Page 125 of Fighting Fate

Their laughter fills the room, and despite myself, I crack a smile. It's somewhat true, but I'm not about to admit it. These guys, showing up out of nowhere, clearly in on some plan I'm oblivious to, is frustrating. Our last encounter was post-hospital, their pity-filled glances still fresh in my mind. It was like reliving childhood again—being the odd one out, only now, it's adults who look at me like I'm fragile.

Approaching them, I reach for a beer. Why not? But Cam slaps my hand away, and Gunner hides the case.

"What the hell?"

Cam nods at Luke, now standing with the others. "No beers until after today," he declares.

Confused, I look at them, unanswered questions hanging in the air. They just shrug, leaving me standing there, as they start belting out our pregame anthem. It's odd, and this "after today" thing only adds to the mystery.

Cam claps my shoulder, grinning. "Hang in there, Chasen. It'll make sense later."

I shoot them a skeptical look but decide to let it be, because honestly, I don't wanna fight, nor do I have anything to lose. Luke gives me a reassuring nod, and I find myself going along with whatever they've planned; the mystery of the beer and the "after today" rule lingering intriguingly.

Cam and Gunner head for the kitchen, likely to hide the beer from me. Devon's busy on his phone, probably scrolling through football memes. Luke stands firm, his eyes alight with determination for whatever they have up their sleeve.

A part of me yearns to break free from the past month's dreariness, to do something, anything. Perhaps it's the electrifying atmosphere or just sheer boredom with my routine, but a compelling urge within me wants to explore this unexpected path. So I excuse myself to shower and get dressed.

"Brace yourself for some action, Chasen," Cam announces an hour later.

I'm feeling somewhat human for the first time in weeks. I grab my coat, and we head to Luke's truck. Climbing in, I feel their collective gaze on me.

Luke asks, "Ready for this?" His tone is more inquisitive than assertive, leaving me unsure.

I respond with a noncommittal shrug, my lips sealed.

The drive is filled with chatter about our football team's upcoming Grey Bowl game. After my hospital stint, they won the crucial game, securing a spot in the Bowl. Listening to them, a voice inside suggests I should feel upset about missing out. No more field adrenaline, no more crowd roars. But, surprisingly, I don't feel that pang of regret. Perhaps the break from football, a first in years, has shifted something in me, or maybe it's a change in perspective I'm still trying to understand.

My thoughts are interrupted as we pull into the hospital parking lot. Confusion grips me. I lock eyes with Luke in the rearview mirror, my look clearly asking, "Why here?"

Before I can voice my thoughts, Cam slaps my shoulder, jokingly saying, "Ready for some excitement?"

Anger bubbles inside me. I had pictured a light-hearted evening, maybe at the indoor golf range, but this? A surge of frustration washes over me. I haven't been back since my last appointment, after which I firmly chose my couch over further treatment.

I meet Luke's eyes again, shaking my head emphatically. No way am I going in. But he just nods toward the entrance. My gaze follows, and there, through the glass, I see her.

Harper.

"Miles, Miles, Miles!" she mouths, her words lost but her enthusiasm visible as her breath fogs up the cold glass. A swirl of annoyance at Luke grips me, even as I'm thankful. I'd made Harper a promise, one I hadn't fulfilled.

Instinctively, I wave back. Her smile infectious, pulling one from me too. Despite my strong resistance, my feet start moving toward her, propelled by an unknown force. I shoot Luke a questioning glance. How did he know?

He simply shrugs. "Don't shoot the messenger."

I frown slightly, still piecing it together, but before I can dwell on it, they're waving off, Gunner teasing, "Beer's waiting for afterward."

"Save some for me!" Cam calls out.

I can't help but grin, shaking my head at their antics as they drive away. Here I am, walking toward the one person who, right now, seems to light up in my presence.

"Did you know? Earth's the only place where water exists as solid, liquid, and gas!" Harper exclaims as I enter. "It's all about our position relative to the Sun, the atmosphere, and temperature dynamics." She takes a breath, still riding the wave of her excitement.

Is it my return that's got her so animated, or just her passion for our planet? Either way, since I've sat down, that oppressive weight I've been carrying vanishes—just like that, evaporates as she speaks.

I take a moment to really look at Harper. She's changed since I last saw her—thinner; her once full cheeks now slightly hollowed. Her hair, once long, is now buzzed short. I remember my own experience all too well.

Life's a relentless roller coaster—one moment you're riding high, the next, you're blindsided by something like brain cancer. It throws everything into perspective—your health, your relationships, your priorities. What really matters—family, friends, the simple joys?

Harper's transformation speaks volumes. The specifics of her cancer are unknown to me, but the changes in her appearance suggest a fierce battle. Yet, it's her spirit that strikes me the most—her energy, the fierce determination in her eyes, even with her new haircut. She's a beacon of strength.

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