She Was Ylian

I awoke in a familiar place, and I knew what had just happened. I had collapsed as I neared the sidewalk, and the ambulance had taken me to the emergency room. My heart had given out. At first, I was unbelieving. But then I realized that skepticism would only waste my precious time with my family. For the last time, I listened and spoke to them even if they didn’t hear my voice.

“How can you do this to me?”

“I’m so afraid, Migs.”

“Why?”

“So afraid not to hear you call me ‘my heart’ anymore . . . .”

“My heart . . . .”

“Oh, just say it. Say it and I’ll feel calm . . . .”

“Good thing I was here in the hospital. If I hadn’t been, I might never have seen you again! I don’t want that!”

“What can I say? I don’t like good-byes.”

“It feels so good to have you in my arms again. How long will this last, Ylian? How long?”

“You’re getting angry with me again. How did you know I was here? You arrived so fast.”

“I don’t want to be angry, but you’re forcing me. What can I do?”

“You poor boy. I can see your face though my eyes are closed.”

“Do you like seeing me like this?”

“Hurting? Of course not! And I don’t like your getting mad at me, not at all. But . . . .”

“If not, then you must wake up. Open your eyes now. We’re all here waiting for you to wake up.”

“Migs, do you remember that time we went to Boracay? After I passed my exam… for my birthday?”

“What’s happening? Why is she moving like this?”

“Calm down my Migs. We were walking, holding hands, on the seashore. Suddenly, I tripped; I fell.”

“All of you have to calm down,” the doctor’s voice said. “Lay her down. We’re doing our best here. Nurse, now.”

“That was so embarrassing.”

“Some of you need to leave while we try to save her.”

“I didn’t want to get up. You know why?”

“Mom, is she going to die now?” It was Paula’s voice. “Hanna, Karin, is she? Please say no. Our sister can’t die.”

“Paula, don’t cry. I’ll be going to Heaven. You can’t see me, but I’m smiling. I’m happy. I really am.”

“Don’t say that!” Migs protested. “No one