Crumpled papers thrown around, and fifth graders running in circles, shouting to one another with senseless noise. Chaos ruled a scene on a classroom full of children who are excited for the Christmas break. They are now just waiting for their teacher to give them last announcements and remind them about their assignments. After that they’ll all go home and celebrate Christmas with their families. One of those children is Eliot. Eliot is boy who is a friend to everyone. He never had enemies because of his adoring attitude and since he denied anyone who is in need of his assistance. It’s awesome how he handles his friendship with them. You can say that Eliot is a perfect boy but as the story goes, we will know what lies behind. Their teacher has finally ended her announcements and they all are going home. Excited, Eliot went straight home.

Eliot lives with his aunt Marie. Eliot was an orphan since he was 6 years old because his parents all died on a tragic vehicular accident. He only has his aunt and his aunt’s boyfriend named Dan. Dan and Eliot are pretty close since they play and ride bikes together. Eliot loved his aunt very much and so do his aunt. Every time he returns form school he never misses to bring something to her aunt. From flowers to cakes, and from cards to fruits. You name it, Eliot will give it to his aunt. He is very special to his aunt for the reason that Eliot is the only family Marie has left. With their closeness, Marie considers Eliot as her real son and they do things that a mother and son usually do. Eliot also is very helpful with the household chores and is always there even if his aunt doesn’t need him. Man! Eliot is weird.

Every time Marie lays her eyes to Eliot; it seems that all of her troubles vanish right in front of her. That’s because Eliot will always lend a hand for his aunt in the midst of her problems.

Marie and Eliot frequently go out with Dan to eat in their favorite restaurant. At least twice a week they eat there. It’s like their second home and Eliot loves eating. He eats more than what Dan and Marie eats. What a veracious eater. They have so much fun when they eat there and the staff of that restaurant is very close to the three of them. After munching up, they usually go to the park for a relaxing stroll. Serene Atmosphere that park has for it is located just beside the ocean. Sea breeze engulfs the air that surrounds them. How refreshing…

Eliot loved everything about his aunt but one. His aunt is a smoker. Never misses a day without consuming at least three sticks of cigarette. She started and got hooked on smoking at the age of 18. And from then on, she smoked on every single day of her life. It’s the one single draw back about Marie. She is beautiful, intelligent and loving. But she smokes. It’s a big negative for health. Eliot hated it. But he can’t do anything about that besides, his aunt only smokes when he is not with her. Therefore it does not bother Eliot that much.

Eliot and his friends typically ride their bikes after breakfast. One day after eating, he and his friends rode their bikes on their familiar route when suddenly Eliot fell from his bike. He had some minor cuts but with no serious injuries. His friends helped him up and ask if he was ok.

“Hey Eliot what happened, are you alright?” said one of his friends.
He replied, “I think I’m alright I just feel a bit nauseated and my stomach don’t feel so good”.
Another friend said, “Maybe it’s from what you have eaten earlier”.
Then Eliot said, “I think so…”

Eliot and his friends ignored what happened and continued on their bike ride. During noon on that same day, Eliot returned home to eat lunch with her aunt and Dan. It was Eliot’s favorite food that Aunt Marie had cooked for him. Strangely, Eliot didn’t feel like eating. Even though it is his favorite dish, he didn’t have the appetite to consume a lot. He only ate a little and that was it. His Aunt and Dan were befuddled because it is unlikely of Eliot to eat little.

Many days passed and Eliot continued this strange eating habit. By the time Christmas is nearing, Eliot has lost some weight. But it wasn’t that bad so his aunt and Dan were not worried. Christmas Eve has arrived. A lot of food is prepared. This Christmas was unlike any other because Eliot was not that, shall we call, “full of life”. There is something that bothers Eliot. But then, somehow they have to celebrate Christmas. Again, as usual, Eliot ate a little. On the days that followed Christmas, Eliot would not play outside anymore. His friends were always asking him to ride bikes but Eliot refused. His Aunt asks him if there was something wrong, Eliot would just say, “I’m ok Aunt Marie. I’m just feeling tired. I’d prefer staying here in the house with you.” New Year’s Eve! Fireworks there fireworks here, fireworks everywhere. once more, Marie and Dan noticed that Eliot isn’t so active. During the past New Year Celebrations, Eliot always goes outside to watch and listen to fireworks. Those were the days that Eliot loved being outside. Now he just stays inside the house. So much has change with Eliot. Eating time yet again! Now, Marie and Dan prepared not much, just enough for them to consume since Eliot doesn’t eat much.

