A Painful Separation to a Pleasant Reunion

July 10, 2020

Marvel Lancaster

"I have just entered my room after witnessing a new turmoil in my life. Downstairs, my parents have been arguing over a ridiculous thing. I know this is the third time this week when I am telling you about my family chaos. Perhaps you must have got tired of listening to me. I am sorry for bothering you, every alternate day, about my problems. I know you don't have anything to do with it. I am sorry, Jane!", Marvel whispers. On the other side of the phone, after taking a deep breath, she says, "Why are you doing such formality with your best friend, Marvel?" I feel better after listening to her comforting voice and hung the phone after saying goodbye.

I knew I would get this reply from her as she is the only one who knew me ever since I was a child; we've been friends for more than 17 years. Yea, it's a quite long period. I am grateful that we're still the same as we're one year back. We couldn't remain in touch in the last year as she moved to California for pursuing a major in literature. I was left here because of a hard to ignore or forget the reality of mine. I have not told Jane the real truth of my health state yet because I don't want to steal her focus from studies and her other priorities that are far more important than me. I know she will be mad at me and my parents when the reality will be unfolded to her. I don't want to face her with my truth till I am breathing fine. My parents know about my health state, they've been spending their all savings for each of my medical expenses and on other things. I am diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. My mother reminded me of some memories two hours ago that's why I could recall them. Next month I will complete one year of carrying this disease within me.

One year ago, my parents noticed the changes occurring inside me - trouble judging the amount of time needed for a task, forgetting information that is easily remembered such as conversations, recent events. I had already reached the second stage of Alzheimer's disease when we went to see the doctor. We were completely shattered when we were informed about it. I had nothing inside my mind when Dr. Thomas Knight found the reason behind the symptoms I had when my parents informed him. He said in a heavy tone, "It's Mild Cognitive Impairment, stage 2nd of Alzheimer's disease. I know you three are shocked because Alzheimer's disease strikes people 65 years and old, however, having dementia at 18 years old is possible, but highly unlikely." I had read about it in one of the fictional books two years back, the protagonist was an Alzheimer's disease patient. There was a good amount of detail about this disease in that book but I had forgotten all the medical terminologies and other stuff related to it. I had never imagined that after a year or so it would attack my brain without making me realize its arrival in my life, with the terrible purpose of ruining everything. On that day after leaving the hospital I learned a great lesson, "When suffering comes, we yearn for some sign from God, forgetting we have just had one". I couldn't sleep for many days as far as I remember; it was a painful phase. I was trying to find an escape because I was scared while anticipating the end of all this. I started reading a lot about Alzheimer's disease online, in books, going in-depth of other patients' case studies, and whatever I asked Dr. Thomas about it. I find very few Alzheimer's disease cases of teenagers, as of the estimated 5.8 million Americans of all ages who have this disease the vast majority (80 percent) are age 75 or older.

I and Jane always wanted to pursue the same career from the same college but this havoc have turned my life upside down. My mother recalled some past details when I insisted on her today. She told me, last year when Jane came home for announcing the approval of her application by Stanford University, I was in my room (the only place where I have been staying for the past one year). She rushed to my room with the letter in her hand from Stanford and cried in tears, "Marvel, we're going to turn our fantasies and dreams in reality soon. We'd been waiting for the approval of my application and we got it! Marvel, I am thankful to you that you kept faith in me and my hard work." I was very happy and greeted, "Congratulation, Jane! I knew you'd get this." Jane asked, "Could you show me your approval letter that you got one week back? Let's capture this moment and upload it on our common Instagram account @meilleurs_amisJM". I had already forgotten where I kept my letter as it was of no use. When my approval letter was dropped by someone I was not at home; we went for my regular check-up to Dr. Thomas. After coming back I opened the letter and cried a lot on reading the positive reply. It was a surreal feeling, however, in a minute it turned futile when I realized that I couldn't take the opportunity for which I longed. It was not easy to accept and let go of the lift that would have taken me to my destination but I knew that it wouldn't be a wise step to go there with the disorder that already had started making room inside me. And the other reason was that the medical expenses of my illness are ultra-expensive; my parents can't afford more than one expense. Jane shook me and asked, "Are you dreaming of the long walk that we'll have on the campus, hopefully, next month?" I pretended to be happy, however, it was getting very difficult to hold my tears and chuckle on her amusing things. "Oh Jane, I am sorry. I couldn't find it, I placed it here only. We'll surely click this moment soon", I lied. Her phone rang and she left as she had some plans with her parents. Mom told me when Jane left I fell asleep after crying for four or so hours.

