When I'm With You

Asher POV:

I stood by, just watching the two hug each other. I never knew aunt Liz was going through all this... She never told us anything.

"Sorry Asher if I seemed a little off then I was before." aunt Liz felt better, she was smiling at me like she always did when I was little. She then asked me if school was going good. I forgot all about high school. I can't believe that, I might fail if I don't start going again!

"Oh shoot I forgot! I need to go tomorrow." my aunt laughed. Tomorrow was Saturday, so there was no school.

"Oh mommy! The doctor told me to tell you that I'm able to go outside now, please please please!!!" Alex seemed like he hasn't even been outside.

The soft kid I am, I asked aunt Liz if I could take him outside. She responded with a yes and the doctors put him in a wheelchair. I pushed him and it was kinda fun helping this kid get around.

(outside)

I can't believe that he's going to die tomorrow...

While I was pushing Alex he had no expression on his face at all, like he was lost. "So Alex... What do you wanna talk about?" I asked calmly.

"Well actually... I don't even know if there's any point of this anymore... The doctors said I'm not gonna make it to tomorrow. Which is exactly why they said I was able to go outside... I've never seen it. Only through windows. I try to keep a positive attitude and a smile on my face when I see my mom... Even though deep down in sad and sick..." The words coming out of his mouth were so next level for his age. I wonder if aunt Liz taught him...I felt so bad for him. I still can't believe he's going to die tomorrow.

"I- I'm sorry Alex-" I start to cry covering my mouth and hoping that Alex doesn't hear me.

I wipe my tears away and put on a big smile. "Yes, I'm alright." I hugged Alex and telling him it's going to be alright. I also told him my name was Asher because I haven't introduced myself.

Alex hugged me back.

"The thing is... Tomorrow's my birthday." Alex said sadly.

I immediately had an idea. "Don't worry Alex. Let's have your birthday today." I quickly took Alex back into the hospital.

"Aunt Liz! We need to have Alex's birthday party now! Don't ask just hurry!" I startled her by accident.

"Whaaat??? I don't understand, but I don't understand a lot of things so please proceed." I got my aunts approval. I called Kate and Hans, but it took them a while to get here so I was just chatting with Alex.

(Kate and Hans came)

It was surprising that they both came at the same time. I told them all about Alex's birthday party so they were prepared. Kate came in with a birthday cake, and Hans came in with a present and balloons, and some paper plates and plastic spoons.

"happy birthday Alex!!!!!" all 3 of us yelled.

"Whoa!! I'm so happy!!" Alex clapped his hands cheerfully.

(3 hours of hanging out with Alex)

8:52

The doctors said that we had to leave by 9:30 so we decided to eat the cake.

Kate handed the cake to me, and the cake said "Happy Birthday Alex!"

We all sang the happy birthday song to him and cut the cake, then served it. Me, Hans, and Kate all ate slices and they were delicious. Alex really enjoyed it.

"I've never had birthday cake before. It's so yummy!" Alex was enjoying the cake.

It was 9:26 already. Time went by fast. The doctors came in and told us to get ready to leave.

I said thank you to Hans and Kate and they left leaving all the things for Alex behind. Aunt Liz gave Alex and kiss and left. Then it was just me left.

"Alex..." I was to sad to leave.

"Asher... I don't like my name... Can you call me something different please." Alex asked.

I've never met a 5 year old who didn't like their own name. It was shocking, but if it made Alex happy then I'd do it. "Hmm.... What about... Hans?"

Alex lit up. He liked the name a lot and wanted to be called it.

"Ok Hans. I'm going to have to leave okay... I just- no... Let's hope that a miracle happens and you don't die tomorrow......" I tried so hard to not cry.

"......... Okay... Big brother." Hans smiled.

"...! Big brother??? You called me big brother!!!" I ran and hugged Alex- I mean Hans.

"Can't wait to see you tomorrow big brother!" Hans said.

"Yeah... Can't wait to see you tomorrow either." I left the hospital.