Then, Eliot did it. On a night supposed to be joyful one, a sight that staked Marie’s heart right in the center, piercing the septum through and through. It seems to slaughter Marie from the inside, driving her out of her self for about 9 seconds. It also shocked the hell out of Dan, and then he just stared in dread. It was a horrible scene to witness, just a blank stare for a couple of seconds. The feeling is unexplainable as they watch in horror. They see Eliot, excruciates in pain, holding his abdomen firmly. And then, a vomit of blood covers the floor. In frantic desperation, they took Eliot straight into the car and drove him onto an emergency center. They didn’t even thought of just calling 911. There in the emergency unit, emergency staff did what they could. And after stabilizing Eliot’s condition, Eliot was subject for several Diagnostic procedures to see what is wrong with him. At first Physicians thought it’s a severe ulcer either in the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the intestine (Duodenal ulcer). But after Eliot underwent several diagnostic procedures such as barium contrast study, Upper GI tract endoscopy, abdominal CT scan and colonoscopy, it pointed out towards the physicians’ fears and to Marie’s dread. The results proved positive that (as we all know from the title of this story) Eliot has Cancer, cancer of the intestines to be exact. Doctors also confirmed form an interview with Eliot that he did not tell Marie and Dan that he was having blood in the stool and is sometimes experiencing diarrhea during the start of Christmas break. This was the early signs and symptoms that there is seriously wrong with his digestive tract. The incident when he fell of from his bike was also a sign. He was experiencing nausea at that time and bloating that made his stomach bad.

Nothing can be more agonizing than realizing that the one you love the most has cancer. Marie cried and lied there. Cried so loud right there in the hospital hallway and Dan, well, he didn’t know what to do. Nothing could prepare them for this. They both loved Eliot so much. And now, they can see that Eliot might die. It’s perfectly horrible for the two of them. No amount of tears can relieve them from their misery. For now, all they can do is listen to the Doctor’s orders, pray, and if they want to, they can cry more. And cry a lot they did as they watch Eliot’s life fades away as he lay in his bed.

Eliot was brought to a hospital of another city to be managed properly. Then the intensive treatment began. Marie and Dan have the riches so they offered what they have to optimize Eliot’s chances of survival. Expensive chemo and radiation therapies were done. Eliot now obviously doesn’t go to school. His teachers and classmates heard the news and each of them frequently visited Eliot and offered what they can to uplift Eliot’s spirit. As weeks passed by, Eliot became more depressed.

Chemotherapies weakened his fragile body. Making him immunocompromised (pertaining to an immune response that has been weakened by a disease or immunosuppressive agent.) His lips chopped and faded and he is always calling his aunt Marie and asks for sips of water. He thinks of his death and tells Dan to help his aunt Marie gather all his things and to burry him with all his favorite colors. Weird… (Familiar words, isn’t it?)

Eliot: “Dan, when will all of this end? Will this ever end? Everything is so painful. Does it really have to be this painful? I can’t stand much longer”

But Dan, with his sturdy heart, provided a positive attitude for Eliot. This is Eliot’s source of strength. Along with Marie’s care, love and presence, Eliot felt stronger.

Dan: “we have to be as strong as we can Eliot, especially you. Don’t worry, when all this will end, your aunt Marie and I will get married and we will be a one true family. I promise you that. We will be together every single day of our lives. Just hold on and be strong”

Eliot: “really! That’s awesome! “

Fortunately for Marie and Dan, tumor cells on Eliot’s intestines did not severely metastasized (The spread tumor cells to other organ or other parts of the body) yet so there is a big chance that Eliot will survive his battle with cancer. But chemotherapies still have to continue. And so do as his agony. Eliot’s hair began to abandon his body. More chemo made him soggy and again depression sets in, he starts to count the days left for him. But Dan and Marie is always at his side to provide strength.