I am telling all this to you Memory Keeper (Maddie) because I don't want to ask about all these events again from my mother. Maddie, you've been with me for the past two years but I decided to share my feelings with you last year. Jane gifted you to me on my 16th birthday. However, I didn't come to you because Jane used to be my diary; she was the only one who knew everything about my life until last year. For the last one year, I have been sharing all details of my furies, secrets, anxious moments, hospital visits, medical tests, and other things to you. Today I have the saddest news for you: My parents have decided to part their ways and move on the two different tracks that they must not have planned yet. I knew this was coming, but I never imagined that I would be alive until that moment. Unfortunately, I am! This news has dropped an atomic bomb on my only yearning for which I've been living this dead life – being the reason of keeping my parents close and together.

I am tired Maddie perhaps a long sleep will be better for me. See you tomorrow!

July 10, 2020

Jane Baker

"Mom, today Marvel called me. She said that she has been facing some problems in her family. What is the matter between her parents?" I ask Mom. She is arranging the dinner on the table and doesn't hear me as loud music is blaring out from Jack's room. I repeat and draws her attention towards me, she answers, "Sorry Honey! I was busy with some stuff. I believe everything is working fine between Lancaster couples. Though things were unpleasant last year but I have not heard anything nasty about their current relationship." I couldn't believe in what mom has heard because I know Marvel and her family very well. Marvel has always ignored a question that I have been asking her - why did you turn down the opportunity when we promised each other to make most out of it once we got it? She always runs away when this question is asked. From last year, she has, rarely, received my calls or replied to my messages. Today when I called her she said that she has called me the third time this week, however, we last talked a month ago. This is quite fishy. Last month when we talked, she asked how I get her number. At that time I took it as one of her playful jokes but now I am sure that something is weird with her. I need to find the real truth; I can't take every incident as a normal thing to happen. I have enough time to find what happened last year with Marvel as the college will reopen after two months. I miss my old Marvel. She is the only person in this world who has never left my side. I will go to meet her tomorrow. She would get surprised to see me after a long time.

July 11, 2020

Jane Baker

"Mom, I am going to Marvel's place. I'll be late. Take care", I shout from the other side of our main door. After a long period of one year I get to see her heavenly garden with wide varieties of colorful flowers, heterogeneous size plants, and chirping birds hopping on trees' branches. I press the doorbell and here she is - my Marvel but with short hairs; tired eyes; faded smile and a book in her hand. I smile and hug her tight but she doesn't hold me in the way she used to, one year back. I hold her hand, and take her inside the home. Marvel is looking completely blank – no excitement and no glitter in her eyes that usually fills with tears of happiness when she meets her loved ones. She shrugs off my hand and goes at least two feet away from me. I am bewildered with her behavior; she is not even looking at me. Her mom comes and looks exhausted as if she hasn't smiled for years. I smile and she passes back a fragile one and says, in a faded voice, "Hi Jane! How're you doing? When did you come back from California?" I feel better to know at least her mom recognizes me. I reply, "I'm doing well, Mrs. Daisy. I came two days back." Amidst the conversation I notice that Marvel is missing. She's gone, perhaps in her room. A sudden shocking expression covers my face when I see Mrs. Daisy crying. I'm perplexed; couldn't figure out a little bit of all this.

