Page 24 of Mark Us Little Bear
The warmth of the soup in the backpack is instantly ten times more noticeable. “Why are you laughing, I’m suffering.” I pant out. “I think I lost a nut.”
Bradley’s laughter echoes in the speakers. “Are you okay?” He tries again, shoulders trembling.
My middle finger is all he gets in return.
“Don’t spill my soup.” Amber throws another match to the fire that is spreading in my groin.
I stare at her.
My balls are dying and she’s worried about soup.
Placing his forearms on the fuel tank, Bradley rests his head on top, eyes brimming with tears. “I can make the pain go away with my mouth but you don’t want my services so let your nuts simmer.” And another peal of laughter bursts out of them.
I don’t think kids are part of my future anymore.
I pull the helmet off and lean back, needing to collect myself and decrease the hammer in my chest. Shutting my eyes, a moment passes, and hands wrap around each side of my body.
Their warmth instantly makes everything better, I can breathe again, and the pain fades quickly.
I bask in it a little longer.
“We’re sorry.” Amber’s soft voice falls against my ear. “We can tell how painful it was.”
Bradley curls his finger around a strand of hair covering my ear. “How about an ice cream and a movie as compensation?”
It’s been a long day and the sun slowly wanes between the tall buildings, painting the skies gold.
“Deal.”
Fairy lights are scattered around our bookshelf, TV screen, and coffee table—warm lights and some purple, give it a cozy vibe. It’s dark outside and I feel peaceful knowing they’re here and not in some dark corner, searching for a place to crash.
Amber took Teddy for a walk when we returned from Nana’s. And Bradley went to the supermarket to grab us snacks.
They promised me a movie night and I could use some time off to relax.
I was nervous about today, I always am when I need to get the results of my screening tests. As a cancer survivor, the biggest fear is to hear those words again, “your cancer has returned.”
I was twelve years old when I was diagnosed with kidney cancer and survived it against all odds. Now, sixteen years later I’m still cancer free.
But it will always be a part of me.
It was the moment I knew friendship would be the biggest gift I would earn in this life and unconditional love I would never lose.
“Don’t leave me with these crazy people because I swear to the universe I’d become the devil just to bring you back to me. I could go through any gate and get you back.” Dark eyes stare at me, affectionate and caring. “Please, get better.”
“I crown you, the devil of my hell.” I joke, trying to cheer him up even though I am the sick kid but I’m tired of being him—wan, with bleary eyes.
“I wish I could help you,” his voice breaks, gaze falls to the floor, eyes brimming with tears. “Are you in pain?”
My arms clasp around him. “It’s okay, Luka, I’m not in pain right now, they gave me meds.” I tuck him closer. “Maybe a little nauseous so if I puke on you, you can’t get mad.”
“I won’t.”
He pulls back to look into my eyes because he would know. He would see it in my eyes if I was in pain, but all he finds is love—how grateful I am for him.
“Who will be your friend when I’m not around?”
“Hey,” he playfully shoves at my chest and I start laughing but it turns into a cough. “The devil.” He jokes.