After 3 weeks, “hey Eliot, I have to go back to our place. I need to take care of some business. Don’t worry; I’ll always be calling to check on you.” Said Marie
Eliot: “How long will you be gone?”
Marie: “I don’t know for sure Eliot. But just be good. I love you so much. Promise me you’ll get well”
Eliot: “I promise Aunt Marie. And when I’m cured, we’ll eat everyday in our favorite restaurant and do all those things we loved again. I promise”
Marie: “That would be great Eliot! It’s hard leaving you but too bad that I should. Dan will stay here for you. Be good Eliot. Dan will drive me back so your nurse Andrea will take care of you. Dan will return in a couple of days. I love you…”
Eliot: “ok I love you too Aunt Marie”

Marie Hugged Eliot, a hug that seem to signify a final goodbye. Tears filled Marie’s eyes as she said goodbye. It was a tearful conversation for Marie. But she have to leave for a purpose so leave she did, leaving behind a nephew that she loved so much.

Marie and Dan went outside Eliot’s room. There, they hugged each other as if they would never see one another again. Dan cried, “I’m gonna miss you! I love you so much. I can’t believe this is happening”
Marie: We’ve gone through this before Dan. Get over it. It hurts to see you cry. Be strong. Please stop crying. Be strong for me and for Eliot, he needs you. You know what to do. Don’t let Eliot Down.
Dan: “ok, I love you too…”

Dan drove Marie back to there place. They spent there precious moments together, alone and romantic. They used to think about there wedding but unfortunately, things have changed and it can never be turned back. It’s a perfect romance on despair. How they wish they have a lifetime together to enjoy. Life is so cruel for their romance. But no matter how hard it is, the two will get over it…

For the days that follow, Marie never misses to call Eliot, giving moral support to Eliot as he battles with cancer. It would be two months for those constant calls to occur. The days arrive that lab results give a tell tale signs about the winning battle of Eliot against cancer because slowly but surely, tumor cells begun to decrease. This certainly is a miracle. By the time Doctors are certain that Eliot will fully recover, the calls from Marie stopped.

Marie: “Hi Eliot! How are you?”
Eliot: “I’m doing well Aunt Marie! Doctors say that it won’t be long before I’m fully cured. We will be together again Aunt Marie”
“I’m so glad to hear that Eliot.” Marie replied with a trembling voice.
Eliot: “how come you sound like that aunt Marie? Are you crying?”
Marie: “uhm. Yes. I’m so happy for you. Thank God you’re getting well. I love you so much Eliot! I missed you a lot. I want to be with you but I have a lot of things to take care of. In fact, this will be my last phone call to you.”
Eliot: “why do you have to stop calling me here?”
Marie: “I’m gonna be busy for a few days and if I have time, I’ll just send short emails to you”
Eliot: is that so Aunt Marie? I’m gonna miss you too a lot. I love you aunt!”

Dan returned and three weeks of constant treatment, then Eliot is expected to be fully cured. Lab results came in showing a big progress on Eliot’s Condition.

Eliot: hey Dan, am I really gonna be completely cured?”
Dan: “that’s what the doctors said.”
Eliot: awesome! Now it won’t be long till we will be together with Aunt Marie! Man I can barely wait!”

Emails came that greeted Eliot. They were from his aunt telling him how she loved him so much. Emails are now the only way Eliot and his aunt communicate. With just some emails, Eliot’s day is brighten up. It’s the first time for about 6 months since Eliot has shown a genuinely happy face. Then the day came when all the agony will end as the last laboratory result is read by the doctor.

Doctor: “Dan, I’ve got good news for you. The tumor cells are now completely gone. Give us one full week to evaluate Eliot’s condition and he’s good to go.
Dan: “ok. Thanks Doc.”
Doctor: “won’t you be happy with that? Is there something wrong?”
Dan: “ahh, I’m ok. It’s nothing. I’ll just tell Eliot about this.”
Doctor: “very well…”

Dan delivered the news to Eliot. It’s what Eliot has been waiting for a long, long time. And finally it came…

Eliot: “oh man! I can’t believe this! We’ll be at last together with Aunt Marie! When will we see her Dan?”
Dan: “am, the doctor said we will have to stay for a week so that they can evaluate your health. Then after that, if everything goes right, we’ll be going out.”
Eliot: “alright!!!!”

And everything did go right for Eliot. A week passed and they are now packing up.