July 11, 2020

Marvel Lancaster

Dear Maddie,

A stranger has come to my home. She hugged me tightly and I think she would not have left me if I hadn't pulled myself out of her grip. I don't know why she was looking at me with such unusual longing in her eyes. I haven't met her ever, right? Do I know her, tell me Mango? I am not feeling well, my head is throbbing…

***

Sadly, Marvel has forgotten Jane's face. Jane is hurt badly; she never expected to get such a peculiar welcome from her best friend. When Marvel left Daisy and Jane alone, Jane heard the most disastrous news that she had never thought in her worst nightmare: the truth of Marvel's mental illness. Daisy revealed all the past one year incidents in detail to her - that Marvel is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and her mental state is deteriorating day by day; how she loses memories of recent events and forgets the face of those whom she knew since her birth; that how one day she howled at Peter, her dad when he came to meet her for saying goodnight; how she is keeping some details in her dairy (Maddie) that Jane gifted to her, however, she sometimes even forgets if she ever maintains a diary. Jane cried hard and left Marvel's home staggering to her feet. Daisy didn't recall Jane to Marvel because she knew what would be her reaction; she might have hurt her again in a more dreadful way this time than she did when Daisy reminded her that Peter is her dad. She screamed that her father died four years back and, in anguish, inserted a sharpening thing in her vein.

***

July 12, 2020

Jane Baker

Jane left Marvel's home and ran to her home as she couldn't accept the truth, revealed by Daisy. She fell asleep on her room floor while crying for hours. I don't even remember how many hours I slept after coming back from Marvel's home. Why did it happen to my Marvel and not me?! How God can be so ruthless to her, the warmest and best soul I have ever met in my life. I can't even feel one percent of what she is going through for past one year. She never allowed anyone to reveal about her disease to me just because I don't feel guilty while studying there. I am the worst friend one could ever have. One year back why I didn't force her to tell me the truth on the day when we're supposed to leave for Stanford, California together. She didn't arrive at the airport and I gave up just after calling her forty times. I flew away and turned my back on her when she needed me most. I was so selfish that I never tried asking her parents about it.

***

Marvel couldn't recall Jane's face. She remembers that Jane is her best friend but she forgets her face. When Jane left for college, memories of their friendship started blurring day by day, however, during the initial days of the illness Marvel tried to share all the details with Maddie, just to keep them with her. But as the time passed, her illness started affecting her in an unforeseeable way – a problem in speaking, depressed moods, and sometimes trouble in recognizing common objects. She has started hallucinating events – her parents never thought about splitting; she just imagined it! Sometimes she even forgets she ever writes a dairy.

***

July 15, 2020

Marvel Lancaster

Oh, yesterday it was Mom's birthday. How could I forget it. Why did I sleep the entire day? Tears start flickering from her eyes when suddenly her grief is interrupted by a knock on her door. I think Mom is here. I open the door and find the same girl who came in my dream last night. Jane is here but sadly Marvel couldn't recall her face again. I don't know how she is here! Why is she looking at me as if I know her? Hallucination strikes Marvel and she is imagining a man who ruined her life one and a half year back. For Marvel, he is a monster who is distressing her every night for the past one year. Marvel loses her senses and pushes Jane hard on the wall. Jane's head hits the wall and blood starts streaming from her head to her face. Marvel's eyes are bloodshot and she is scared. Her Mom stomps off to her room on hearing her scream and couldn't believe what her eyes witness. A woman is coming towards me, who is she…

***

After this daunting scene, Marvel's parents rushed to hospital with Jane and Marvel, both faint. They didn't call Jane's parents as they're scared of what their daughter did in anguish to Jane. Four hours passed but they didn't hear a word of relief from the respective doctors operating on them. Then after an hour Jane's doctor came out from OT and informed, "Jane has a traumatic brain injury; internal bleeding and rupture brain tissues have led to permanent damage to her brain. I am afraid to tell you for how long she'll remain alive. Currently, she is under observation, I need to hold a meeting with Senior House Officer and my team before making any decision of operating further on her." Daisy and Peter couldn't believe in what they heard. They're in a huge shock and decided to inform Jane's parents immediately. On the other side Marvel's mental state got worse than ever before. The horrible incident left a hellacious impact on her. The doctor informed Daisy and Peter that Marvel wouldn't be able to survive for long.

