Peru

Albert opened the drawers beside him, and brought out a small frame of his family picture. It was taken years ago. At that time they were happy, Like a family they truly were. But not anymore. This had changed now. He was different. A changed he hadn’t seen coming.
Another frame, a small one, he opened it and brought out a picture he hid behind it. And stare at it. A picture of his friends. The whole three of them.
He was at the right side. Peru by the left and Cartel was in the middle, their hands were linked. Around their shoulders. Each had a bright smile. The picture was old, obviously had taken a long time ago. When they were in their youth. They had come a long way.
He touched the middle one.
Cartel.

He felt a pang of guilt in his chest. And quickly pick it back hidden underneath a picture. And shut his drawer.
He placed his elbow on the table, and clasped his hands over his head.
What was wrong?

What had he done wrong.
A lot has gone wrong. And there was no way he could turn back now. No way he could ask for forgiveness from Cartel. It was all done.
He suddenly felt so discomfort on his chest.
He rubbed his hands down it. Maybe because he was feeling guilty. He needed the tea to keep calm, he needed to take it for his own good if he’s gonna be better and more relaxed he needed Peru’s tea.
“Albert!”
“Peru. It’s open.” Just when he needed him.
He was always on time. He opened the door and came in.
“Are you okay?”

“Help me with the tea. I need to calm down. My chest. I don’t know what’s wrong. “
“I’ll prepare them right now. I left some of the ingredients in your study the last time. Did you see it.”
“You left it here?” He coughed. And blood came out of it.
“Albert” he hurried to him. Giving him a small towel.

“I’ll prepare it right away, it would help you.”
He left his side, leaving Albert coughing into the towel, what was wrong, this was the first time something like this was happening. Why was he coughing blood, he felt his heart twisted. And he couldn’t breathe. He opened his mouth wide for air. While he waits for Peru to returned with the tea.
Hitting his chest with his hands. The discomfort was too much, he fell from the chair he was sitting on.
Peru came with the tea. Pouring them into his mouth. He gurgled down. Peru helped him up.
“You’ll be fine.” He poured everything.

His eyes had gone white. How did he had to come in the right time. Just when he was a about dying.
He exhaled, finally breathing again. His gaze was on Peru. He helped him back to his seat. And took the one in front of him.
“What happened?”
Albert only shook his head. He doesn’t know. He’d been so busy lately to care about his health. And whatever this is, he doesn’t know, and how Peru was able to stop it. Was suspicious to him. How did he know what he was passing through. The right liquid to give him, this was different from the usual French tea they had. Or he usually had.

It taste and smells was different.
What’s was this?
Peru smirked lightly. This was the final blow Albert you’re already gone. He almost chuckled but held it within. He would celebrate after all this is done. And he would have to be here when he falls on his feet completely and rushed down to the hospital. Then he would celebrate, then he would, jumped up and touched the sky. He didn’t tell him to be so stupid.
His friend.
Best friend.

His family.
Trash. There’s nothing as that, a man only cares for himself and his family, every one outside is nothing. He wouldn’t be fooled by his fake pretense.
It’s all game over.
Ding!
He won.

Albert saw his smirk. And he almost felt he could collapse again. What was this? What’s is going on, he couldn’t be him. It’s Peru his only friend, the one who understands him. The family he had who stood by him.
Couldn’t stab him in the back.
He couldn’t do it.
He shook his head.

“Don’t worry you’ll be fine. I’ve got you. You want me to info Linda.”
“No, leave her out of this.”
“She’s your wife. She should know.”
“It’s okay, she doesn’t have to know.”
He run his hands over his chest again. And held it. This was strange. The pain. Seized.
“Is something wrong, why are you staring at me like that?”
“It works. I feel relieved. How did you get something like this.”
“Oh, I always have it in handy. It’s good for cold. So I do take it. Most times because of cold. That’s why I always have it around me.”
He nodded and inhaled deeply, leaning on the chair. Without saying nothing else.
Peru who exactly are you?

He had been so blind all along.
Was Linda right?
He shouldn’t have held him so close.
Whatever this is, he would make sure he doesn’t get what he wants.
Even in death.

This was what he got in return. Choosing a stranger over his family.
Peru stood up and stood close to the desk. With his hands on the table.
“You can’t do anything, but do as I say. Now you’re just as...”
He hit his fist on the table and stood up but fell back instantly. Groaning in pains.
“What...” the pains restraint his speaking.
“Let’s forget about what happened today and wait till the day we got to rush you over to the hospital. It’s just few days from now. See ya.”
He laughed and walked out of the study room. Shutting the door.
Albert groaned hit his head continuously on the table.
Peru.