Me For You

Trees, grass fields and plantation flashed in front of Eric. His gaze blurred behind his teary eyes. Everything that could be seen through the train windows was dark and unlighted. Amid the bustle of people who were taking the midnight train home to enjoy the new year at house, Eric sat alone on the train chair.

Oh, it was actually not really alone. There was so many people in his wagon because tomorrow is New Year's Eve. The people around Eric were fulfilled with enthusiasm for the end of the year. Barbecue were provided for them at home. Family or lover waited for them to give a warm kiss. But, unfortunately that's not what waited Eric in his hometown of Boston.

Eric left all of his unfinished work in New York City. He went by midnight train to Boston after heard from Brielle that Lyora had a terrible car accident in a dark tunnel when she just got home from the mall.

Lyora just bought up some groceries and hunting for end year's discount, and then intend to went home with her own car. The main road was very crowded, so she took another route because she wanted to hurry home and made desserts of the year for Eric's return tomorrow night. Unfortunately, suddenly there was a car speeding up from behind. The car was going awry and lost control. Lyora realized there was a danger when the car was still quite far from her. She was about to step aside to the side of the road. However, the car was moving so fast so that Lyora, who had just turned the wheel immediately crashed.

Brielle got information from hospital because only her contact was pinned in Lyora's WhatsApp. The girl had been Lyora's best friend since many years ago. She knew all the secrets and imperfections of Lyora. So, when she heard this surprising news, Brielle was in shock and fear. The first thing that came to her mind was contacting Eric in NYC because Lyora's family live in Canada.

Eric still remember Brielle who sobbed while telling the chronology of Lyora's accident. It was terrible. Imagine Lyora driving a car and facing an accident alone by no one in her side gave Eric the chills. He ruffled his hair and in frustration and cried under his breath. The people in the train looked at him with a strange look.

A waiter offered Eric a little mineral water to calm him. He accepted it and took a single sip. When he was about to swallow water, he felt like he was swallowing it all together with pain and sadness in his soul. His chest felt tight. He didn't want drink again and returned the glass to the waiter.

"Thank you," he said simply.

In the end of that year, Eric didn't have any ambitious goals. He left his unfinished event organizing project in NYC. All he wanted was to see Lyora in Boston before she had surgery for her wounds.

The train Eric was travelling on stopped at Boston Station at three in the morning. He exited the station, looked for a taxi, and headed for the hospital where Lyora was being treated. He called Brielle while walking through the hospital corridor.

"Brielle, where is Lyora's room?" Eric asked hastily.

"East building, operation room number eleven," Brielle answered quickly.

"Thanks." Eric ended the calling and ran as fast as possible to the east building of hospital. He went upstairs and found Brielle sitting in front of the operation room. 

"Has it started?" Eric asked softly.

Brielle sighed and said, "Yeah. Several minutes ago."

Eric's legs went limp. "Have you seen her look? Is she …."

Brielle shrugged and sighed. She closed her eyes and replied, "Sorry, Ric. I dare not see it. It seems … scary and painful."

Eric's body stiffened. "Alright. I understand."

Eric sat on waiting chair beside the corridor of hospital. He put his hand over his nose and prayed for Lyora silently.

Eric can't expected a life without Lyora. He is not a boy next door who adored by so many girls. Lyora is the only girl who came to his life and brought smile, spirit and courage to face the future. Even since Lyora entered his heart, Eric felt that he was never truly sad. Every time when he felt down, Lyora would cheer him up and bring hope back. Her gaze and smile were everything to Eric.

God, help her please. I know You know the best thing for the rest of us in this world. I know You are generous and will give a grace for Lyora, Eric said in his deepest heart.

The sound of the phone rang from Eric's trouser pocket. He took it and read the contact name. Mr. Simms, his boss was calling.

Oh my God. This is still four o'clock. He might be crazy and less hearted. Eric was forced to pick up the phone. But, he didn’t talk first because he still can't control his voice which full of sorrow.

"I can’t think why you left the office before we end the meeting! It wasted a lot of time because we lost one person. You're crazy, Eric!" Mr. Simms' loud voice immediately entered Eric's ear.

"Boss, my girlfriend is in terrible car crash and she had an operation. I have to come to Boston as soon as possible. Please, understand my situation. You'll also go back to home if your wife suddenly is sick or has an accident," Eric said with trembling voice.

"Oh, what kind of reason is that? Why are you even comparing her to my wife? My wife and I are bound by marriage vows. We will never break up like you and your girlfriend. You know, work is more promising than a girlfriend."

"But I'm not in a plan to break up with my girlfriend and she is in ridiculous accident. My conscience told me to come here. I couldn’t possibly just let it all happen."

"Oh, it's a stupid love. I don't want to talk with you anymore."

"No! Boss, please." The call hanged up by one person. "Oh. What a freaking boss! Whatever, I don’t need a boss like that for my entire life." Eric can’t handle his frustration. How could his boss doesn't tolerate something like this. His mind was getting worse and messy.

"Eric, calm yourself down, please. Just pray for Lyora's operation so that she can come back by our side. That's all we can do now. Don't be to stressed," Brielle said, patting Eric's shoulder. 

Eric could only nod, but his tears began to fall. People say when a man sheds tears for a female, his love must be real. Eric just realized that maybe love is like a feeling of not wanting to lose and trying to give his best. However, what made him feel regret was that he didn’t do too much to make Lyora happy.

***

The operation succeeded in saving Lyora's life. But, she came out from operation room with bandages and all over her body. She was on a wheelchair and looked at the floor with despair.

On New Year's Eve, Eric took Lyora to their back garden to see the fireworks.

"The fireworks represent the joy and excitement of welcoming the new year and all the new things. Hopefully we can do better in this year, Ly," Eric said and looked up at the sky. Then, he lowered his head and looked at Lyora.

"I can’t be a energetic girl who jump into cheer and kiss you on New Year now. The current me can only sit on a wheelchair and always troublesome people. I'm ugly," Lyora cried. Her eyes were full of tears.

"No, no, Lyora. Your scar will be gone as time goes by. Remember, you are not become ugly because of an accident. You're still the prettiest girl in my eyes," Eric said. He put his hand on Lyora's face. "And I love you, Ly. That's why you'll always be the most beautiful girl in my life."

Eric brought his face closer so that his forehead touched Lyora's. He felt her tears flow down to her cheeks. Eric wiped it off and whispered, "Once again, I love you, Ly. Even if someday you'll be an old woman with white hair and wrinkled face, you'll be the only one who I loved. Because you've already caught my heart and fill my whole life with happiness. I can't without you."