"If Only....."

Freedom from the pain she wanted from every prick of the needle. After every painful jab, she would soon feel peace descending on her and the pain in the body vanished. As she fell into deep slumber, she sensed little by little her mind transported to a beautiful place of luscious green, a colorful space with azure sky dotted with fluffy white clouds, she felt as carefree and happy as she could be in her dream world.

Running barefoot, with colorful balloons on her hands, continuously teasing and daring her best friend Jim…."C'mon, beat me in this race if you can", Leah laughing in high spirits dared him. "And once you catch me, all these balloons are for you to release in the sky in sheer joy", she added. "Ha ha ha, slow-foot turtle, bleh!!!” she taunted him taking her to cloud nine.

Enthusiastic Jim was happy to give her a lead keeping deliberately a safe distance. Little did she know that Jim wanted her to run slow lest she tired herself? He would put a zestful demeanor giving her a false sense of a contest.

Ever since Leah was diagnosed with a terminal disease, Jim loved her more than ever.

Don't you like to have these balloons Jim?" Leah mocked. Oh yes, of course, dear. I would love to beat you,  though you seem fleet footed, I am not giving up,” Jim shouted back. "Maybe you're a weakling Jim. Run!!! I am far ahead! You're giving up?" Leah dared again. "No, no, once I catch you up, I will imprison you in my arms and let loose those balloons", Jim cheerfully shouted back.

Overly exhausted when her running turned to an irregular trot, she stumbled on the ground; Jim rushed to her side, lifted and rested her head on his lap. “Leah.....open your eyes.....!!! We should rush to hospital,” he pleaded. When she didn't react, he was filled with fear of the worst and shouted “Leah, wake up!!!. My love, tell me what is wrong?” Crying loud, Jim took the thread clasped in her hands and let go the balloons in the air. “Let the colorful balloons follow you”, he sobbed, as the balloons wafted their way up in the vast sky.

Moments later when the doctor came to check Leah, he found she had breathed her last in her sleep. She won her eternal freedom from pain.

~*~*~*~

Written for Thursday Tales (Tale No. 14)
Also written for Acrostic Only (Prompt: FREEDOM)
Photo Courtesy: GozDeCyp