The morning sun with its vast light awakens me for another day, along with the sweet music of the cheerful birds. I'm glad that I don't have to wake up to the rowdy hallways of the hospital. Now, I can finally have some decent rest without having to worry about getting disturbed by nurses.
I heard a knock on my room door.
"Brother, I brought you your breakfast. Wake up."
*door opens
"So you were already awake. Anyways here's your breakfast."
"T-thanks..."
"Ugh, just eat up already. I'll come to pick up your plate in an hour."
*Aoi leaves
Ah, my sister is as cold as ever, but at least I got breakfast. What do we have here? An omelet. I haven't had these for a while now.
*Tastes the omelet
This is delicious. I never knew omelet could taste this good, or maybe because I just haven't eaten some in a while.
I'm stuffed. I want to eat that again sometimes. Now, time laze around all day while reading the manga that Hasegawa-san gave to me yesterday.
So this is how the story goes. Interesting...
I heard the door open.
"Brother, I'm here to get your plate."
*Takes the plate
"Oh, yeah, I almost forgot to mention. Your rehabilitation will be 3:00 PM. Dad will come to pick you up after his job."
*Aoi leaves the room
Come to think of it, I didn't see Dad that much even when I awoke from my coma. This is the perfect time to talk to him. I say that, but I still haven't regained my voice.
It's now 3:00 PM. Dad came to pick me up for rehabilitation.
"Hiro, are you ready to head out?"
[I nod my head]
"Let's go then."
*He carries me to the car along with my wheelchair.
Along the way to the rehabilitation center, my Dad told stories during his business trips. All I could do was listen, but it was fun knowing that he enjoys his job. I only wish that I could spend more time with him.
We arrive at the rehabilitation center. Dad accompanied me inside the building then quickly left after. He said that he'll come back to pick me up in three hours. Do I have to spend three hours every day here? I just want to laze around doing nothing. But not being able to walk is annoying. Guess I just have to bear with it.
One of the nurses at the front desk escorted me to the room I will be rehabilitating at. As I enter the room, I saw other people who seem to be going under rehabilitation too. Most of them looked like they were in their mid-30s, but some looked like they were the same age as me. One of the physicians approached me and claimed he will be the one in charge of my rehabilitation.
After three hours, I finally get to rest. I couldn't even stand straight without grabbing anything. I'd be spending more time in here than I initially thought. Then suddenly, a nurse approached me.
"Mr. Tanaka Hiroyuki, your father has come to pick you up."
[I just smile and nod at the nurse, then she quickly placed me in my wheelchair and escorted me outside.]
Though it may not look like it, I am still worried about Taki. I should go meet him personally and fix this once and for all. I should probably ask Hasegawa-san to help me out on this one.
As I got home, I immediately grabbed my phone and texted Hasegawa-san.
"Are you free tomorrow?"
"Oh, Tanaka-san, yeah."
"Great, how does 10:00 AM sound?"
"Sure, but where are we going?"
"I actually wanted your help on something."
"I could lend a hand, but what is it?"
"You already know Taki, right?"
"Oh, your best friend?"
"Yeah, and I kinda want to know the reason he was avoiding me."
"I see, so how do you want me to help?"
"I was hoping you could accompany me to his house since I still can't walk and I need someone to help me."
"I get the gist of it. I'll come to your house tomorrow then."
"Thanks."
"No problem, didn't I tell you before that I'm here for you."
"That was supposed to be my line originally."
I thought to myself that I can finally put an end to the rift between Taki and me. I can finally get to see my friend again after a long time.
The day finally arrived, where I can meet Taki once again. Hasegawa-san arrives at my house, then we proceeded with her pushing my wheelchair to go to Taki's house. As we got there, we see Taki's family, and they seem to be unpacking from a trip. I go up close to Taki's father.
"T-Ta-Tak?"
[Dammit! I still can't speak properly!]
Hasegawa-san noticed that I couldn't ask Taki's father. So, she was the one who asked instead.
"Excuse me, sir."
"Yes?"
"Is Takimichi-san home?"
"Yes, Why?"
"We are friends with Takimichi-san, and we wanted to talk to him."
"Oh, so you're his friends. Hang on a second then."
In a loud voice, Taki's father called out Taki. Then Taki came rushing out the door.
"What is it, dad?"
"Your friends are here."
He noticed us, but somehow it felt like he didn't want to see us. Then his father invited us inside their house. We settled down in the living room. The room was filled with this tense yet awkward atmosphere. We just looked at each other, not knowing what to even say. I wanted to break the silence, but I still couldn't talk. So, I bring out my phone, then starting typing. As I finish typing, I let Taki read what I wrote.
"#It's been a long time, Taki."
[Taki had this mixed expression. He looked as if he was both joyful and depressed. Then he spoke to me.]
"Yeah, it's been a long time. You too, Hasegawa-san."
"#I wanted to ask you about something."
"I think I have an idea of what you're about to ask. Go ahead."
"#During these past few weeks, why didn't you answer my calls or text?"
"Sorry for that because we went to my grandmother's house in the countryside, and there was not a single bar of signal. But I also can't deny that I've been trying to avoid you."
"#Why were you avoiding me?"
"Do you still remember the fight we had before you were in an accident?"
"#Yes, but vaguely."
"It might not have been my fault that you were in a coma, but I felt guilty for getting mad at you back then. And I had overthought that it had something to do with our fight. It's childish for me to think of that. I know, but I just couldn't bring myself to face you. I had doubts in my head, which is why I was trying to avoid you. It's because I felt guilty."
[He looks very depressed]
"#I don't know what happened when I was in a coma, but I assure you that I am not mad at you or anything like that."
"I'm sorry that you had to see this childish side of me."
I roll up to him with my wheelchair, then hugged him. He hugs back, then tears starting to roll from his eyes. As Hasegawa-san just watches us across the room.
After settling the matters with Taki, we started to head back home. Along the way, we came across this girl who seemed like she knew Hasegawa-san. Hasegawa-san said to the girl.
"Yui, what are you doing here?"
"I was visiting a friend's house. What about you?"
"I also visited a friend's house."
"Oh, so who is this person?"
"This is my friend Tanaka-san."
"Well, nice to meet you, Tanaka-san."
"Actually, he can't talk."
"Is he mute?"
"Yeah, but it's only temporary."
"Tanaka-san, nice to meet you. I am Hasegawa Yui."
[Hasegawa? Wait, could she be related to Nagisa?]
"Tanaka-san, this is Yui. My little sister."