SPECIAL CHAPTER
DOCTOR COLIN'S POINT OF VIEW
I watched as Isla took her final breath, her body finally succumbing to the ravages of leukemia. Even though I had seen many patients pass away during my career as a doctor, it still never got easier.
But with Isla, it was different. I had fallen in love with her. From the moment I met her, I was drawn to her kind heart and contagious smile. She had a way of making me feel happy and positive, even on the toughest days.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness wash over me as I realized that I would never get to see that smile again, never get to hold her hand, or hear her laugh. She was gone, and the world was a little bit darker without her.
But I also knew that Isla wouldn't want us to be sad forever. She was always the one to see the good in every situation, and I wanted to honor that by being positive and strong for her family and friends.
As I looked at her peaceful face, I knew that she was finally free from pain and suffering. She was in a better place now, and I had to believe that she was watching over us, still spreading her love and kindness even in death.
I promised myself that I would never forget Isla and the impact she had on my life. I would always cherish the memories we shared, and hold onto the lessons she taught me about strength, hope, and love.
My dad hugs me when he saw me spacing out. "You'll be fine, son," he said.
I nodded and give him a smile.
But inside, I felt a deep sadness and longing for Isla. I couldn't help but wonder what could have been if she had been given more time if she had been able to recover and live a full life.
As I walked out of the hospital room, I took a deep breath and reminded myself to be grateful for the time I had with Isla. Even though it was too short, it was filled with love and joy, and I would always treasure that.
I knew that Isla would want me to keep living, to keep spreading positivity and kindness in the world, just like she did. And I promised myself that I would honor her memory by doing just that.
As I walked out of the hospital, I felt a sense of emptiness and sadness, but also a sense of hope and inspiration. Isla may be gone, but her legacy of love and kindness would live on.
***
IRIS'S POINT OF VIEW
"Are you okay?" Dad asks me.
"Dad," I looked at him, "I'm fine, I was just thinking about Isla," he patted my shoulder and smiled at me.
"I know it's hard, sweetheart. Isla was such a special girl," Dad says, his voice filled with sympathy.
I nod my head and try to hold back my tears. It's been a few days since Isla passed away, but the pain is still fresh in my heart.
"I can't believe she's gone," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I know, honey. But remember, she'll always be with us in spirit," Dad says, trying to offer me some comfort.
I know he's right, but it's hard to accept. Isla was more than just a friend to me; she was like a sister. We had grown up together and shared so many memories.
As I sit on the couch, lost in my thoughts, I can't help but think about how much Isla had impacted the people around her. Even Doctor Colin, who had been her oncologist's son, had fallen in love with her.
I remember how he would come in and out of her hospital room, checking on her and talking to her for hours on end. I always thought it was just part of his job, but now I realize that he had developed real feelings for her.
I wonder how he's coping with Isla's death. He had always seemed so positive and happy around her, and I know she had a special effect on him. I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy knowing that Isla had touched so many lives, including Doctor Colin's.
But at the same time, I'm grateful for the impact she had on others. It's a testament to how wonderful she was, and how much she will be missed.
"Dad," I say, breaking the silence, "do you think Doctor Colin is okay?"
"I'm sure he's hurting too, sweetheart. Losing a patient is never easy, especially when you've grown so close to them," Dad replies, his voice gentle and understanding.
"I just hope he knows how much we appreciated everything he did for Isla," I say, my voice filled with emotion
"He does, Iris. I'm sure he does," Dad says, giving me a reassuring smile.
As I sit there, thinking about Isla and Doctor Colin, I know that life will never be the same without her. But I also know that her memory will live on, and she will continue to inspire and touch the lives of those around her, even in death.
Dad puts his arm around me, pulling me in for a hug. "We'll get through this together, Iris. And Isla will always be in our hearts."
I nod my head, feeling grateful for my dad's support. Even though the pain of losing Isla is still fresh, I know that with time, it will get easier. And I'll always carry her memory with me, as a reminder of the beautiful person she was and the impact she had on my life.
'I needed to call Nathan' that was the first thing that I remembered after dad hugged me. I quickly dialed his number and on the second ring, he answered.
"Hey," he said, I guess I woke him up.
"I'm sorry if I woke you up," I said.
"It's okay, Iris. How are you?"
I was on the verge of crying now, I didn't even know if I could tell him.
"Are you okay, Iris?" he asks.
"It's Isla," I said, as I wiped the tears from my cheeks.
"Is she okay?" concern is in his voice.
"I'm sorry, Nathan, but she's gone," right when I said that I sobbed.
It was silence after I said that.
"I'm going there, Iris. I needed to be there," he said sternly.
"Okay, Nathan, please be careful,"
"I will. Just stay put, okay? I'll be there as soon as I can," he replied, his voice full of determination.
"Okay," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm so sorry, Iris," Nathan said before hanging up.
I sat there, clutching my phone, feeling numb.