Jane's parents rushed to the hospital when Daisy informed them about the accident on the call, however, she didn't tell them that Marvel did all that to Jane. Katherine and Henry, Jane's parents stomped off to the hospital and found Marvel's parents outside the ICU. They were in great shock and asked Daisy and Peter about Jane & Marvel. Peter revealed the whole truth to them. Both Katherine and Henry were sensible enough to not blame Marvel for Jane's condition.

***

July 15, 2020

Dr. Rufus Kay

Dr. Rufus, who is dealing with Jane's case, discusses her condition with his team and the SHO – Jane has a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Her head suddenly and violently hit an object. It's a severe head-injury case. We've to perform a major surgery to repair the hematomas (Ruptured blood vessels) or contusions (bruised brain tissues). The result of the surgery can't be anticipated now. We need to hurry up as she won't be able to survive if we'd not operate immediately.

July 15, 2020

Dr. Thomas Knight

Daisy and Peter rush to Dr. Thomas cabin for asking Marvel's condition. Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster, Marvel has a terrible panic attack this time. I'm afraid to say that she might not be able to survive for long. We all knew that the life expectancy of this disease varies from two years to twenty years, in rare cases. Marvel's brain has ceased to respond to the medications that we've been injecting in her for the past one year. I suspect that there is some past event that bothers her periodically and is the reason for her sudden outrageous behavior. You told me that she never had a head injury in past and have never been to a shocking phase in her life but mostly all teens have any of the above reasons if Alzheimer's disease strikes them. If you've forgotten to tell us about some of her past details then please tell us now; we won't be able to save her from this disease once she stops responding to any of the possible treatments. Daisy is sweating heavily, Peter and Thomas notice her. She lifts from the chair and runs leaving the two there completely perplexed.

July 16, 2020

Daisy Lancaster

Running from the hospital, she takes a cab that stops in front of a house in 65-HE Street, South Extension, NY. I have to do something for saving my daughter's life. On pressing the doorbell, a voice comes, "Coming, wait for a second!" A boy in his twenties gets shocked on seeing who has arrived at his home. He looks scared, and instantly shuts the door on Daisy's face but she doesn't let him. She pushes the door and stands in front of the boy and screams, I know all what you did to my daughter and her friends two years back. I was so foolish to compel my daughter to take that horrific accident as a bad day. But I have realized how wrong I was to put a bar on her courage for punishing you. Instead of stopping her, I should have helped her in getting justice. I've almost ruined two lives in the fear of losing my daughter. Marvel has been breathing but not enjoying a single thing. That incident snatched her lively smile, zeal, and everything. I got scared of your threats because I love my daughter more than anything or anyone. Today just because of my fear and your evilness Michael, my daughter and her friend are lying on death beds. I can't reverse all that happened then, but I can give justice to them now. Marvel hasn't come out of our house because your fear never leaves her. She imagines a monster (that is you) in any person suddenly and hurts herself and the other person badly.

***

December 12, 2018

Marvel was heading back from school to her home alone. Jane didn't come that day; she was not feeling well. On her way she saw some of her schoolmates but no one was her acquaintance. When the group mates saw Marvel alone, they decided to play a prank on Marvel. A boy named Austin was one of the new members of that group but he knew very well about Marvel's sincerity and humble nature. He knew that she's going to be his English project partner and they'll be meeting tomorrow for discussing their project. Marvel wasn't informed about her project partner by her teacher. When Michael and his friends, except Austin, decided making fun of Marvel, a nerdy and reserved girl Austin tried persuading them to let Marvel go. But they all didn't listen to him and started following Marvel. They all formed a circle around her and started teasing her and calling, "Hey, Egghead! You are alone, today?" Another, in a shrill voice, squealed, "Oh, her Jane has broken up with her, huh?" Marvel ignored them and sped up but they snatched her bag and threw her specs off her eyes. Marvel got nervous and unable to see clearly, she ran in any possible direction. Seeing all this from a distance, Austin couldn't control his anger and pushed Michael hard in the chest. And after a minute they ran in a bad fight. Marvel fled away from there. The fight resulted in Austin leaving the only group that accepted to let him in.

