Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ Holiday Blues ❯ Bad news ( Chapter 3 )

Maria smiled weakly as Shadow knelt down beside her bed. “Hey, Shadow, how was your date?”

 “It was good.” Shadow replied. 

 “I’m glad.” Maria said softly. “Do you really like her?”

 Shadow nodded. 

 Maria gave a weak giggle. “Aww.”

 “We can talk about it tomorrow.” Shadow said, stroking Maria’s hair. “You need to rest.”

 “Okay, g’night, Shadow.” Maria replied.

 Shadow tucked Maria in bed, then crept out of her room. He shut the door and headed to the living room where Gerald was waiting.

 “Sit down, Shadow.” Gerald said.

 “She looks weaker.” Shadow said, sitting down. “What happened?”

 “She had a seizure about an hour before I called you.” Gerald said. “It was a bad one.”

 Shadow sighed.

 “I called the doctor.” Gerald continued. “He said it was time to call in hospice.”

 Shadow shook his head. “What about the cure?”

 “She hasn’t responded to it.” Gerald said. “I don’t know why it only seems to work on Mobians. We don’t have that time. She might not live to see Christmas.”

 Shadow blinked back tears. “So we just give up? Is that what you’re saying?”

 “I’m saying I don’t think she’s strong enough to wait years for a cure.” Gerald said. “I’m working as hard as I can, Shadow. I’m not giving up completely. I’m just preparing for the worst outcome and I think you need to come to terms that this may not end how we want it to.”

 Shadow wiped his eyes with a tissue. “Does she know?”

 “Yes, she does.” Gerald said, reaching for a tissue. “She’s hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.”

 “She’s brave.” Shadow replied.

 Gerald gave himself a moment to try to keep his composure. “I think it would be nice to celebrate Christmas with her now.”

 “Me too.” Shadow replied.

 Gerald got up. “Get some rest, my boy.” He said. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”

 Shadow got up and headed to his room. He laid down on his bed and called Sonia.

 Sonia answered and yawned. “Hey, Shadow, what’s going on?”

 “Maria might not make it to see Christmas.” Shadow said.

 Sonia gasped softly. “Oh, I… okay, I can stay with you all and-”

 “No, you can go on and do your tour.” Shadow said. “I’ll be fine and we’ll check in. I’ll call you if things change.”

 “Uhm… are you sure?” Sonia asked.

 “I’m sure.” Shadow replied. “I just wanted to let you know what was going on. I need to process things.”

 “Okay, I’ll call you later, Shadow.” Sonia said. “Please let us know if you need anything.”

 “I will.” Shadow replied.

 Shadow and Sonia said their goodbyes and hung up.

 Shadow laid on his side and cried softly.

 *

 Shadow walked into Maria’s room.

 Maria turned her head to look at him. “I guess Grandfather told you.”

 “Yeah, he did.” Shadow said, kneeling down beside Maria’s bed. “We were thinking we can go ahead and celebrate now.” 

 “You think I won’t make it?” Maria asked.

 “I think we want to make sure you enjoy it, just in case.” Shadow said. “If you make it to Christmas, we’ll have two celebrations.”

 Maria hugged Shadow. “Thank you, Shadow.” She replied. “But I want to try to make it to Christmas and have a big celebration when Sonia and her brothers get back from the tour.”

 Shadow nodded. “We can do that.”

 “But if it helps you feel better, then we can have a little family celebration whenever you’d like.” Maria said.

 “But what do you want to do?” Shadow asked.

 Maria sighed. “Well, Shadow, I think it’s sweet that you want to do this.” She replied. “It means a lot to me that you are so kind, but I really… it kinda makes me sad and I’d rather just try to wait til Christmas and feel like everything is normal.”

 Shadow nodded. “As you wish, Maria.” He said. “I just want you to be happy.”

 Maria hugged Shadow. “Thanks, little brother.” She replied. “I love you.”

 “Love you too, Maria.” Shadow said, gently rubbing her back.