But I couldn't stop. I had to keep going. I took a step forward, but my legs buckled beneath me, sending me crashing to the floor. I felt a searing pain in my chest, like a knife twisting deep into my lungs. I knew then that my time was running out, that the cancer was spreading fast.
Theo helped me to my feet, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "Please, Akira," he whispered. "Let me help you."
But I just shook my head, my vision blurring. I knew I had to keep moving, no matter what. I had to make my brother understand, had to make him see.
With a Herculean effort, I pushed myself up, my legs trembling beneath me. I took a step forward, then another, each one a battle against the pain and the darkness that threatened to consume me.
And then, everything went black.
I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. From the entrance of the pack house, I must have been rushed back to the pack hospital. I am now surrounded by the familiar scent of antiseptic and the soft beeping of machines. Doctor Theo's face came into focus, his expression stern but his eyes filled with concern.