DECISION

November 24, 2008 – 10:26 a.m.

She stood at the edge of the rooftop, her eyes to the ground below. Strangely, she was calm, not a tear in her eye. Her breathing was normal, her actions slow and sure. She had made her decision, and nothing could stop her.


November 24, 2006 – 12:09 a.m.

She was alone in the ER, standing at the nurse's station, when he entered, pressing a bloody rag to the back of his head. He was unaccompanied. She met him halfway as he staggered through the room, a trail of blood behind him. He collapsed in her arms. "I need help!" she yelled, struggling to hold him up despite his heaviness. A man outside the double doors saw them and ran for assistance.

"Please… I don't want to die," he murmured weakly.

"Shhh… Help is on the way," she soothed. They both slid to the floor, with her arm supporting his head. Her white uniform was splashed with dark red blood. She took out her white hanky and bandaged his head quickly, applying pressure on the gash. "In the meantime, I'll take care of you," she assured, in spite of the alarm she felt at the rapid loss of blood.

"Thank you." He grimaced in pain. He was deathly pale. "You are an angel."


November 24, 2007 – 6:55 p.m.

She sat in the restaurant, reading a thick pocketbook. She had been on page 214 for the past half hour. Her mind was not on the book. She quickly glanced at her black wristwatch.

"Sorry I'm late," he whispered, giving her a kiss. He sat down across from her.

She bit her lip. "It's fine. How was class?" She hid her book in her bag.

He ran his hand through his hair. "Busy. We have an exam and a project to pass next week."

She raised a brow. "You should've just cancelled. You need to study."

"No way. I miss my angel." He held her hand on top of the table. "Nothing could keep me from you."


August 24, 2008 – 7:30 p.m.

"You shouldn't have come here," her mom said quietly.

"Mom!" She exclaimed, holding onto his arm.

He stood his ground. "Ma'am, I want to marry your daughter. I love her."

"I know," her mother sighed. "But what could you possibly offer her?"

His jaw tightened, but his tone remained respectful. "It's just a matter of time. When I graduate, I'm going to find a job. I'll work hard to prove myself to you."

"I'm sorry, but I can't risk my daughter's future on promises. I want something I could see. You come back here when you can show something concrete. Now, please leave."

He stood still. She repeated her request, louder this time. He looked at his beloved, hurt in his eyes. He started to turn away.

"I'm going with him," she told her mother angrily.

"Stay, young lady," She ordered.

She looked at her, then at him, apologetically. She stayed.


November 23, 2008 – 4:27 p.m.

She walked listlessly along the boulevard, her head bent. She looked up, and saw him with someone else.

"Hi," she said after a long awkward silence.

"Hi," he replied calmly.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" She asked. She moved a few feet away.

He looked questioningly at his companion, and then joined her.

"I want you to know that I've never stopped loving you all this time." Her voice quivered.

He pushed his hands into the pocket of his jeans impatiently. "You know it's over between us."

She hung her head, tears falling to the ground. "Are you happy?"

He hesitated. "Yes." His voice was gentle. "You will be too."

She shook her head. "I'm not so sure."

He sought her tear-streaked face. "Is there something else you're not telling me?"

She hesitated, but then made up her mind. "No." She looked at the other girl. "I wish you all the best." Then she walked away.


November 24, 2008 – 10:30 a.m.

She had made up her mind. It was not easy, but she had to do it.

She slowly stepped backward, away from the edge.

She wanted to die. She really did. But she knew that it wasn't her own life that was important now. She had to think of someone else.

She put a hand to her belly gently. "Your daddy left me and will never come back. But I know that you'll always be here, little one. Don't worry. I'll take care of you."