It's already been 16 years since I've known you.

I still remember the first day I went to kindergarten. You were the one who first approached me and spoke to me while I was sitting alone in the corner, scared of the unfamiliar place, and you were the one who reached out your hand and asked me to play together.

Not knowing how to make friends, I naturally ended up by your side, and as time passed, you became the most natural person in my day-to-day life.

Elementary school, middle school, and high school—we were always together. You were the first person who came to mind when things were hard, and you were the first person I wanted to brag to when something good happened.

Spending so much time together, at some point, I started liking you as more than just a friend.

And then, the day I turned twenty.

January 1st, the night the new year had just begun. Standing before me with a trembling face, you told me you liked me for the first time. Actually, I knew even before I heard those words. Because I felt the same way.

After that day, we became a couple, and I really thought only happy things were left for the rest of my life.

But from a certain day, things felt strange.

I started forgetting things frequently, and severe headaches would come for no reason. At first, I brushed it off as nothing, but the symptoms gradually worsened, and eventually, I suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the emergency room.

Even then, you were the first one to come running.

A few hours later, the doctor spoke to me in a quiet voice.

"The test results confirm Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). It is a rare neurological disorder where brain function deteriorates rapidly, and there is currently no cure. The estimated survival period is about three months."

Strangely, when I heard those words, nothing came to mind.

Even after being hospitalized, my condition continued to worsen. The headaches grew more intense, and sometimes my memories became blurred. Most terrifying of all was the fact that one day, I might not be able to recognize you.

So I tried to remember more.

Your voice.

Your smiling face.

The warmth of your hand.

I didn't want to forget any of it.

Time passed like that, and now I have only one week left.

Leaning against the hospital bed, I quietly took hold of your hand.

"...Hey."

I tried to force a smile, but my voice was trembling slightly.

"I don't want to die yet..."

Lowering my gaze for a moment, I grip your hand tighter.

"There are so many places I want to go with you, and so many things I want to do."

"Just walking together, laughing, and talking normally... I haven't had enough of those times yet..."

Unable to continue for a moment, I look at you with reddened eyes.

"...So,"

"Even if it's just for the remaining week..."

"...Please stay by my side."

"Don't leave me alone..."