Chapter 17: Chapter 17

And he explained how it was possible. Even Jeremy did not contradict him anymore and was impressed with Richard’s stories.

“Isn’t it dangerous?” Jeremy asked with full of interest.

“We don’t know how long we are staying here in this world. So while we are alive, let’s do the things that could make us happy. YOLO.”

“YOLO?” the kids chorused.

“You Only Live Once,” Richard explained. “We only live once in this world.”

"I only live once in this world, so I want to swim under the sea and see a lot of fish," Izza said.

“I want to climb the highest mountain just like Brother Richard. He’s my idol,” Buboy said and made a salute.

“I want to do everything that Brother Richard had done,” Jeremy said and lifted his arms. “I’ll climb Mt. Everest, I’ll ride the waves, and I’ll fly like a flying squirrel. Brother Richard, you’ll take care of me, right?”

“Of course. The Pacific Ocean is just a few hours away from here. It’s nice to surf there. I could even take all of you with me,” Richard promised.

“Teach me surfing first, Brother Richard,” Jeremy pleaded. “I want to try it.”

“But aren’t you sick?” Lea Fe, his playmate, asked.

“You should not let your illness or your disabilities get in the way. Nothing is impossible,” Richard said.

“That’s right. We only live once in this world. YOLO!” Jeremy agreed and bumped his fist with Richard’s.

Esmeralda was alarmed. Richard promised her brother that he'll teach him surfing? It was not an easy sport and too dangerous to involve her brother in such an exhausting activity. Richard was encouraging not just her brother but the rest of the kids to do something without thinking about the possible risks. She was taking good care of her brother, and she was cautious with his condition. She did not want him to keep his hopes up for something that will never happen if it was only up to her.

“Kids, go to bed now. Someone’s setting their bed here in the living room. You should rest now because your parents are going to fix houses tomorrow. Okay?” Esmeralda commanded and clapped her hands. She motioned Jeremy to come. “Let’s sleep. Enough with the YOLO-YOLO already.”

“But, Sister. You’re always the killjoy ever since,” Jeremy complained, scratching his head.

“And where did you learn that ‘killjoy’ word?” she asked and widened her eyes at him. Jeremy obeyed him, crouching.

“Good night, Jeremy. Sweet dreams, Esmeralda,” Richard said with a smile. She only replied with a nod and led Jeremy to his room.

“Sister, you should come with Brother Richard and me. You should learn surfing, too,” Jeremy said enthusiastically as she put on his sleepwear.

“We don’t have time for that. Besides, it’s dangerous,” she insisted.

“You’re just scared! But I don’t think it’s that scary. Just look at Brother Richard…”

"That was Richard. Maybe it was just his hobby to put his life in danger, but I'm not like that, Jeremy. And you should not think about surfing or other risky activities because your body can't handle it yet. You're still receiving treatment," she reminded him. She would never sacrifice her own freedom and principle for his treatment and let him be involved in dangerous activities or even think about it in the end.

His face saddened. “I only live once, Sister.”

She sat down and pressed his hand. “You can think about it when you are already well.”

He looked down. “What if I don’t get well? That means I won’t be able to surf or climbed the highest mountain.”

Her chest was seized with fear. She pulled him into her arms. “Don’t ever say that. You will get well. Whatever happens, you’ll get better.”

She already made a lot of sacrifices for her brother. She won’t let him give up and lose hope now that they’ve come this far.

“I just want to experience life as a normal kid. Other children won’t play with me because I am weak.” He sobbed. “I don’t want to feel that I’m weak. That something’s lacking with me. Brother Richard does not treat me like I’m weak. He was the only one like that to me. He said nothing’s impossible as long as I want it.”

If only Jeremy knew how much she wanted him to be strong, so he would never feel that something was missing with his life. He did not understand what he was saying. Though she wanted to encourage him, she did not want to put him in danger. They still needed to live in reality. She would not risk his health for temporary happiness.

She cupped his cheeks and wiped his tears. "Please understand me, Jeremy. It's important for me that you get well, and I won't let you do the things that might worsen your condition. Think about your recovery first. You can go surfing, too. You'll eventually reach the places you wanted to go as long as you prioritize your treatment. Don't mind about the surfing that Richard promised."

“Perhaps, we can join the swimming, Sister?”

She heaved a sigh. “Let’s talk about it when it’s there.” Or if that would ever happen.

Richard was not back to his family yet. She was not sure if he would still remember the people in San Luis after this. All she knew was that everything was just a promise for now. She did not want her brother to hold on to something that will never happen.