The sound of a heart monitor is really something you never get used to. It's not a beep; it's a steady machine-like beat that reminds you second by second that you're running out of time. I sat in a plastic chair next to a hospital bed. The chair was designed to keep you from getting too comfortable. I held a hand that felt really old and fragile like thin skin.
"Harper " my grandfather whispered, his voice weak. His eyes opened,. They weren't the same eyes I remembered from when I was a kid. They were cloudy now not that blue I used to see.
"I'm here Grandpa " I said, trying to smile. It felt like my face might crack.
He squeezed my hand. Not very hard. He used to be able to lift me onto his shoulders so I could see a parade. Now he wasn't that strong. "I don't have time left " he said quietly. The doctors told him it was happening faster than they thought. I tried to say that maybe there were treatments but he stopped me.
"We have to be real " he said. "My only worry is leaving you alone. Your parents are gone. I'm all you have. When I'm gone who will take care of you?"
"I can take care of myself " I said,. My voice was shaking.
He shook his head slowly. "I need to know you have someone. Someone who can take care of you when I'm not here". He looked at me with an expression. "Promise me. Promise me you'll get married before I'm gone".
I stared at him feeling shocked. Married? I'm 22 years old a college student who can barely afford rent.. A tear came out of his eye and he said it was his last wish. I felt like the world was on my shoulders. I promised.
I walked out of the hospital feeling like I was in a daze. The city seemed quiet and far away. The cars honking people shouting it all sounded muffled. Married. It seemed crazy. It seemed impossible.. His eyes kept haunting me. I walked to the university campus. Ended up at the cafeteria. That's where I found Noah eating a burger.
Noah's been my friend since freshman year. He's loud, messy and not very reliable. Hes like a brother, to me.
"Marry me " I said suddenly.
Noah choked on a pickle. He coughed a lot before looking at me with eyes. "What?"
"I'm serious " I said, talking fast. I told him about my grandfathers wish. That I just needed someone to sign some papers.
Noah wiped his mouth laughing nervously. "Harper you're funny.. I don't think so. I mean I love you. You're not my type.. Marriage is a big deal".
I was begging him my voice shaking.. He just patted my head and told me to get some sleep. He didn't understand. Nobody did. I stormed out of the cafeteria feeling frustrated and sad. I didn't even check the crosswalk light.
I stepped off the curb as a big black car turned the corner. The tires screeched loudly. I froze eyes shut, waiting for the impact.