54 SARANGHAE (1/2)

It was 10pm when I decided to go home. It's Monday tomorrow and I have to work.

We all decided that the wake would be in the hospital. It would last for 3 days.

So as I got home, I immediately called Ash.

”Hey Cass? Why so late?”

”Ash.”

”Hey are you crying? Is it Minho?”

Oh my god Minho! I did not contact him. Okay after this.

”No. Uhm, it's Layla. She's gone.”

”What?! Oh no no no she can't.”

”But she did. Ash help me tell the kids.”

”Yeah. But I thought we're going to strengthen our friendship? Why?”

His voice broke. This may be the first time I hear Ash crying. Oh, I wish I told him earlier. I totally forgot everyone when I received that call from Mr. Ryan.

”I know. And I know we have accepted this outcome, but it still hurts.”

”Yes. Cancer is a bitch. I hate cancer.”

Somehow, I laughed at that. Trust Ash to personify an illness.

Then I heard a girl's voice on the other line, Gina's.

”Hey. Who are you talking to?” And it sounded a bit jealous. Hahaha so possessive Gina.

”Hey Ash, I'll hang up now. You have a bit of a problem there. And we have to be early tomorrow. Come fetch me. Bye.”

”Okay. Bye sweetie.”

Oh no Ash. You're in so much trouble now. Although Gina knows me, she is sometimes, or most of the times, possessive. Well, I hope she'd understand our situation now.

I dialed Minho's number and waited for it to connect.

”Hey baby. I couldn't get to you earlier.”

”Yeah. I'm sorry..”

”What's wrong?”

That question shattered me, and I bawled my eyes out.

”Hey hey. Tell me baby. What's wrong? Who hurt you?”

It took some time before I calmed down.

”Minho, do you remember Layla?”

”The girl from the hospital you were always talking about?”

”Uh-huh.”

”Okay. What about her? Is she okay?”

I sniffled. ”I believe she is now. But she's gone Minho. She's gone.” And then I cried once again.

I cried and cried and cried. Minho was saying some soothing words and it calmed me down bit by bit.

After that crying spell, I said, ”I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cry that much.”

”Ssshhh. It's okay. I wish I could be there. I don't want you carrying that burden alone. I wish to accompany you.”

”No baby. It's okay. I can handle this. I just wanted to hear your comforting voice. Thank you.”

”No need to thank me. Now, you have to sleep early. You need a lot of rest because I know you have cried so many times today. I don't want you getting a headache. And drink water before going to bed.”

”Yes Minho. Can you please stay with me until I can sleep?”

I heard him sigh. ”I will ask for a day off. I want to see you so badly.”

I teared up. Okay why am I so emotional? ”Minho, you don't have to. But honestly, I want you here with me.”

”I know. And I want to be with you. Oh god I want to see you. Now even more that you're sad.”