In the early morning light, the soft hum of the hospital filled the room. Nina lay asleep in her hospital bed, her face pale and peaceful. A dedicated nurse entered her ward, gently knocking on the door before stepping inside. She placed the back of her palm on Nina's forehead to check her temperature, ensuring everything was as it should be. The nurse diligently carried out her routine checks and then quietly left the room.

Not long after, the door creaked open again, and Nina's mother entered, her eyes filled with worry and affection.

"Hey, sweetie," she whispered, approaching Nina's bedside.

Nina slowly opened her eyes, blinking as she adjusted to the light. "Good morning, Mom," she greeted with a weak smile.

Noticing Nina facial stress, her mother sat down, her tone filled with concern. "What's on your mind, honey? What's bothering you?"

Nina hesitated for a moment, then replied, "It's nothing, Mom."

Her mother's expression softened. "You can't fool me, darling. Is it about your trip to the human world? I've told you, we can try again next year. There's no need to stress yourself. Your health is what matters."

Nina sighed and shook her head. "It's not that, The principal was here yesterday."

Her mother raised an eyebrow. "Oh, did he come to tell you that since you can't go, they've chosen someone else, and that's why you're upset?"

Nina nodded. "It's not that, Mom. Well, sort of.., he said because of my current condition, he'll let me choose my replacement."

Her mother's eyes widened in surprise. "That's great, Nina! You can choose anyone you want, just don't stress your self in your condition, remember your all I've got after what happened to your brother" she said with a hint of sadness 

|FLASHBACK|

A nine-year-old Nina rushed into the hospital, her face beaming with a radiant smile. She hurried to her big brother Nathan's bedside, who was lying there, fighting a serious illness.

"Big bro, Mom said you'll be out of here soon, and we'll play together again!" Nina giggled with excitement.

Nathan, weakened but with a loving smile, replied, "*Cough* Yes, sis. I'm getting better, and I can't wait to carry you on my shoulders and explore the park together."

"Take it easy, Nathan," their mother called out, concern in her voice.

"It's okay, Mom. I want to spend time with my little sister today," Nathan said, gesturing for Nina to hop on his shoulders. With Nina perched above, he walked around, making "vroom" sounds to amuse her.

Their doctor approached Nathan's mother and whispered, "Let him enjoy his time with his sister. He has less than 24 hours left. Make sure she gets all the love and support she needs."

Tears welled up in Nathan's mother's eyes. "I know, and Nina believes he'll be okay. I'll have to tell her, but she's so happy and innocent. It's going to shatter her."

Back in the flashback, little Nina was still on her brother's shoulders, enjoying her special ride. "I'm flying, big bro! I can't wait for you to come back home, and I'll make the house so neat for you. You'll be so proud of me!"

Nathan's voice was full of love as he replied, "I'm already so proud of you, little sis."

"Thanks, big bro!" Nina beamed with pride and joy.

Nathan continued to play with Nina, giving her a pony ride, sipping pretend tea, and telling her stories until she grew tired and fell asleep beside him.

After a couple of hours, Nina woke up, finding herself beside Nathan, who seemed even weaker than before. She noticed her mother sitting beside Nathan, her face heavy with grief.

"Mom," Nina asked with a yawn, "what's wrong with brother Nathan? He was fine when we were playing. Why is he back in bed?"

"He's resting, sweetheart. We want him to get better, don't we?" her mother said with a forced smile.

"Okay, Mom. I'll wait for him to wake up so we can play again," Nina replied.

Aunt Vicky arrived at the hospital to pick up Nina. She was a tall, friendly woman in her late twenties or early thirties, bearing a striking resemblance to Nina's mother. Nina greeted her with a joyful shout and a tight hug.

"Hey, Aunt Vicky!" Nina exclaimed.

Nina's mother also greeted Vicky. "Take Nina home, Vicky. The key is under the vase as usual."

"Of course, Lucy. I can't believe poor Nathan..."

Nina interrupted, her eyes sparkling with hope. "Mom said Nathan will be all better by tomorrow, and we can all go home together!"

Aunt Vicky smiled and nodded. "Okay, Nina. Let's go home. You need to get some sleep."

"I already slept," Nina protested.

"You need to rest and eat," Vicky said, gently cradling Nina in her arms. "You're probably so hungry!"

As Nina left the hospital with Aunt Vicky, her thoughts were filled with dreams of her brother Nathan returning home. She chatted animatedly with Vicky, recounting her time at the hospital, all the fun they had shared, and her anticipation of her brother's recovery.

