Tonam and Saint are childhood friends, they met when Tonam was 12 and Saint was 10. Saint loves playing basketball while on the other hand Tonam just enjoys watching people play.
Tonam was diagnosed with Leukemia since he was 11 and has been in and out of the hospital, due to his illness he was homeschooled and never played sports.
One afternoon Tonam was sitting at a bench in front of the neighborhood basketball court playing with his phone when a small chubby kid asks him if he wants to play basketball with them.
"Hey! Do you want to play basketball with us?" Saint asked while peeking at the phone screen. He saw that the kid was playing an online game that he also plays.
"Oh wow! You're already level 100?" Saint was so amazed watching him play that he forgot why he approached him in the first place.
"Do you know this game?" Tonam ask the chubby kid
"Yes! I like it a lot, started playing last month but I can't beat the boss in one of the challenges."
"This is my favorite game. Do you want me to teach you how to beat the boss?" Tonam said to the kid who's now sitting beside him.
"Really?! Yes, please! Thank you!" Saint was really excited. Saint run to the other side of the court to tell his friends to play without him.
"My name is Saint and I'm 10. What's yours?" Saint was catching his breath from running back and forth.
"My name is Tonam and I'm 12. Do you see that house across the street? We just moved in there last week." Tonam said while pointing to the house with a blue gate.
"Welcome to our neighborhood P' Tonam! Can we be friends?" Saint said smiling while reaching out his hand for a handshake.
That's the start of their beautiful friendship. They would meet almost every afternoon, Saint would directly go to the basketball court after school and Tonam is there waiting for him.
Saint POV
Saturday morning and I'm standing outside of P' Tonam's house. I was buzzing the doorbell for the 10th time still no one was coming out. Are they out? It's only 8 am, I wonder where they went. I forgot my phone at home so I can't call P'. I decided to play basketball first and just call him later when I get home.
After dinner, I was laying on my bed reading a Spiderman comics when I heard a notification from my phone. I got up and grab my phone from my study table. I checked my phone and its a line message from P' Tonam. I tried to call him twice in the afternoon but he wasn't answering, I also line him but there's no reply.
"Sorry for just replying now, I was at the hospital all day and I wasn't allowed to use my phone. We just got home a few minutes ago."
"Why P'?"
"Is someone sick?"
"Are you sick?"
"Are you ok now?"
"Can I come to your house now?" Saint replied non stop
"I'm ok don't worry. It late already lets just talked tom morning. Do you want to have breakfast at our house?"
"Ok P'. I'll see you tom."
After eating breakfast we went up to P' Tonam's room to play video games. While P' Tonam was setting up the game, I was sitting at his bed eating a chocolate bar.
"You're eating again? That's why you're fat." P' Tonam said shaking his head.
"So? I'm not fat, I just have chubby cheeks. Take a bite, you should eat more you're too thin."
"By the way what happen yesterday P'? You're not sick right?" I was worried about my friend coz the expression on his face change when I asked.
"I will be honest with you Saint, yes I'm sick. I have cancer. But don't worry I'm getting treatment and I'm getting better." P' Tonam said trying to sound positive.
I was shocked, I heard about cancer before, I remember hearing my parents talk about it when my dad's friend died. People with cancer die that's what I know. I felt scared and great sadness that my eyes are starting to tear up. This feeling is worse than when my cat died 2yrs ago.
"You're joking, right? It's not funny P' Tonam!" my voice shaking
"I'm not. I have it since I was 11 but don't worry Saint everything is gonna be alright." I can see P' Tonam smiling but when I look in his eyes it's also tearing up.
"You can't die! You're not allowed to die P' Tonam!" I shouted! Tears are now falling nonstop.
"Stop crying, boys don't cry. I won't die I promise." P' Tonam said while tapping my head. He told me to stop but I can see a few drops of tears on his face.
"You're crying too." I said
"It's because I see you crying and it's making me feel sad." P' Tonam said wiping his face
"You're not allowed to die P' Tonam." I said it again
"Yes I won't die, do you want to eat ice cream?" P' Tonam trying to change the subject and walks toward the door
"No, P' don't feel like eating." I said I think I'm too sad to eat now
"Are you sure its, strawberry ice cream?"
"hmm..ok maybe I'll have 3 scoops." P' Tonam knows I can't resist strawberry ice cream, I saw him smile before leaving. I wiped my face with my hands, maybe it will help me calm down. You're not allowed to I die thought to myself.
