DARK FIGURES AGAINST THE BRIGHT SKY

It was a tiring day in college. It was Friday and I really was looking forward to two days of
relaxation. Later that night after dinner with my mom , I was in my bed ready to drift off to sleep.
It was 12am when I woke up because of my phone's vibration. I was rubbing my eyes as I
looked at an email from an unknown website. When I opened the email I was shocked to see a
birthday message for my 19th birthday from my dad. He passed away 11 months ago.
I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a picture of me and my dad playing frisbee. I could still
remember that day in vivid detail. It was a beautiful sunny day. We had decided to go for a
picnic. As soon as we reached the park my mom put down the basket and we helped her set up
the lunch she had made at home. After we three were done eating sandwiches , me and my dad
decided to okay frisbee. My mom wasn't a fan of frisbee so she decided to read her favourite
book.
After an hour or two of playing frisbee we were really tired. So we decided to go home. When
we were putting our things in the car , my mom showed us the picture she took of us playing
frisbee. Me and my dad loved the picture. It was so spontaneous yet it looked so stunning ; our
dark figures against the bright sky. It was almost as if we were posing for the picture to be
clicked.
And now I was staring at the very same picture on my phone with a birthday text on it from
him. It said :
"My dear son!
Happy birthday to you. By the time you'll receive this message I'll be long gone. The day
your mom took this picture , I couldn't help but stare at it. I thought about that perfect moment
over and over again. And it made me realize how perfect my life is. But it didn't last long. A
couple of weeks later I found out that I was suffering from asbestos cancer. And I was
disheartened to find out that it can't be cured. At that time you were only fourteen and I didn't
had the heart to tell you about my illness. Somehow your mother convinced me to tell you about
my illness. But I was afraid , what if I never get to tell you all the things I want to say to you.So I
contacted this company which let's you write a message for your loved ones so you so you get a
chance to give them one last message. I didn't want to leave the world without telling you how
proud I am of you. The way you handled the news of my illness.
Since the day you came into my life , it has been filled with utmost joy and happiness. I still
remember your curious questions , silly jokes and the cards you used to make me for father's
day. I'm proud of all your achievements , all your silly jokes and dumb questions , all your
failures and success. I'm proud of the person you've become and I couldn't ask for more from
you.
I may not be with you anymore but I'll love you. And I had no worries because I knew that
you're a strong boy and will take good care of your mother when I'll be gone. "

"Thank you…... for everything , Dad" , I whispered. By the end of his message I was in tears.
I looked at the picture once again before drifting into the sweet memories of the good old days.