December 12, 2018

Austin Davis

Getting back home, after taking a hot shower, and plugging headphones, Austin lays on his bed. While listening to music, Austin feels better. I don't know what Marvel must be thinking of me. I'll tell her the whole truth tomorrow that I joined that group one week ago and wasn't aware of their bad behavior. I wish she wouldn't ask Miss Jennifer to change her project partner. What would I do if she leaves; no one is going to be with me?

December 12, 2018

Marvel Lancaster

Breathing heavily, Marvel stomps off to her room and rushes to the bathroom. She's scared badly. Anxiety strikes her hard and she is feeling dizzy. I don't know why they were teasing me. I have never talked to any of them nor have I ever bothered them. Marvel's humble nature never put her in such a situation until today. I should call Jane and ask about her health. On the call she shares all the lecture notes and other announcements made in the class but doesn't say a word how she's feeling inside that how anxious she is.

December 13, 2018

Michael Williams

That bloody Austin punched me. Till today he was running after me wherever I was going and now he fought with me. He should've joined us in humiliating that stupid Marvel and instead of doing that, he tried to stop us. He insulted me in front of my group mates. I won't spare him; he'll have to pay for it. I will force him to kneel down on my feet in front of the whole school.

December 14, 2018

Miss Jennifer informed Marvel about her project partner, Austin. After attending her first lecture, Austin came to her. As Marvel didn't know him, she ignored him and went away. Austin approached her and shouted in the hallway, "Are you Marvel Lancaster? I'm Austin Davis, your English Literature project partner." Marvel turned back and moved in his direction and replied, "Yes, I'm Marvel. Sorry for ignoring you before, I thought you just bumped in me by mistake." Austin said, "Oh that, it's alright. I shouldn't come to you in that way." Marvel replied, in an inaudible voice, "Yea, no problem. So, when will we start working on our project? We need to match our schedule and find a common free slot for doing that." "Yes sure, we'll discuss our schedule after school if that's fine with you", Austin said. Marvel replied, "Okay! See you in the playground then."

December 15, 2018

Austin & Marvel

After attending the school, Austin arrived first in the playground and had already decided to clear any confusion that Marvel might have about that incident. He saw Marvel, looking quite worried and frightened. He waved his hand and she came to him. Before Austin could ask she started crying. Austin got perplexed and worried too, seeing Marvel shivering. He took out his water bottle from his bag and gave to Marvel. After some minute, Marvel calmed herself and felt better that she has someone around her and there's no need to worry. She took the bottle from him and sipped some water. Austin hesitated before asking Marvel what happened to her. Then he finally asked, "Are you okay, Marvel? You're not looking well. Did something happen to you before coming here?" Marvel, wiped off the tears from her face, and mumbled, "There're some guys who followed me today while I was going to the library and they started mocking me. They did the same yesterday too. I don't know why they're doing so?!" Austin knew the guys that Marvel was talking about but he decided to distract her, and drew her attention to something else. He said hesitantly, "Marvel, don't worry about it. We'll deal with it together; you're not alone in this. Tell me, what're you thinking about our project? Have you found any theme for it?" Marvel replied, "Thank you Austin, I'm fine now. Yes, I have got a few ideas and I hope you too have some. We'd share them and choose the best out of them after discussing." They completed their discussion and decided to meet next Sunday at Marvel's home.

