Glioblastoma Multiforme is a type of brain cancer, the worst kind. Usually, any cancer, be it be brain cancer or any other, evolves from stage 1 (least dangerous) to stage 4 (Life-threatening). GBM is different, not only being the deadliest brain cancer there is, it can evolve from stage one Pilocytic Astrocytoma, or it can also develop directly. Though it is rare, it can still happen.
It also spreads like no tomorrow. And as cruel as it is, there is no cure. As it would be fate, this was the very same disease that her mother fell victim to. Dean knew what kind of condition this was and what was going to happen.
'Sir, will you tell the patient yourself, or should we….?'
'No, thanks. I'll tell him myself.'
After a few minutes, Dean washed his face and combed his hair before going to see Alex. He entered the room and saw Alex sitting on the bed.
'Hey, Dad. You finally fixed your face.'
***'You finally fixed your face, dear.'
In front of Dean was the woman who bewitched him. The window was open, and a gentle breeze flew in the room, which her long black hair skillfully rode. Her kind smile had a tranquil effect, and it calmed her husband's nervous mind.
He sat beside her on a chair. There was an awkward pause as Dean wondered what to say.
'Yumi, I've talked with the doctors. There are medicines for this, though they are expensive but since when did money became an issue for us. You'll get better in no time, okay.'
Dean's superficial smile was crushed with his wife's genuine one.
'Make sure to take care of Alex.'***
'So Dad, what did they say?'
Alex was in his usual self. Giving a charismatic aura and smiling a naturally given confident smile. It took every ounce of willpower for Dean to not fall on his knees.
He silently sat down chair beside the bed. Alex didn't notice his father's expressions.
'What's wrong with me, and how long will it take for me to recover?'
Usually, in this case, you console a kid by saying, "you're going to be alright," no matter how severe the issue is. But he couldn't lie in this situation, regardless of how much he wanted to. If he doesn't tell him, the doctors will.
Alex finally noticed the painful silence which surrounded his father when he looked into his eyes.
'Come on, dad. From your looks, I think it's safe to say that it's going to be expensive.'
Dean's lip curled up, if only that was true. With all the medicine money could buy, patients are given a period of 15 to 16 months to live, the average life expectancy of someone who has GBM. Dean would gladly spend any amount if it meant that his son will live longer but that's about it. It's similar to hearing a death sentence.
'Dad.'
Alex called out to him. Dean couldn't see his son's eyes as his head dropped low.
'It's GBM, right?'
Dean couldn't dare to answer but his silence gave him away.
'So that's the case. No wonder this felt familiar.'
Even Alex perfectly knew about the disease. After all, it was the one that stole his mother from him. Impulsively, Dean grabbed Alex's hand.
'No, that isn't the case. That was many years ago. Science and technology have come a long way since then. There must be a cure by now. We'll look for it together, okay?'
Dean failed to suppress his emotions, and a tear escaped from his eye. He started smiling desperately and talked faster.
'We'll travel the world together. We will spend every second together. You always said that I didn't give you enough time, guess what? I have all the time in the world. I'll fulfill your every wish, okay. We will find a cure, and you will getter better. So, come with me-'
'Sorry. No can do.'
Alex's immediate refusal shocked his father. He gently asked.
'Why?'
'Because….I have school, right?'
Alex smiled beamingly, and his eyes showed no moisture. He hadn't blinked so that his eyes would dry up. Dean softly said,
'Alex, you don't have to go to school anymore.'
'What are you saying, Dad? Mom would have been very angry if she had heard you. You said you'll fulfill my every wish. My first wish is for you to smile. Not this sad one but the shrewd, confident one like usual.'
Dean tried to form a smile but failed miserably.
--Huh? Is this…. Is this how I used to smile, or was it like this.
He tried remembering how he smiled but surprisingly forgot. He came up with several ways, yet none lasted more than a second.
'My second wish is for you to let me continue school as long as I can. Okay?'
Dean was still unable to fulfill the first wish but agreed.
'O…kay.'
Six months had come to pass. Alex was put on intensive medication, but thanks to that, he was able to continue his life like nothing was wrong.
Alex never had a wish he wanted to be fulfilled. He was actually very grateful and happy with his life, so he had no final desire except to continue things as they were.