Eddy and his sister, Maggie, proceeded down the hospital hallway towards the exit. Eddy, carrying his medications in a leather bag, could barely move without feeling the agonizing pain Jeremy had inflicted on his chest.
Despite the painkillers he had taken and the surgery he had undergone to stabilize his failing body, the indescribable pain was overwhelming. Yet, he didn't want to worry his sister. She had already sacrificed so much for him because he had been incapable of defeating Jperemy on his own.
He felt a pang of guilt, wondering if he was too weak or if this was simply the harsh reality of their world. If anything, the real cause would be his weakness, seeing that he was a descendant of a bloodline of major exorcists, who most likely would not have a problem taking Jeremy on one-on-one.
One thought haunted him: would Beast, the number one Elder in the Holy Exorcist guild, have struggled as he did to defeat Jeremy? Beast wouldn't have even considered Jeremy a challenge. Eddy knew the answer all too well. Yes, he was weak.
"You know, you don't always have to be so stubborn. The doctors were only trying to help you." Maggie said, cutting through Eddy's brooding thoughts.
Eddy sighed deeply, scratching the back of his ear while observing the hospital rooms and the passing doctors and nurses.
"I'm not stubborn. I'm being realistic."
"You are too stubborn. You just went through surgery. Don't you think it would be best if you stayed in bed?"
"I have a bed at home, and besides, someone has to get you back to school."
"I'm not a little girl anymore. I can find my way back on my own."
"Maybe, but you're still my little sister, so I still gotta look out for you."
Maggie groaned loudly in annoyance, turning her head away.
"Man, you're so annoying."
As they exited the hospital, Eddy moved to the sidewalk and stuck his thumb out, hailing a taxi. A taxi pulled up, and he spoke inaudibly to the driver. He turned to Maggie with a gentle smile on his face.
"You coming?"
Maggie stared blankly at Eddy, unsure of his intentions. The taxi sped through the streets, driving steadily at the speed limit. Eddy and Maggie sat in the rear passenger seat.
Maggie stared out the window, watching the beautiful Maddenport structures and buildings swiftly disappear as they drove by.
"This brings back a lot of memories
" she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
Eddy turned to her, unclear on what she meant.
"Back then, when Dad used to take us sightseeing. Those were pretty good days." Maggie added.
"Yeah... they were." Eddy replied, staring at his hands with a soft smile.
"And he'd top the evening off with some ice cream."
"Or Mum's famous lasagna." Maggie added, smiling warmly at Eddy.
"Those were some good old days," Eddy replied.
"For real."
Maggie agreed, her eyes reflecting the bittersweet memories of a simpler time.
Maggie sighed deeply, her smile still radiant.
"It's hard to believe it's been two years since then... since we lost them." she added.
Eddy turned away, watching the passersby as the taxi slowed down for a red light.
"Yeah..."
"Hey, Eddy. If Mum and Dad are actually looking down on us, do you think they'd be proud of how far we've come since then? Do you think they have any regrets?" she asked softly.
The light turned green, and the taxi moved forward.
"They were always proud, before and after they passed. Regardless of what choices we make, I'm certain they're smiling down at us from the heavens." Eddy replied, turning to Maggie.
She looked over at him, pleased by his response. Soon, she noticed a familiar sight as the taxi sped past her school.
"Huh? He just missed our stop." she remarked.
There was a brief silence in the vehicle.
"Eddy? We just missed my stop."
"No, we didn't." Eddy said calmly.
"Huh? What are you talking about? We just passed my school." Maggie insisted, still bewildered by Eddy's current reaction.
"It's more of a prison than a school to me." Eddy replied.
"This isn't funny, Eddy. We just passed the school."
"We aren't heading to the school."
"And why's that?" she asked, puzzled.
"For all the school knows, you're still taking care of your sick brother. So you could go back any day, and it wouldn't matter, as long as you don't miss your exams. Which means we could go out tonight, and they wouldn't possibly know." Eddy explained.
"But considering your education, it'd be best if you got back to school as soon as possible. So tomorrow morning should be fine, right?" he added, smiling innocently.
"You sly... fine, I'll play your game, just this once."
"I'm glad."
"So, where are we going?"
"It's a surprise."
The taxi continued its journey, navigating through the partially busy streets. After a long drive, they arrived at a night amusement park, with dazzling lights illuminating the name "Cheerful Days" and showcasing its marvelous rides and mouth-watering concession stands.
The lively atmosphere, with jovial teenagers and families enjoying the park, created a nostalgic and tranquil scene—the perfect place to take his sister.
Maggie gaped at the structure on the horizon. She had never suspected her brother would take her to an amusement park, especially unplanned. They both stepped out of the vehicle, which drove off immediately, leaving them in front of the flashiest amusement park in all of Maddenport.
"You got us tickets to Cheerful Days?!" Maggie exclaimed.
"Yeah. Since we barely see each other, I thought we should make some new memories." Eddy replied.
"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! You're the best big brother ever!" Maggie exclaimed, hugging Eddy tightly. Despite his love for his sister, the embrace caused Eddy to wince in pain, a soft moan escaping his lips.
"I'm sorry..." Maggie said, pulling back.
"No... it's nothing..." Eddy reassured her.
"Anyway, it's been a while since I've been to an amusement park. Why did you choose here of all places?"
"Well, it wasn't really my idea."
"Oi, Maggie... long time no see!" a voice called out from behind them.