Sean was frantic. He called 911 and told me to
stay there while he chased the car.
Joy saw me kneeling next to her. She grabbed
my hand, and said weakly, “Gus, this time, I
died for you. Can you… forgive me?”
I didn’t say anything, tears streaming down my face.
Joy continued, “Gus, I didn’t have an ex-
boyfriend. You always misunderstood Sean.
He’s my half–brother!”
I shuddered.
“You dummy lealous of my brother? Don’t
<
7:22
69
“You dummy. Jealous of my brother? Don’t you know my stepmom’s last name is Sullivan? Sean is my stepmom’s son.”
Joy was covered in blood, but she was smiling.
“Why I was always so cold to you last time? You thought I didn’t love you, but you were wrong. I’ve only ever loved you.”
“My mom died giving birth to me. My dad remarried, but then when I was five, my dad, stepmom, and I went out, and they both died in a car accident. Then my grandpa died of
cancer. I was told that I was cursed, that I killed those close to me. After my parents and
grandpa died, you were the only person I loved. I was afraid. I was afraid that one day, you
would disappear too.”
“So, I didn’t dare let you know how much I loved
you. I was scared that God would take you
away from me.”
<
7:22
699
“It hurt so much when I saw you crying for me. I
wanted to hug you and tell you that I loved
you.”
“But I couldn’t. I didn’t want you to be in
danger. I wanted you to be safe.”
“My world turned black after I heard you died.
My daughter wouldn’t even give me your ashes.
I lived in a daze for three years, but I couldn’t
take it anymore. I wanted you. I took a bottle of
sleeping pills and came to find you.”
“I didn’t expect to be reborn, but I was still
scared.”
“But when you said that you would never love
me that night, I knew you had been reborn too.”
“But I was worried that my bad luck would hurt
you, so I didn’t dare tell you.”
“But now, I’m not scared anymore. I’m about to
69
die. Before I die, I have to tell you, Gus, I love
you. I really do.”
Joy touched my face, and her hand fell.
“No!”
“Joy, don’t sleep! I won’t let you sleep!”
My voice was hoarse.
“Doctor! Where’s the doctor!”
9
The ambulance came.
When we got to the hospital, Joy was rushed to
the emergency room.
I was anxious. I slapped myself.
What would I do if Joy died?
<
Joy, you can’t die.
I would rather not know that you loved me, as long as you’re okay.
My parents took the first flight they could get.
When they got to the hospital, my dad slapped
- me.
“You ungrateful son! If anything happens to
Joy, I’ll kill you.”
I was covered in her blood. I looked at the
emergency room and laughed. “I’ve already died
once. I’m not afraid of dying again. If Joy dies,
I’ll go with her.”
My mom got scared.
She grabbed me.
“Son, Joy will be okay. Don’t do anything
<
7:23
69
Thirty minutes later, the door to the emergency
room opened. A nurse called out.
“The patient is bleeding badly. She needs a
transfusion. She has type O blood. Does anyone
have it?”
I panicked.
Then, Sean ran up and yelled, “I do!”
Sean went in and gave Joy blood.
Joy was out of danger.
Sean was pale when he came out.
He was tired from chasing the car. He was even
weaker after giving so much blood.
I hurried over to help him.
“I’m sorry.”
<
7:23
Sean smiled weakly at me.
((
69
“Don’t think of me as your rival anymore. I’m
your brother–in–law.”
Joy was unconscious after the surgery.
I stayed by her bedside for three days.
I didn’t eat or drink. I didn’t leave her.
I prayed that Joy would wake up.
I was thinking when I fell asleep.
I felt someone touching my face.
I woke up.
Joy was looking at me. She was touching my
face.
I got excited.
“Joy, you’re awake!”
Her voice was soft.
“I’ve been awake for a while. I’ve been touching
you.”
I put her hand back on my face.
“Touch me. Touch me as much as you want!”
Joy smiled.
From then on, I had a girlfriend who loved to
smile at me.
Four years later.
At graduation.
I looked around for Joy.
I was worried. I had big plans for today.
<
smile at me.
Four years later.
At graduation.
I looked around for Joy.
I was worried. I had big plans for today.
Then, a figure in a wedding dress slowly walked
up to me.
“Gus, marry me!”
I pulled a ring out of my pocket and kneeled.
“My lovely princess Joy, will you marry me?”
Joy smiled. “Yes! Joy will marry Gus!”