Sunday, December 18, 2018

Austin pressed the doorbell of Marvel's house. A voice came in response, "Coming, wait please!" Marvel opened the door and on seeing Austin, greeted , "Good Morning Austin, How're you?" "Good Morning, Marvel. I'm good, what about you?" Austin replied. "I'am doing fine, Austin. Please come inside", Marvel answered. They went to Marvel's study room and started discussing their project theme. In between the discussion, Austin asked Marvel, "Are you fine, Marvel? You were tensed the other day. I hope you're feeling better now." Anxiety lined her brow with deep furrows. She fumbled, "Yea, I am better now. Thanks for asking." Austin said, "Glad to hear. Sorry I didn't ask you on that day. I wanted to distract you from it. I wanted to say something to you that I should've told you when we first met." "Marvel, in an inaudible voice, mumbled, "No issues, Austin. It was very kind of you to help me on that day. Yes, please go ahead. Tell me what you want to say." Austin took a deep breath and told the whole truth about the incident when his ex-group mates harassed Marvel on her way home. Marvel listened to him, and in last smiled. "I knew the boy, who stopped those guys misbehaving with me, was you. Though I wasn't wearing my specs I saw you before they attacked me. I knew you're not involved in that awful act. I didn't want to discuss that incident again that's why I didn't say anything. Thank you for saving me from them." Austin felt relieved after knowing that Marvel already knew the truth. He said, "No worries, Marvel. Always here for you." They completed their discussion and in the evening Austin left to his home.

Evening, December 18, 2018

Austin left Marvel's home and headed to his home. His parents were waiting for him. He was just two miles away from his home when it started raining. His clothes got drenched in water as he didn't have an umbrella with him. Suddenly, a car came fast behind him and hit him without blowing any honk to give him an alert. Austin collapsed on the road, blood was streaming from his head and his right leg was injured severely. The car stopped at some distance and a boy came out laughing loudly from it. Austin was screaming in pain when he saw someone running to him. That, someone, was Marvel with an umbrella in one hand and the other above her head. On seeing Austin, she rushed to him and kneeled on the road. She was astonished on seeing Austin lying on the road and moaning while blood was flowing all over his face. Both were tottering, one in heavy pain and the other in fear of losing the first. Marvel summoned up the courage and faced the boy who hit Austin. She was in extreme anger (first time in her life) and got shocked when she saw that boy was Michael, the one who harassed her more than two times last week. Michael started laughing more loudly on seeing Marvel. He went closer to her and was just about to touch her when Marvel hit him hard on the head with the umbrella. Michael fainted and fell on the ground. Austin couldn't believe what he just saw. Marvel ran back to Austin and dialed 103 on her phone. Marvel pulled Michael to his car and loaded him in it. After five minutes the ambulance arrived on the spot and drove them to hospital. When they reached the hospital Austin was admitted and Marvel waited outside the operating room. Two hours passed but nothing was informed about Austin's condition. Marvel was shivering and crying. She called Jane. After two-three rings Jane received but before Marvel could have said anything her phone's battery went dead. Then a doctor came and informed her that Austin's out of danger. She thanked him and thought of calling Jane using the hospital's phone. But before that, she went to see Austin. She sat near his bed and murmured, "Austin, are you okay? How're you feeling now?" Austin opened his eyes and replied, "Yea, I am fine, Marvel. Thank you for saving my life." They were in the middle of the conversation when they were interrupted by a voice. She turned to see and got shocked on seeing two cops. "Are you Miss Marvel Lancaster?" asked the taller man. Marvel, completely perplexed, replied, "Yes, I am Marvel Lancaster." The man further inquired, "I am Sheriff Phineas George. I am informed that you attacked a boy named Michael, and tried threatening him to death. I have to take you in custody Miss Marvel." Then Austin intervened, "Officer, Marvel hasn't done anything. Michael hit me with his car while I was heading to my house. He has been threatening us for the past week. A false story was cooked by him and served to you, Sir!" Austin and Marvel revealed the whole truth to him. After listening to them Phineas said, "If what you both are telling is the real truth then Michael will not be spared. And if you people are lying then you both will be behind the bars soon." He left for carrying further investigation.

December 20, 2018

(The day Austin died)

