That silver lining

“Behind every dark cloud, there is a silver lining…”

           Lying down on the hospital’s white bed, De’Alizea ruminated about the ominous overcast that seemed more threatening every minute. She was scarred to the point of no return by hardships that had blighted her innocent childhood since that fateful day. The world around her had turned indescribably darker since she was diagnosed with cancer and she was constantly battling this inescapable rage for two years. Sitting on a plastic chair beside her was her mother, who must have wept herself to sleep.

Her still-awake sister offered her a weak smile, “How was your nap, Liz?”

“I’m fine, Chelsea.”

That was an obvious lie. She knew Dr. Martin would announce the results of her surgery soon. She prayed hard that there was a miracle solution to all this.

The door slid open, indicating the doctor’s arrival. His face was neutral as he recounted her progress, but became solemn when he reported the results.

“I’m really sorry… we’ve done all we could. De’Alizea may only have another few hours at most.”

Her depressed mood switched to full-blown shock. Another few hours... at most? Her mind was in a frenzy, trying to accept her imminent demise.

Chelsea could sense her panic and moved in closer to her, squeezing her arm comfortingly. Only when the aftershock had receded did De’Alizea realise how much time had gone wasted while she was in denial.

Her intense fear propelled her to seek comfort online, where she could remain anonymous. She posted her worry onto the outside world, hoping to spread love to others before the end engulfed her.

A message popped up, from Heaven’s Child:

“If you feel the need to share something with someone, don’t hold it back.”

Those kind words aroused in me a poignant response, so I told her my story. As my consciousness faded, I marvelled at how the power of empathy can surrealistically bond two strangers. If that message were from heaven, delivered through a human soul, I feel blessed by that silver lining in my last minutes among the dark clouds.