Fiction: Group 4
I clamped my hands over my mouth as the content of the radio broadcast crossed my mind. “Oh
gosh, this isn’t happening,” I whimpered, “This isn’t happening.”
“Maia?”
I blinked rapidly. Patches of green and purple swirled in front of my eyes.
“Oh gosh, it can’t be. No! Not after my mom just… No!” I squealed, “I could have saved her! I
could have!” Hysterical sobs wracked my body.
“Breathe, Maia. Tell me what’s wrong.” Nathan gripped my shoulders.
“I could have saved her! I see patches of green and purple.” I took a ragged breath. “My brain can
be used to cure the madness! It’s too late now. Too late…”
Utter shock and flashed on Nathan’s face. “I’m so sorry, Maia.”
I inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to make my breathing return to normal. It took me a few
minutes to let this sink in.
I could now cure others like my mom. I could cure thousands.
If I chose to die.
“What should I do?” I murmured, pondering over my options.
Emotions swirled in Nathan’s eyes—awe, fear, dread. “You’re saying you want to… You will…”
“I don’t know…”
He frantically caught me in an embrace. “Maia, please… I can’t… I’ll have nothing…”
I had never felt so disoriented in my entire life.
He let go of me hastily and pressed both palms into his eyes. “I…” he seemed to be lost for words,
letting out a controlled exhale. “Maia, it’s the most commendable thing to do but… Allow me to be selfish
just once. Please…”
I buried my face into my hands.
My mind flashed back to the distraught feeling burning inside me when I knew the madness
pushed my mom over the edge. Absolute despondency crushed me like a heavy boulder on my chest,
tormented me like acid pouring down my throat, pained me like my skin being seared.
I never wanted anyone to feel the heartache that almost consumed me. I had the power to prevent
2000 people and their families from this affliction.
My mind flashed back to the robber stabbing me to steal food. Humanity indeed had a vile and
contemptible side.
I had the opportunity to display the reverse side. The technology to cure was available. Only the
glorious side of humanity was missing.
Then my mind achingly flashed back to Nathan, his care, his solicitude, his devotedness.
Then a crystal clear fact popped up in my head. People’s lives were in my hands. I’d be inundated
with remorse if I didn’t help them.
***
I walked into the hospital with my hand in Nathan’s, with my head held high.
We had five minutes before the surgery.
Nathan looked as if trying to have every part of me memorized with his intense stare, as though his
mental camera snapped pictures to capture me in this moment.
“You are the most honorable person I’ve ever met,” Nathan breathed.
I recalled Nathan pushing me on a swing in the playground. I recalled him holding me when
distress threatened to crumble me. I recalled his smiles, his words, his amiable face.
“Thank you so much for everything, Nathan. I don’t think I can tell you how grateful I am,” my
voice cracked a little and tears gathered in my eyes.
He took a deep breath. “Do not go gentle into that good night.”
I made a noise that sounded like half a laugh and half a sob, hugging him so tightly I was surprised
we could still breathe. “Old age should burn and rave at close of day.” My tears broke free of their restraints
and spilled down my cheeks unchecked.
This poem never failed to give us renewed vigor to endure, even during dark era.
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” His eyes were misty. “This is a glorious death, Maia.
You should be proud.” He managed a smile.
“Promise me, Nathan. Promise me you’ll continue to recite poems for me.”
“I will.” He trembled. “I promise.”
“Good bye Nathan.”