Marvel lied to her mother that she's staying at Jane's place. Her mother believed her as both Jane and Marvel used to come to each other's place and stay for days. Marvel completed the discharge formalities of Austin on the reception desk. She went to his room and asked, "Ready to go home?" "Yes, Marvel" replied Austin. "Great!" Marvel cheered while gathering his medicines and medical reports. Then Austin said, "Marvel you're so kind. You helped me a lot. I can't count on a single person who would have helped me the way you did. Thank you, Marvel, for being my good and true friend." Marvel smiled and softly said, "Austin, I am glad that your scars are healing. I'm always with you. Friends never thank each other, right? They give their hand when one staggers. I just did what a friend should have." They left the room and reached the hospital exit gate. They were waiting for the cab when Marvel's phone rang. She received her mom's call and answered, "Hi Mom! Yes, I am fine. I'll get back home in two hours…" All of a sudden, she heard a loud firing sound and turned to see – Austin was lying on the ground with blood on his shirt. She ran to him and found him struggling. She shook him and shouted for help. Then Austin mumbled, "Marvel, you won't be able to save me this time. I have to leave you here. I wish I could spend more time with you but it seems like we've to part our ways. Take care, Marvel!" Daisy was shouting on the other end of the phone and wanted to know what just happened around Marvel but she didn't get any reply from her normal daughter ever.

That incident left Marvel with an unforgettable trauma. The shock of Austin's death stuck her so wildly that the real Marvel never came back again.

***

After leaving Austin and Marvel in the hospital room on that day, Officer Phineas George scrutinized the whole case and found Michael guilty as he got the recordings of the school corridor. He played the recording of Michael when he was threatening Marvel. He inquired all the students who witnessed that. Michael's group members told the whole truth of that night to Phineas out of fear. After getting enough shreds of evidence Phineas stormed to Michael's home and confronted him. Having nothing to cover his evil act, he had to accept his crime. But his father didn't let Phineas take Michael with him; he called some authority and saved his disgusting child.

In next two days, Michael plotted the plan of Austin's murder. And in last he executed it without committing a single mistake.

***

If you're thinking that Michael shot Austin then you're mistaken. That gunshot was by Jane. She was threatened by Michael for Marvel's life. Michael knew very well about their friendship and heard from others about their boundless love. The night when Phineas confronted him, he called Jane and lied that there's a boy, named Austin, who had been troubling Marvel for the past few days. She didn't believe in his false story until she was tortured that if she didn't kill Austin then he would reveal to everyone that she is a lesbian and loved Marvel deeply. Jane got scared as she never wanted her reality to be disclosed to anyone. She didn't want to lose Marvel and in fear of losing her, she followed his order. You must be thinking that Jane's the most selfish person you've heard about but no she's not. She accepted at that time but on the final day she planned to spoil Michael's plan. When Michael dragged her to the hospital and barked, "Kill her, Jane! You've only one chance." She holds the gun and pretended to point it to Austin but she, immediately, turned to Michael and pointed the gun on his head. Michael lost his senses and ran into a fight with Jane. And in the last you knew what happened, Austin was shot with the gun in Jane's hand, however, the trigger was pulled by Michael.

Both Jane and Marvel never said anything about that accident to each other. Jane chose not to because she didn't want to lose Marvel and poor Marvel never saw Austin again so that she could've recalled his memories and his dreadful murder. Jane left the country after meeting Marvel last time, unaware of her best friend's medical condition. When she came to meet her last time she dropped a letter in Marvel's mother room stating:

Dear Mrs. Daisy,

Hope you are doing well. As you know that we're accepted by Stanford University and in less than a week we'll leave you all here. Before going I wanted to tell you one truth that you must need to know before our departure…

Love,

Jane

The whole truth was revealed but the letter was received by Daisy after two months as Marvel's illness took her complete attention. The family never went out on dinner or never celebrated any occasion.

Both Jane and Daisy wanted to protect Marvel. Daisy tolerated Michael's threats for one year. She fulfilled every illegitimate demand. She didn't want to hurt Jane and never went to police as she thought Jane's whole life would get spoiled. Jane never enjoyed a single college event as she felt guilty for accepting Michael's atrocities and for being the part of Austin's death.

***

July 17, 2020

Daisy gathered all of her courage and went straight away to the police station after warning Michael. She revealed the whole truth to Officer Phineas George. She showed all evidence to him against Michael and apologized for hiding the truth. Phineas George told her about what happened with Austin and Marvel one and a half year ago on that accident night. He informed her that he confronted Michael but was pressurized by his senior officer to spare him.

Phineas and his junior raided off to Michael's home. They arrested him for his earlier sinful acts and charged him with murder.