Back in the hospital room, her mother, Lucy, and the doctor shared a somber conversation. They knew that the moment of truth was approaching, and they had to break the devastating news to Nina somehow.

"You need to tell her soon," the doctor advised, his voice filled with empathy. "She's so happy and innocent right now, but she deserves to know the truth."

Tears welled up in Lucy's eyes as she nodded. "I know, Doctor, but she looks so happy... and naive. It's going to hit her hard."

Meanwhile, Aunt Vicky and Nina arrived at their home, a cozy little house with a charming garden. Vicky did her best to keep Nina distracted with games and stories, trying to create a cheerful atmosphere.

However, as night fell, Nina's excitement about her brother's return began to fade. She missed her mother and started to ask questions. "When is Mom coming home, Aunt Vicky?"

Vicky hesitated but tried to remain reassuring. "We'll go see mom in the hospital in the morning, sweetheart. She's just busy at the hospital with your brother."

Nina seemed somewhat satisfied with the answer and, with a tummy full of Aunt Vicky's delicious dinner, she agreed to go to bed. "Okay, Aunt Vicky. But I want you to tell me a bedtime story."

Vicky nodded, tucking Nina in. "Of course, sweetie. I'll tell you a bedtime story."

Back at the hospital, Lucy couldn't bear to see her son's state, as they were approaching the final moments of his life on earth

The doctor, seeing her resolve, gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder. "It's alright, Lucy. It's going to be ok."

Nathan had managed to stand up from his sick bed to write a letter, a letter to his beloved sister a last message from him to her all while his mom watched him face filled with sorrow 

In the take, Vicky took Nina to the hospital, As they arrived, Nina couldn't help but feel something was amiss. She looked around the hospital room, but her brother Nathan was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Nathan, Mom?" Nina asked with a furrowed brow.

Lucy, her mother, hesitated for a moment before replying, "He went to see Dad, sweetheart."

Nina's eyes widened in realization. Her dad had passed away when she was just six years old. The shock and confusion overwhelmed her. "That's not true, Mom. Dad isn't here, he's with God, How would Nathan go see him? Where is my big brother, I have so many things I need to tell him."

Lucy struggled to maintain her composure, trying to explain the heartbreaking truth to her young daughter. "Nina, darling, I need to tell you something difficult. Nathan... he's not coming back, he's also with God."

Nina's eyes welled up with tears, her world unraveling. She clutched her mother's hand, shaking with grief, and protested, "No, Mom! That's not fair! You said we were going to be together. You promised!"

Lucy held Nina close, her own tears mingling with her daughter's. She whispered comforting words, "I know, sweetheart, and I wish it were different, but sometimes, things happen that we can't control."

"He left this for you" Lucy said handing Nathan's later to Nina

THE LATER READS

My Dearest Nina,

I hope this letter finds you well and fills your heart with the love that's always been between us. I want you to know how much you mean to me, and how I cherish every moment we've spent together.

I want you to remember our adventures, the laughter, and the joy we've shared. The times we've played at the park, the stories I've told you, and the pretend tea parties we've had. These memories will forever be etched in my heart, and I hope they will remain in yours as well.

I know things are changing, and I won't be there with you in person anymore. It's a hard truth to face, but there are some things beyond our control. I need you to be strong, to keep that wonderful smile of yours, and to continue to find happiness in all the little things in life. Life is a beautiful gift, and I want you to cherish it, even when it feels tough.

Never forget how much Mom loves you, how much Aunt Vicky cares for you, and all the people who surround you with love and warmth. Lean on them when you need support, just as you've always leaned on me.

I want you to keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep making memories. I might not be physically there with you, but I'll always be in your heart, watching over you, cheering you on, and being your biggest fan.

Nina, my little sister, I'm so proud of the incredible person you've become and will continue to be. I have no doubt that you'll fill the world with your light and make it a better place.

Please don't cry too much for me. Remember the joy and the love we've shared, and keep those close to your heart. I'll always love you, and I'll always be your big brother, even from afar.

With all my love and warmth,

Big bro Nathan

As the painful reality sank in, Nina wept for her lost brother and the shattered hope of a family reunited with her brother.

Nina cried herself to sleep in her mom's arms, her heart heavy with the loss of her beloved brother. As the night deepened, her dreams were filled with the happy memories of her time with Nathan, and the pain of losing him.

|END OF FLASHBACK|

Nina's face darkened as the painful memories flooded back. She looked up at her mom and said "I was so naive back then. I had no idea Nathan would..." she trailed off, unable to say the words. 

