"Crisha started getting sick around the beginning of summer break," Kenneth recalled quietly. "Her fever would come and go—right after the school year ended."
"Yeah," Jason nodded. "But she refused to stay in the hospital. She kept insisting on attending events whenever she could."
Kenneth sighed, remembering how often Cielo scolded him back then.
"She's stubborn," Cielo muttered.
"W–When did you find out she had leukemia?" Julie asked softly.
"We noticed the bruises spreading," Jenny explained, her voice heavy. "Then came the frequent nosebleeds. That's when we rushed her to the hospital."
"Wasn't that when Tito and Tita went on vacation?" Cielo asked.
Kenneth nodded. "Yeah. My dad was the one who insisted she needed an emergency checkup."
"Julie," Dave added gently, "Kenneth's dad is a doctor. He's usually overseas for work."
"Oh," Julie said quietly. "That's amazing."
Kenneth smiled faintly. "Crisha reacted the same way when she found out."
"I—I'm sorry," Julie said, guilt creeping into her expression.
"It's okay," Kenneth replied. "She only agreed to be admitted again because she trusted my dad."
"The money she saved from band performances went straight to her treatment," he continued. "But her parents never left her side."
Kenneth remembered visiting her in the hospital.
"Ken," Crisha whispered, "I want to leave. Classes will start soon."
"You need to heal first," he said gently.
She didn't reply—only glanced at Jason, who was barely holding himself together.
"You'll recover," Jason said, forcing a smile. "Just endure this a little longer."
She nodded weakly.
"Get well soon," Cielo said softly.
She smiled before drifting to sleep.
"We need to help with the expenses," Cielo muttered afterward.
"Yeah," Kenneth agreed. "The bills keep piling up."
"What if we organize a fundraiser?" Cielo suggested. "At school."
Kenneth nodded firmly. "And through the band too."
"That's how Chris helped us get approval," Cielo recalled. "With Kevin, Jonathan, and Dave backing us up."
*****
At the start of the new school year—now in grade nine—Kelly overheard whispers in the hallway.
"I heard there's a fundraiser for that girl."
"What a hassle."
A notice was posted on the board: A fundraiser for Crisha, who is battling leukemia and can no longer attend classes.
Was that the last time we met? Kelly wondered.
"Kelly."
She looked up at the two girls standing before her and exhaled softly.
"We need money for the fundraiser," one of them said. "Lend us some."
Why me? Kelly thought bitterly. They never paid me back before.
She stayed quiet. She had decided not to be dragged into things anymore.
"Are you deaf now?" Claire snapped.
"The fundraiser is voluntary," Kelly replied calmly. "No one is being forced."
"Oh, so you talk back now?" Vanissa sneered.
"Don't irritate me," Claire warned. "Are you lending us money or not?"
"I don't have extra money," Kelly said firmly. "And even if I did, I wouldn't lend it to you."
Claire motioned for Vanissa to check her bag.
"I already said no," Kelly repeated. "And I mean it."
"You're so selfish now!" Claire snapped. "You used to treat us!"
"No," Kelly corrected quietly. "You borrowed money. And you never paid it back."
Claire glared at her.
I'm not afraid of you anymore, Kelly thought.
Before she could speak again, a voice interrupted.
"It's barely morning, and you're already fighting?"
Dave stood there, Chris just behind him.
"Oh—good morning," Claire said quickly. "We were just talking, right, Kelly?"
Kelly said nothing.
"If you feel pressured to donate, don't," Chris said firmly. "It's voluntary."
"We were encouraging her," Claire insisted. "But she doesn't want to donate. I think she doesn't care."
Kelly bit her lip.
"Really?" Jonathan asked calmly.
"Kevin," he continued, "do you have the donation list?"
"Yeah," Kevin said, checking his phone. "For transparency."
"Has Kelly donated?"
Kevin nodded. "Yes. She and her siblings donated a significant amount two weeks ago."
That's why I don't have extra money now, Kelly thought.But it's worth it.
It was her quiet way of thanking Crisha—for pulling her from the river when no one else did.
"Oh?" Dave said, glancing at the two girls. "Didn't you know? Aren't you her friends?"
The two laughed awkwardly.
"Kelly, you should've told us," Claire said stiffly. "We could've donated together."
"You're so secretive," Vanissa added.
Kelly didn't respond.
"We'll donate too," Claire said quickly, retreating to her seat.
Kelly finally let out a long, quiet sigh.