rose.” the doctor said after her examination. “We can start your surgery right away if you would like.”

Synthinta shook her head. “No, that’s alright. But, how much longer do you think I have?” the doctor thought about it and replied, “I’d say a couple of months. Your hair will start falling in about a few weeks.” Synthinta nodded.

“Thank you doctor.” she said and the doctor nodded and bid her goodbye. When Synthinta got home, she went straight to bed and fell asleep quickly.

In a month, Synthinta’s hair began to shed itself from her scalp. She wore a hat if she went out and just stayed in her house doing nothing special. More signs started appearing when the second month rolled in. Her hair was completely gone, her skin turned pale and there was a clear sight of fatigue. She drove to the hospital with her regular hat and was put in a hospital room.

“Is there anyone you want to see before we begin your surgery?” the doctor asks but Synthinta shakes her head.

“No,” she paused. “But before my surgery, can you give me about 20 minutes to write a letter?” the doctor nodded. Synthinta smiled a very tired smile. “Thank you, and could you also deliver it to the following address on it?” another nod from the doctor as he knows that is her final wish.

“You’re a strong one, Ms. Rose.” she stared up at him. “You’ve been fighting it for so long, but you’re so tired of fighting it you just give up.” Synthinta sighs.

“It’s getting really old, doctor. I just want to rest peacefully without having to feel this pain every day.” Synthinta and the doctor make eye contact. “May I write my letter now?” The doctor nods and sits in a chair and watches her write vigorously as he waits for her to finish.

Eighteen minutes later, Synthinta hands the clipboard back to the doctor who then gives her an envelope to put the letter in. Once it’s sealed, she writes the address in the top left corner but nothing else. The doctor nods and sends the letter off to the designated address.

The surgery begins.

Forty minutes into the surgery and she’s slipping away. The heart monitor cries a single high-pitched whine and they know that she’s gone. They tried to bring her back, but after several attempts, they still hear the one sound that signals her release. She’s finally free of her pain.

The letter made it to the orphanage the next day and they read it. They thought it was just a regular letter since the beginning consisted of the norm but it wasn’t. The end talked about goodbyes and diseases and how it was “too late” without any cure. Then it finally hits Guimin like a bulldozer. Synthinta wasn’t kidding about having cancer. She died with the final words written on the page.

“I told you already. I am nothing…”