Eliot: “we’ll go straight to see aunt Marie Dan! Let’s surprise her!”
Dan: “you really want to do that?”
Eliot: “yes of course, why not?”
Dan: “ok Eliot. Whatever you say”
Eliot: “She’s finally gonna see me. Dan I’m so happy! I wonder haw Aunt Marie’s gonna react when she sees me”

Dan smiled back at Eliot…

Afterwards the long drive began. It was the happiest trip for Eliot. He has never been this ecstatic before. He can’t wait to see his aunt. He had been waiting for so long and that time is really coming, drawing near, Eliot is full of happiness. Now his life is going back to normal, a life that’s made great by the presence, love, and care of his Aunt. He has finally reached the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Delight fills his soul as every second ticks away. Now, all that matter for him is to just see her aunt, hug, and kiss her. And thank her for all that she has done for him.

But weird things started to occur.

Eliot: “Why aren’t we going to Aunt Marie’s house Dan?”
Dan: “You said you want to see your Aunt Marie right?”
Eliot: “aah, yes of course I want to see her”
Dan answered with a drop of tear, “then you’ll see her”
Eliot: “hey, what’s wrong Dan?”
Dan did not answer
Eliot: “Answer me Dan! Why are we here?”
Dan: “Get out of the car. Let’s go see your aunt Marie. Follow me.”
Eliot was baffled why they have come to a place like this.
Eliot: “what’s the meaning of all this? Why are we here?”
Then Dan took Eliot to an area of that place and stood in front of a grave. They were in a cemetery. And engraved on the gravestone was, R.I.P Marian J. Arinzol. March 27, 1984 – August 5, 2007… Eliot just stood still, speechless. He can’t understand why. Why they were in there? Why is he looking at someone’s grave instead of kissing and hugging her aunt? Then, Dan handed him a letter. Eliot read…

“Hello Eliot! By the time you are reading this letter, I guess you would be standing in front of my grave. I’m sorry for keeping a secret from you. I have a lung cancer Eliot and I’ve been keeping this form you for a year. I did not want to tell you this before because I don’t want to see you upset. I can’t stand seeing you sad. I hope you would somehow understand. I didn’t want you to know because by the time I knew that I had cancer, it was all too late. My doctors said I didn’t have much time to live. That’s why I left from the hospital where you were staying. During that time, my condition was rapidly deteriorating and I don’t want you to notice it. I left so that you will never see me die. I thought it will help you. Because if you’ll know that I will die, you would loose your strength for your battle with your own life. And I don’t want that to happen. I want you to maintain your spirit. I’m so sorry for telling a lie. I died a few days after the last time I called. And those emails, they really weren’t from me. I told Dan to write emails and make it look like they were from me. So that even I’m already gone, you will still fell strong.
I love you so much Eliot! How I wish I could spend time with you again. I can’t stop from crying while I was writing this letter because the hardest part of this is leaving you. I’m gonna miss you a lot. Take good care of your self Eliot. You know how much I love you. I will always be with you.”

Tears filled Eliot’s face. His heart is tormented with despair. Pain too awful for words to describe eats him from inside. He yelled to Dan, “how could she do this?! Why did she leave me?! And you! Why didn’t you tell me!? You are all lairs!!! I hate you!!!”
Dan: “I’m so sorry Eliot. Your aunt and I didn’t want you to be very poignant while you were getting well. ”
Eliot: “No!!! You liar! I hate you!!” and Eliot Ran away.
Dan: “Eliot! Stop!”
Eliot: ”Get away from me! Leave me alone! I don’t need you!”
Dan: “No Eliot! You don’t understand. Please stop”
Eliot: Go away!
Tires screeching… and a loud crashing sound…
Dan: “No!!!”
Eliot was hit by a car while he was running across a street. He was immediately taken inside the car of a passing motorist and rushed to an ER department. His lifeless bloody body lied on Dan’s arms on the way to the hospital. “No, not you as well. Hold on Eliot. You can’t leave me alone. You can’t! Please! Don’t die I’m so sorry” Dan grieved. On the ER nurses and a doctor tried to revive him. But the blow on his body was too severe. He was pronounced dead by the ER physician named, Jason…

A wedding and family that could almost be so perfect, all abandoned by life. Two deaths that marked an end of yet another’s life…

Dan: "Why does all of this have to happen?"
Gunshot! right in the head...