I opened my eyes slowly, grogginess clouding my mind. As my vision cleared, I recognized the familiar surroundings of my bedroom. Soft sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow.
I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my body, making me gasp. Jackson's face appeared above mine, his eyes filled with concern.
"Cecilia, don't move," he whispered, gently holding me down.
I relaxed, letting him support me. My mind foggy, I tried to remember what happened.
And then, I heard the doctor's voice outside my room, his words piercing my heart.
"...I'm afraid it's only a matter of hours now," he said. "Her condition has deteriorated rapidly. Prepare yourselves..."
My family's sobs echoed through the hallway, each one stabbing at my heart.
Jackson's grip on my hand tightened. "Don't listen, Cecilia," he whispered. "Focus on me."
But I couldn't help it. The reality hit me like a tidal wave. I was dying. Soon.
Tears streamed down my face as I looked at Jackson. His eyes mirrored mine, filled with grief and despair.
"My love," he whispered, his voice cracking.
I smiled weakly, trying to reassure him. "I'm grateful for you," I said, my voice barely audible.
Jackson leaned in, his lips brushing against mine. "I love you, Cecilia. Forever."
The sound of my family's cries grew louder, but in that moment, all that mattered was Jackson's love, his warmth, and his presence.
Time was running out, but with Jackson by my side, I felt at peace.
Panic set in, my heart racing like a wild animal. I wasn't at peace. I was terrified.
I'll never see the sunrise again, feel the warmth on my skin, or smell the sweet scent of blooming flowers.
I'll miss these faces, etched with love and concern. Mom's gentle touch, Dad's reassuring smile, Jackson's adoring gaze.
Tears streamed down my face as I thought of all the memories I'd never make. No more laughter with friends, no more inside jokes, no more spontaneous adventures.
No more Jackson.
The thought of leaving him behind was unbearable. His hands, which held mine with such tenderness, would soon be empty.
"Cecilia, don't cry," Jackson whispered, his voice trembling. "You're not alone."
But I couldn't stop. Grief and fear consumed me, suffocating me.
"I'll miss you," I sobbed, my body shaking. "I'll miss everything."
Jackson pulled me close, holding me as tightly as he could. "I'll miss you too," he whispered. "But you'll always be with me, in here."
He placed my hand on his chest, over his heart.
"I love you," he said, tears streaming down his face.
"I love you too," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
As the darkness closed in, I clung to Jackson, cherishing every second, every breath.
And it was tearing me apart.
"Ce-cilia, no! Don't sleep, please!" Jackson's voice cracked as he gently slapped my cheek, trying to keep me awake.
My eyelids fluttered open, focusing on his desperate face.
"Cecilia, stay with me," he pleaded, his eyes red-rimmed. "Don't leave me."
I tried to speak, but my voice was barely a whisper.
"Jackson..."
"Stay with me, Cecilia," he repeated, his hands cradling my face. "I need you."
Tears streamed down his face as he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine.
"Fight, Cecilia," he whispered. "Fight for me, for us."
My vision began to blur again, but Jackson's words echoed in my mind.
Fight.
For Jackson.
For us.
With newfound determination, I grasped Jackson's hand, trying to squeeze it.
"Cecilia, I'm here," he whispered, his voice filled with hope. "I won't let go."
Suddenly, my mom rushed into the room, followed by the doctor.
"Jackson, let them help her," she urged.
The doctor quickly checked my vitals, his face grim.
"We need to intubate her," he said. "Now."
Jackson's grip on my hand tightened.
"No, please," he begged. "Don't take her away from me."
My heart broke at the despair in his voice.
"Jackson..." I whispered, trying to reassure him.
But my voice was lost in the chaos.
Everything went dark again.
And I was left with only one thought:
Jackson...
I drifted in and out of consciousness, aware of the beeping machines and muffled voices around me.
Suddenly, Jackson's face appeared above mine, his eyes filled with tears.
"Cecilia, come back to me," he whispered, his voice trembling.
I tried to focus, to respond, but my body felt heavy, unresponsive.
The doctor's voice cut through the haze.
"...critical condition...brain activity slowing..."
No!
I wanted to scream, to fight, but my body wouldn't cooperate.
Jackson's grip on my hand tightened.
"Don't give up, Cecilia," he pleaded. "Please."
Mom's sobs echoed through the room, Dad's anguished face etched in my mind.
I'm sorry...
The thought echoed in my mind as darkness closed in.
But then, something shifted.
A warmth spread through my chest, a sense of peace settling over me.
I saw Jackson's face, smiling, happy.
I saw us, laughing, embracing.
Tears streamed down Jackson's face as he whispered.
"I love you, Cecilia."
"I love you too," I tried to say, but my voice was gone.
In that moment, I knew.
I would always be with Jackson.
In his heart.
In his memories.
Forever.