Her mom nodded sympathetically. "I know sweetie. It was one of the hardest days of our lives when we lost your brother. But he loved you so much and would want you to be happy."

Nina wiped a tear from her eye. "I have 3 choices amongst my friends but I don't know who I should chosen"

"It's okay dear, don't stress your self too much, ok," she said with a soft smile

They spent some time in the hospital before Nina's mom had to go to work. As her mother left the room, Nina couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness creeping in. The hospital's white walls and the beeping of machines had a way of making one feel isolated. With nothing else to do, Nina gradually drifted off to sleep.

Nina was awaken from her slumber by  who payed her a visit after school. They sat beside her as she rose from the bed to welcome them

"Hey, how are you feeling today Nina," Tina said

"I think I'm getting better, I'll be all better soon, I hope" Nina said

"Well, we thought to come check up on you to see how your doing, and we're happy you're doing great" Selena said

"Can't wait for you to get better again, Nina" mia said

With a faint chuckle, Nina replied, "Yeah, back to hugging books and being no fun, right?"

Tina playfully teased, "Haha, funny."

"By the way guys, the principal was here yesterday"Nina announced 

"Forfeiting the opportunity you earned wasn't enough, he had to come here and rub it in that he had chosen someone else. What a jerk"

"It's not that, well kinda but it is I, who would be choosing the replacement" Nina explained

"Really? That's so cool! I mean, you can pick anyone you like. You could pick me," Selena suggested eagerly.

Tina interjected, "Yeah, right. If she was going to pick, it's me, right, Nina?" She cast a puppy-dog-eyed look at Nina.

"You're the one who always teases her and calls her names like 'nerd,' 'bookworm,' 'weird,' and the rest. I don't do that; I'm sweet to her. So if she's going to pick, it's going to be her bestie, me," Selena argued.

"I called friendly teasing, it shows we are bestest of friends, so it's going to be me" Tina said 

"Guys, stop it!" Mia interjected. "I don't see any need to argue about something so unnecessary. Besides, she's the one who decides who she chooses, not you guys. So, shut up and let her decide for herself."

"Well actually I already came to a conclusion" Nina said

Tina and Selena leaned in eagerly, their eyes filled with anticipation. "Well, is it me?" Tina asked.

"Don't be silly; it's obviously me," Selena insisted.

Mia, in a calmer tone, reminded them, "Here we go again."

Nina built up the suspense before announcing, "Actually, I think Mia should go."

"What, Mia!" Tina and Selena exclaimed in unison.

Mia responded with a soft, grateful smile. "Aww, Nina" mia faced Tina and Selena "What's wrong with me being picked?" She yeled

Mia couldn't help but address her protesting friends. "Thanks, Nina. But like I said, I don't see any need in going, so Nina, you can choose someone else. Thank you."

Tina couldn't resist one more attempt at securing the opportunity. "Perfect, so uhm Nina whose it gonna be, me or that Selena girl" happy from mia disapproval

Selena raised an eyebrow, and Nina was momentarily caught in their antics. "Hey!"

Nina, though, had already made her decision. "I've made up my mind. Mia is the one I choose."

Mia, slightly annoyed but resolute, responded, "And I'm not going." 

Selena, on one side, and Tina, on the other, bombarded Nina with questions, confusion, and pleas. Mia, however, remained steadfast. "You have to go. I picked you because you don't see the need to go, you think it would be a waste of time. I want to give you an opportunity so you can experience it and see why everyone is so hyped about it. So you'll see why everyone dreams of going there, why it's so special."

"Well if you put it that way then, I'm still not going" mia said

Nina, leaning in closer, made her position clear. "It's either that, Mia, or we ain't friends anymore."

Mia raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Come on, that's ridiculous."

Nina didn't waver. "I'm serious."

Tina, seeing another opportunity, interjected, "It's okay, she doesn't want to go. You can't force her. Pick someone else."

Nina tried to maintain her composure in the face of her friends' bickering. "My decision is final. It's either Mia goes or no one goes."

Mia, although initially reluctant, agreed despite still not understanding why Nina would pick her. "Alright, fine, I'll go. But you owe me one, Nina."

Nina couldn't help but chuckle at Mia's persistence. "How can I owe you? I know people who would do whatever I ask for me to choose them."

"Then give it to them then" mia suggested with a hint of sarcasm and frustration 

Nina, with a warm smile, replied, "No, I want you."

"Fine, what ever" mia responded

They chatted for a while before they had to go because it was getting late.