When a persistent young man breaks through a woman’s refusals, discovering her chronic illness, can their love persist?
Unfavorable Diagnosis
PAYTON is driven, with olive skin, bright hazel eyes, and a scholarship to three universities. However, a diagnosis of cervical cancer shifts her focus from academic ambition to survival.
Aggressive treatment robs her of long curly hair and dreams of motherhood. She now retreats from people and finds solace in small joys—like the cool sand between her toes during walks on the beach.
Chance Encounter
One warm summer day, as Payton wanders the shore searching for seashells, she bumps into a surfer. Startled, she looks up to see a man with sun-bleached hair and an easy smile.
“Forgive me for not paying attention,” she says, adjusting her wrap. “I hope you didn’t miss your wave.”
He laughs, a bit flustered, waving his hand. “It’s fine.”
Waving back, she says, “Hello, I’m Payton,” trying to move on, but his lingering gaze holds her in place.
“I’m Edwin. Do you come here often?” he asks, his eyes full of genuine curiosity.
“Whenever I feel up to it,” she says, trying to keep things light.
“Well, Payton, I hope you feel up to it tomorrow around the same time,” he says with a smile before running back to the waves.
She watches him go, a strange mix of emotions swirling inside her. The next day, she hikes in the forest instead, trying to avoid giving him the wrong impression. But her thoughts keep drifting back to him.
Reluctant Revisits
A week later, Payton returns to the cool beach breezes. She doesn’t expect to see him again, but there he is, riding a wave. When he catches sight of her, he tumbles off his board in a big splash and swims ashore with a grin.
“Payton! Right on time!” he shouts.
“Are you teasing me for not returning last week?” she feigns umbrage.
“Of course not. I expect women to make an entrance on their own time,” he says earnestly. “How was your week?”
She smiles, focusing on the positive.
“I had some good days. What about… you? How long have you been surfing?”
“About fifteen years, but I’ve only gotten the hang of it in the past couple,” he says, his eyes never leaving hers. “What about you? What do you enjoy?”
“If it doesn’t sound too bleak, life interests me.”
Edwin nods, understanding more than she imagines. “Life is never bleak when you’re living it to the full.” Pointing to a nearby umbrella, he suggests, “How about we sit and enjoy something cold to drink?”
“Thanks, but I don’t think that’s a good idea,”
Payton says, a hint of sadness in her voice.
“It needn’t be alcoholic—just something refreshing.”
She doesn’t want to get attached and break his heart when she barely has control over her own. “It was nice seeing you, Edwin.”
He watches her walk away, determination settling over him. “See you tomorrow!” he calls after her.
Another week passes, and Payton finds herself back at the beach. Edwin is waiting with a cooler full of drinks. As she approaches, he waves with an infectious smile, saying, “Right on time!”
She flashes her smile, slowly walking towards him.
“No surfing today? Are there sharks on the beach?”
“Not unless you’re afraid of the one on this beach towel. Come, have a drink with me,” he says, patting the spot next to him.
Reluctantly, she sits beside him, pulling a ginger ale from the cooler. When she pops the top, the fizz splashes all over the translucent wrap covering her swimsuit. “You’re very friendly. But this can’t go anywhere,” she says quietly, her eyes fixed on the ocean.
Admission of Guilt
“Why not?” Edwin asks, his tone gentle but firm. “All you know about me is my name and that I like to surf. What’s so frightening?”
“And you know even less about me—a woman with a death sentence,” she whispers.
Edwin blinks, taken aback.
“What do you mean?”
“This is hard to say…. I have cancer,” the words heavy on her tongue. “I can’t get attached to anyone because it isn’t fair. My time is best spent alone.”
He reaches out, placing a hand on hers. “Your time is best spent with someone who cares about you,” he says softly. “I care about you, Payton.”
She looks at him, tears welling in her eyes. “You don’t understand. You should find someone who has a future. I don’t want to drag you into this,” she says, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
“You’re not dragging me into anything,” he says, his eyes locking onto hers with a steady voice. “I’m here because I want to be. Let me take you to your treatments and sit with you through the tough days.” They embrace warmly while sitting on the beach.
Fulfilling Dreams
Over the next few months, Edwin becomes Payton’s rock. He drives her to chemo, holds her hand during the worst moments, and brings ginger ale to celebrate the good ones. He praises the songs she writes, their bond deepening despite the odds.
“I’m not an official Make-a-Wish Foundation, but tell me your dreams, and I’ll do my best to make them happen.”
In a bitter tone reflecting her insecurities, she asks, “Can you cure cancer? Can I please a man without regret? Will I leave this earth as a pleasant memory to anyone?”
“I can’t promise a cure, but I can join you, taking on the challenge like a big wave. Say you’re willing to try, and I’ll help you achieve your other wishes.”
In time, Payton receives news she never thought she’d hear: her cancer is in remission, with periodic targeted immunotherapy to keep it in check. She runs to Edwin, tears of joy streaming down her face.
“You gave me three wishes to fulfill,” Edwin says, grinning. “With your remission, I’ll take credit for curing your cancer. Let’s tackle another wish.”
“Are you trying to use this news to sleep with me?”
“If I remember correctly, your second wish was to please a man. You could do that by marrying me.”
“This makes no sense,” she says, her voice brighter than ever. “My remission could be six years or six months.”
“Then let’s make the most of it, even if it’s as short as a Hollywood marriage. Marry me, Payton.”
She begins lightly slapping his chest, reflecting her conflicting desire for love and reservations about leading someone on. “It’s not right.”
“I’m not sure how to interpret that,” he says, smiling gently. “You know I love you.”
“Let’s take a walk along the beach.” As they stroll hand in hand, she says softly, “I love you too much, Edwin. Yet, marriage seems like I’d be taking advantage of your kindness.”
“Declining my proposal would do that more,” he counters.
She stops walking, turning to face him. “All right, you fool,” she says, her eyes shining with emotion. “For your kindness, and so I’m not forgotten, I’ll marry you.”
As they embrace, the warmth of his arms around her feels like the promise of a future she never dared to imagine. Payton knows that no matter how long her remission lasts, she’ll live every moment to the fullest—with Edwin by her side.
The End
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