Chapter Text
Chapter 1. Prologue
(Azucena)
Today was the decisive day, and I must say that I had never been so afraid in my entire life. I had never felt so scared and helpless. A paralyzing horror was running through my soul. I didn't even feel this way the morning that Ander had sat next to me and blurted out that he had been diagnosed with Leukemia.
At that moment, I thought it would be the worst day of my life. But boy, how wrong I was about that. That day was just the beginning of a constant struggle not to break down in front of him. I had to get over it and pretend I was sure that everything would be fine. I had to draw a smile every time I faced him. Just remembering it brings back those moments of anguish and hopelessness.
Throughout the months, I saw him struggle with the determination of a man desperately clinging to life. In the blink of an eye, the eighteen-year-old boy, who had barely begun to live, had ceased to exist. And during this process, it was not his father but Omar who was always standing by his side.
Many months ago, that frightened-looking Muslim boy, who came to live in our house, had become someone very special to me. It was enough for me to see the devotion with which he looked at Ander and the way he had defended him against the harsh words my husband addressed to Ander on his birthday that made my heart melted for him. From that moment on, I considered him as a member of my family.
Since I was aware of how important Omar was in his life, I decided that I would support them no matter what. I must admit that that was the final nail on the coffin for my fragile marriage to fall apart. And while that was happening, seeing the love between Omar and my son grow day by day was what got me through those gray days.
But sometime during the last month, something happened between them. From one day onto the next, Omar left home, and at the same time, Ander had stopped fighting. I knew it from the moment he told me that he wouldn't waste the last days of his life studying. That he wanted to spend time by himself to start preparing himself for what was about to come because he had no hope left. He was convinced he was going to die.
When that happened, I felt as if a part of me had died at that instant moment. I remember freaking out, and I didn't know what to do. I knew something serious had happened between Omar and him, but I didn't want to ask. Instead, I called Guzman. But not even my son's best friend could diminish the deep sadness that Omar's absence had caused him. Ander just gave up on everything he cared about. His family, his friends, and even on life itself.
Sitting on one of the hospital benches, I thought that this might be the day I would hear that my son had been right all along. That this could be the day, I would hear my son was actually dying. That, somewhere in the near future, I would say my final goodbye to my son, my only son, whom I love more than life itself. But, luckily, that didn't happen.
I clearly remember the doctor's smile when he informed us that there was no trace of the disease that had undermined Ander's body for so many months. I hugged him so tightly that for a moment, I was afraid I had hurt him. His once athletic body felt so fragile in my arms today... like a latent reminder of the harsh test, he had overcome.
Ander was in remission, the best outcome I could wish for. He should have been relieved, but he was only able to draw a faint smile that didn’t even reach his eyes. My son still looked like he was defeated. I couldn't bear to see the sadness in his eyes. He was physically by my side, but his mind was miles away.
An hour later, as we waited for the final paperwork, Ander was sitting next to me in stony silence. His forehead was slightly furrowed, and his eyes were lost. His elbows rested on his knees, and both hands were folded together, resting his chin on them. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he wasn't aware of anything around him.
And that was when I saw him approach us. The only person that could get through to my son. The only person who could make him smile again. Omar. I'm so glad he is here. I truly hope they can work things out, even if it was going to be a long and challenging road that lied ahead of them. The one thing that is clear to me is that I will support them in every way I possibly can.
***
(Guzmán)
I am standing in the hallway of the hospital. I accompanied Ander and Azucena because today we would receive Ander's latest test results.
For months I have been afraid that my best friend was dying. From the moment I learned he had cancer, I have wanted to support him. At first, I found it very difficult, knowing that he had kept the truth about Marina's murder to himself for so long.
After I found out what he had done, I had really hated him. At some point, I had even told him that if he got his head smashed again, I wouldn't care less if he died. Not realizing how close I hit home with that comment. At that moment, I didn't know he had cancer.
I still remember when Omar told me about the secret he was keeping from me. When I confronted him about his illness, Ander told me that he thought he deserved it. That the secret he had kept about Polo was eating him alive. Hearing Ander talking like that, my heart broke, and I decided I wanted to forgive him.
Omar's words asking Ander if that was the reason not to continue his chemo made me angry at him all over again. He would continue his treatment if he wanted it or not; I would make sure that he would. He owed it to me.
Over time I noticed how he was treating Omar. Ander pushed him away, not wanting Omar to waste his time on him any longer. Finally, he managed to push Omar away completely. But although it was exactly what Ander wanted, he was devastated that Omar was gone.
He gave up on life completely, shutting everybody out. It was heartbreaking to see my best friend like that. I have never felt so helpless in my life. No matter how hard I tried to get through to him, he was just too stubborn to listen.
When I finally convinced him to let Omar back in, it was too late; Omar was leaving for New York. I could see the despair in Ander's eyes. The emptiness in his eyes, knowing that the person he needed the most in his life, was leaving.
For a moment, I had hoped they would find their way back to each other. I witnessed their closeness after Polo's tragic accident. I could still see the love they had for one and another. I hoped the situation would bring them back together again, but somehow it hadn't happened. It left Ander devastated.
We have just received the best news we could get. Ander should have been so relieved, but I could see that he wasn't. I instantly knew why. He is missing Omar terribly. He has heard he is going to live, but he knows he will have to live without Omar. That realization has hit him hard. I have this terrible feeling that he had preferred to die.
When I finish my message for Nadia and walk back towards the waiting room, something catches my eye. A smile appears on my face as I see them. Omar is here, and he and Ander are kissing. I can see a smile written all over Ander's face. For the first time in months, I believe he is going to be okay. My best friend will be all right.
***