Breath and Pulse

𝐌𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐞

TheAWESOMEauthor: My dearest readers! This book only covers one chapter since this is just a short story. The book is made in joint partnership with -Alyssum- The content of the story and the book cover are original. Please don't forget to follow us and vote the book to show your support and love! Thank you!

I would never forget all the things she used to tell me everyday. Before I thought of them as useless blabber that she could not control nor keep to herself. If I could recall, she would always instruct me the following reminders: "Do not ever smoke.", "Remember to exercise daily.", "Eat full meals and drink 10 glasses of water.", and "Get complete hours of sleep."

She would consistently repeat these statements with a vivid smile. I understood why she would act this way. I remembered she once told me that she wanted to become a cardiologist and a pulmonologist in the future that is why I endured her mother-like gestures.

'Caroline', yes! I think that was her name. She was our new neighbor next door. I was apathetic about it until I noticed my mom was making kaldareta. It was unusual because she would only cook this type of dish during holidays or an important event. Then my mom asked me to accompany her next door, and told me the news as we walked side-by-side towards the house next to us. Mom was always hospitable, and I knew this was her way to warmly welcome our new neighbors. When we arrived at the entrance, the door slowly opened revealing an old, stiff, and very thin man. A simple glance in his eyes made me fall into complete silence. Mother wore a smile and handed the carefully wrapped container to him. At the back, I saw a girl with short black straight hair, she was slightly pale and looked a bit surprised to have visitors. Her father thanked us and called her over to meet and greet us, neighbors. He must have noticed me looking behind. And that was the first time we met, Caroline and I.

I never planned to grow closer to her but eventually we did, since our parents had already become friends. We also became classmates in the nearest school of our town, so we spent most of our time together. People find it annoying and strange that she would always advise us about our circulatory and respiratory health, but I somehow got used to it. I rather hear her keen voice than listening to my teacher's lectures after all.

One night, my mother and I had our dinner. It was a rainy and cold evening. We had a conversation with each other. It started with how I was doing in school and then to the question if I were making friends. Afterwards, our topic shifted to my neighbor, Caroline. She told me some things that she and Caroline's father talked with one another. It was regarding a serious matter about how Caroline has an irregular blood condition called anemia, and also that her father has an incurable disease in the lungs, emphysema, which is due to his smoking habit before. One contradicting thought came up to mind. If the father was sick with a respiratory disease, why would they move to Manila where it is polluted and crowded? My mom told me that his father planned to continue Caroline's medication here where the medical equipment is more advanced.

Knowing her circumstances now, I wanted to see how she is doing. Her vibrant personality makes it hard for people to see her true struggles and her unfortunate situation. The next morning, I invited Caroline to play with me. That whole afternoon, we played games, only the two of us. We stopped when Caroline appeared to have felt a pain in her chest, so we decided to rest on the fresh green grass.

That was the only time I noticed her skin tone. It appeared to be more pale and yellowish compared to mine. This is the most evident symptom of having anemia. "So, it is true.", I whispered involuntarily to myself. For some reason, Caroline apologized to me and repeated her same old reminders. I found it a bit awkward and gave her a friendly punch making the atmosphere lighter. After that fun day, Caroline rarely showed herself.

During the last year of high school, Caroline and I started drifting away. I began to socialize with others, and I joined a group of cool friends. They introduced me to cool things they say youth does. I learned how to drink, smoke, and how to party! I even have forgotten what Caroline has taught me. I lived a free life with no right direction until that fateful day came when I heard Caroline's father died. She had to live with her Aunt and leave town.

Years passed by, I was at the age of 34 when I was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. Upon hearing this, I experienced tremendous fear. This is the result of my irresponsible actions in the past and I regret them severely. Every night I would experience tightness of the chest and I would also wheeze frequently. A whistling sound can also be heard whenever I breathe. I endured those symptoms until I experienced difficulty in breathing. It was time for me to see a doctor.

At the hospital, the doctor prescribed me simple medication. It was hard, but little by little I started to feel better. Whenever I spoke with my pulmonologist, she would tell me some advice and precautions I should take like I should not smoke especially at a very young age, avoid polluted places, and other simple common reminders such as eating healthy, exercise daily, drinking plenty of water and many more. Hearing these very familiar statements lead me to relive a friend of mine who I wished I have listened to. I remember accompanying her in doing things like this when we were young, she wanted to be healthy and strong. Those words of love and care... That was what she wanted for me as well.

I started listening and opening my heart to these health precautions. I lived healthily by having a healthy diet, exercising, limiting stress, and saying a big 'no' to smoking and drinking. I turned my life around and I was happy that I did.

Today, I have my check-up with my pulmonologist at 2 pm. I started seeing the doctor regularly too. This is for me to take note of my health every once in a while. I was walking down the spacious and clean hallway when I saw my personal doctor at the end of the hall. She was talking with a stranger or perhaps not. The stranger was quite familiar, she had black straight hair, and she was wearing a white long coat.

I approached them and bid my greetings. My doctor and the lady beside her greeted back. When the familiar woman and I had eye contact, I was shocked.

"Mr. Gonzales, meet Pulmunologist and Cardiologist, Caroline Reyes."

At the time I thought I would let out my last breath and have my last pulse, her remarks came to mind and gave me hope.