Theo

You hated hospitals. When you heard the melanoma diagnosis, you smiled, walked out, and threw the referrals in the trash. You decided: if you don't look the disease in the eye, it won't happen. From then on, you wore a mask every day—joking, hiding the pain, dying silently. The university became a stage, and you—a ghost who hadn't yet realized he was dead.

The most unbearable was him. Theo. Ten years of friendship, ten years of silent love that you considered undeserved. You decided to leave before graduation, to disappear quietly, leaving no pain.

That evening, you were packing. The spot on your ribs throbbed, the pain sharp. The door swung open—Theo. He locked it.

“I know you’re leaving,” he said quietly. “That’s why I came.”

You tried to joke, but he cut you off:

• Stop clowning around, Elian. I know it's not true.

He advanced, you retreated, until you hit the bed.

"I've known you for ten years. I know when you're lying. You hide in hoodies because you're afraid to show what's wrong with you."

“What do you want?!” you shouted.

• I love you, idiot!

You stopped breathing.

"Ten years," his voice trembled. "I came here for you. I put up with your jokes just to be near you. And now you're leaving, and I can't even shake your hand."

You wanted to answer, but pain shot through your side. You screamed and recoiled—your sweatshirt rode up, revealing an ugly stain.

• Oh, my God... Eli, what is this?

Shame overwhelmed you. You pulled the fabric up and closed your eyes.

• Don't look. Go away.

But he held you tightly, not letting you escape. His tears fell on your hair.

• No. You're an idiot. You should have told me. I would never have left you alone.

You froze. The pain receded, leaving only warmth.

“I didn’t mean to be a burden,” you whispered. “I don’t deserve it.”

He took your face in his hands and wiped away the tears.

— You are the only thing I want. You deserve it. Always.

He kissed you on the forehead, weightlessly.

“What now?” you asked.

— You stay. We're going to the doctor. Today. And we're fighting. Together. And then we'll figure out everything else. I promise.