July 18, 2020

It is raining heavily. Peter and Jane's parents are waiting outside their operating rooms. Daisy sneaks in Marvel's room. Her tears start trickling on seeing her daughter laying silently while her ventilator machine is bleeping. She goes closer to Marvel and murmurs, "Marvel you're free today. I know what happened to you can't be reversed but you got justice in some manner today. I am sorry for being a coward mother for past one year. But today I summoned all my courage because of your love and was able to drag that Monster behind the bars. You are a true soul, my daughter. You're fearless and kind. I love you!" After meeting Marvel, Daisy enters Jane's room and sees her daughter's best friend fighting with her death. She goes closer to Jane and murmurs, "I don't even deserve to ask for an apology. You were separated from your Marvel. But now you both don't need to worry; that monster is punished. I know and believe that you and Marvel are going to win this battle and will be together soon. Love you, Jane!"

Both Marvel and Jane passed away on the same day, at the same time, and their last words were, "We're going to meet finally!"

From Heaven

Jane and Marvel

Marvel and Jane, after leaving the earth together, reach to Heaven's doorway. They both are holding each other's hand and smiles the same way they used to do when they're not parted. Jane looks at Marvel with compassion and says, "Marvel, I am so happy that we're here. I read your dairy, Maddie yesterday, and left in tears when I realized how hard you tried to keep our memories with you. You didn't share anything with it except our moments. How can you love a bad person like me, who left you in pain alone?" Tears fill in Marvel's eyes and the same sparkle, the one that Jane was finding for a long time, fills her eyes. In a heavy tone, she moans, "Jane, I am a murderer; I killed you. I took you here with me. I know I had very few days but I snatched your life." Jane listens to her and murmurs, "Don't be too hard to you, Marvel. You know we planned it together. Last night when I called you to tell you that I have got to know about your illness from your mother, you felt bad for hiding about your illness. We both wanted to make everything in place like it was earlier, sadly it was not possible. You told me that Dr. Thomas Knight won't be able to cure your illness and that you're in extreme pain because of that awful disease. I couldn't see you in pain and forced you to hurt me so that I would also get hurt in some way, however, I never wanted you to hurt yourself. I know that you have come with me because you don't want to leave me alone there. You could have stayed there but you chose me over your life. You're incredible, Marvel – the most selfless human being on this universe." After gathering the courage Jane reveals Austin's death truth and cries. Marvel sighs and says, "I am grateful to have you. Don't feel guilty about Austin's death because you didn't kill him. You tried saving his life. I know you never hurt a person. Will you help me in finding Austin here?" Jane wipes off her tears and replies, "Thank you for being always with me, Marvel. Yes, we'll find Austin together. I want to ask an apology from him too."

Austin was found near a lake. Both Jane and Marvel rushed towards him. Marvel introduced Jane to Austin. Jane told the whole truth and apologized. Austin listened to the whole incident and said, "You both are true lovers. I have never seen such a pure friendship ever. I'm thankful to you both. You both saved me; Marvel you saved me when I was screaming and sobbing in extreme pain on that night, and Jane you saved me from that horrible world." They hold each other's hands and walked in the garden of paradise.

***

Perhaps Marvel, Austin, and Jane never existed, maybe such a friendship is hard to believe in but we all have a person for whom we can do the wildest possible thing, just to keep him/her safe and happy. Marvel and Jane could not walk in the lawns of their dream college, however, they reunited in the garden of their creator.

Love is not something that can be earned after getting a job in an MNC or becoming a renowned personality in this world. It's just so expensive that its value can't be evaluated in any market of this world. Once we realize that what our love is enough then there will be no pleasure in this world that can satisfy us more. We need to find satisfaction without expecting a bit from it. Just remember, “Not every relationship is grown by sowing seeds of ‘need’; some can be grown into a healthy one without using synthetic chemicals to nurture them. Take care of your trees and don’t let any misunderstanding or ego deracinate them.”

***

I hope you people feel connected, in some way, with this story. It is dedicated to all my friends for being who they are. I'm thankful to all of them for their support and warmness. ❤

Love,

Hakuna