[Two months later.]
I looked at the sky, this time not from the suffocating embrace of the bed on which I have laid for the last months but instead, from the very front of the window.
I could feel the warmth of the sun on my face, the heat that seemed to drill itself deep into my bones. The sight sting on my eyes as I adjusted to more light than I have been given.
I looked around the room, the ward. It still had the same thick smell of antiseptic and everything was almost bland. It was just this room though.
I knew. I had visited other rooms, glanced into the wards of other patients as I walked past, strolling through the corridors. And I have seen and smelled and heard things I haven't in my own ward.
Flowers of various kinds, their soft scent gently caressing my nose, fighting against the thick stench of the hospital, the warmth that didn't come from the heat of the sun but instead from the body of another being, one of familiar bonds.
Their smiles were more blinding than the sun and the brilliance reminded me of my black and white world.
It has been a while and during these months, I've come to various conclusions. One of which was the fact that I was alone.
I didn't mind as much, I've accepted my fate. In fact, I was a bit thrilled. I've raised mingling with society even though I don't want to, and now, I've been given the chance to truly be on my own.
I was thrilled at what I could accomplish, I was thrilled by the look that my oppressors will bear in their faces when they look to see how far I've gone.
I was thrilled to see even the devil staring at me in awe, regretting not claiming my life when he had the chance to.
But I also knew that before all that, I had to get my life in order. I have to check out of the hospital first, get an apartment before preparing for the future.
Before the incident, I was an artist. Painting and drawing, art and literature, reading and writing, these are all areas I thrived in. They made me feel at peace. Especially when accompanied by music.
Hopefully, I'll be able to continue painting. Doctor Meyer said there was nothing wrong, at least not that they've seen.
In these two months, I haven't just been lying in bed. I got a new phone and a new number, I've also begun making plans. I was supposed to meet a contractor today to take a look at potential houses.
I was looking to get somewhere affordable and also secluded. I didn't want any interruptions from unwanted guests, and it had to be affordable because I didn't want to use my family's money.
Just the fact that they paid for my hospital bills made me uncomfortable, I was sure I wouldn't hear the end of it.
Creak~
I turned around and locked eyes with the nurse, nurse Hana. She had been the one taking care of me ever since I woke from the coma and from what I've heard, even before then.
After spending time with her, I've come to realize that she was not just pretty but very kind and caring. Her large brown eyes would soften everytime she spoke to me, with a smile on her lips.
She made my time here a bit bearable.
"It's time huh?" She asked. I could hear the strange mix of emotions in her voice. It was like she was sad to let me go and yet, happy that I was leaving.
It made me feel a bit guilty, after all, even with all the kindness she had shown me, I didn't for one second want to stay back.
Not just that, I didn't even consider her as anyone special except for my gratitude towards her. I've bared myself to people before, this was the result. I can't do something like that again.
I've spent the last months building up walls and caging all of my emotions within. This time, I won't let anyone in.
"Yes, I guess so." I replied. Nurse Hana's eyes widened and her lips parted. She wanted to say something but she ultimately decided against it.
"I've handled everything. I guess there's nothing for you to take along with you."
"..."
I didn't reply but she already knew the answer. The clothes I was currently wearing, from top to bottom were brand new.
So was my phone and wallet. The only things that weren't were my bank and identity cards.
There was nothing left for me, anywhere.
I already messaged my previous landlord a few days ago to go as he sees fit with my belongings.
This was a fresh start.
"Follow me, I'll see you out." Nurse Hana finally spoke once more, her gaze firm. She really was a great nurse, she had immediately resigned herself and accepted the situation.
We went down through the elevator and soon, we were both standing outside the hospital. I glanced back at nurse Hana.
"Tell doctor Meyer, that I'm grateful." I said to her, She nodded while maintaining a small professional smile.
"Thank you as well." I added before turning around and leaving.
*
Nurse Hana stood at the hospital's entrance, watching the back of the young man as he walked away.
Her professional smile faltered a bit before immediately returning like it never left. But the sadness in her eyes was evident.
"He's gone." Nurse Hana looked behind her to see doctor Meyer standing there. He too, had a small professional smile on his face but she could tell that he also felt something for the young man that just left.
"Being a doctor sure isn't easy." Doctor Meyer added before turning around, heading back into the hospital.
Nurse Hana soon followed after him.
*
H-city was divided into districts and blocks instead of streets and bus stops. Skyy hospital was located in the fourth district and so was a popular restaurant known as Haven.
Being a three star restaurant, Haven was well known among the middle class and lower upper class. It was a common agreement among most that this restaurant was way better than many four star restaurants.
But for some reason, it remained in the three star ranks. No one knew why, except the owner of the restaurant. Rumour has it that he offended a really powerful person.
Haven was located barely five blocks from Skyy which made it an even more frequented place. The reason was because many would come to get food for their loved ones in the hospital or for themselves.
And it was common sense that Skyy had its own fair share of high ranking individuals. Hence, many of them would rather branch Haven for a meal than the other inferior four stars restaurants around.
The door to the restaurant opened as the security ushered a young man in. He had hair as black as night and blue eyes that seemed to capture the attention of anyone.
His skin, which was abnormally pale, like ivory, stood in stark contrast with his hair and eyes, accentuating their beauty even more.
His simple dress would have made the guard look down on him, but he knew that someone with such looks couldn't be someone ordinary.
"I have a reservation under the name Elliott." Elliott told the steward who stood close to the door to welcome new guests.
The steward glanced through the reservation list and his brows raised when he saw that this young man had reserved a seat on the second floor.
Haven had three floors, the first was for the general public, the second for the special people and the third for those that were the cream of the crop. For someone as young as Elliott to be able to make a reservation, it was surprising.
Although Haven was a three star restaurant, they behave like a typical four star restaurant.
'This one must have quite the connection, or maybe he's a gigolo.' the steward thought inwardly. He was already annoyed by how inferior Elliott's looks made him seem.
Elliott was busy looking around, not even bothering to pay attention to the steward. He couldn't be bothered.
"Follow me, sir." The steward said with a smile on his face.
Elliott stared at him coldly for a moment before nodding and following along. He had seen his fair share of fake smiles and he knew one when he saw it.
But he didn't bother calling the young man out, frankly, he thought it was none of his business. As far as nothing was said directly to his face.
The steward led Elliott to the second floor and showed him to his table. There, a man who looked to be in his early thirties sat.
He had thick beards, his hair was slicked back and from his suit, the steward could immediately tell that this was no ordinary person.
'heh, as expected, he's a gigolo.' the steward mused inwardly.
But the next second, he was shocked as the man stood up and with a respectful bow, reached out his hand towards Elliott.
"Welcome young sir, I'm Nicholas Edwards, you must be Mr elliott."
"Yes, I am."
"Nice to meet you sir." Nicholas smiled amiably as he gestured for Elliott to take his seat.
"I hope you didn't wait for long." Elliott asked.
"I only just arrived, sir."
'Eh? What's going on? This man has been here for over an hour! What the hell is happening?' The steward just stood there in a stupor, unable to understand what was happening.