Chapter 3

Filming Log: September 1, 2024

"Julian, today's your birthday. Do you have any birthday wishes?"

The camera focused on the hospital room door.

The next moment, I pulled it open and walked out. I wore a gray tracksuit and a black baseball cap. "Tara, let's go to the arcade today."

Before leaving, I secretly took painkillers. Tara saw but didn't stop me. She just turned away and quietly wiped her tears.

I sat on the racing motorcycle simulator, smiling at the camera. Tara held up her phone to take pictures of me.

"Julian, look here. Smile."

When I got off the simulator, my legs suddenly gave out, and I dropped to my knees. The painkillers had worn off.

After returning to the hospital, the doctor immediately gave me an injection. That evening, I posted the photos Tara took to social media.

The camera focused on my phone screen. A minute later, Mom liked it and commented.

"Happy birthday, son. You look thinner. Make sure you eat well."

Two minutes later, Dad transferred 3,000 dollars to my account. It was twice as much as last month.

A lump formed in my throat. After a long while, I blew out the candles on my cake and made a wish.

"May Mom and Dad always be healthy and happy."

…

Filming Log: October 6, 2024

"Julian!"

Tara rushed into the hospital room, her voice urgent. I sat frozen on the bed, face pale, eyelids drooping, completely silent.

Tara crouched in front of me and spoke gently. "Julian, are you okay?"

After a long moment, I slowly lifted my head to look at her, my eyes bloodshot. "Tara, my mom passed away."

Tara looked at me with concern. "Julian..."

My hands trembled as I pushed myself up and climbed down from the bed with difficulty. "Tara, I want to see Mom one last time."

The scene shifted to the funeral home. Tara had someone help distract Dad while I carried a bouquet of white roses to Mom's memorial hall.

I placed the bouquet on the casket and stood there for a long moment. Up to that point, no one had noticed me. But as I walked out of the hall and was about to get in the car, Dad suddenly called out my name.

"Julian?"

I didn't dare turn around. I told the driver to go, and we sped away.

I looked at the right side mirror. Dad jogged after the car for a few steps, then froze in place. His eyes filled with disappointment as he watched me leave.

Then my phone rang with a call from Dad. My hand trembled as I pressed the decline button.

Guilt and reluctance filled my eyes as I murmured, "Dad, I'm sorry."

…

Filming Log: December 10, 2024

After the third round of chemotherapy ended, my condition worsened. Tara sat beside me, reading through the hospital's list of leukemia survivors.

I interrupted her. "Tara, take my photo."

Tara froze. "What?"

"While I still look somewhat human, let's get my funeral photo done."

Tara's voice caught. "Don't talk like that."

I smiled faintly. "Just make sure I look handsome."

I got up, put on a wig, and changed into fresh clothes. Something so simple took me a full hour.

Sitting in front of a white wall, I forced myself to smile at the camera. Tara's eyes reddened, her hand shaking as she held the camera. Ten photos in a row came out blurry.

I shook my head in mock disapproval. "Tara, you're making me look terrible."

Tara sniffled. "Promise me you'll fight to stay alive, or I'll use these ugly photos for real."

I laughed. "Fine. Just promise you'll make me look handsome."

Just then, a flock of birds flew past the window, chirping noisily. Tara raised the camera toward my face.

There was a click, and my smile was frozen forever in the camera.

"Doctor!

"Someone help!"

Panicked shouts erupted around me. Tara dropped the camera and rushed toward me.

The ceiling spun above me, and I slowly closed my eyes.

"Dad, I'm sorry.

"Mom, I'm coming to find you."