The apartment feels alive with energy today, buzzing with an excitement I can barely contain. The sunlight streaming through the windows seems brighter, the air lighter, as if the world knows what tomorrow brings.
Tomorrow, I'll see Janus.
It's been years since we've been in the same room, and now it's finally happening. I've spent the last few weeks imagining what it will be like—seeing his face, hearing his voice without it being filtered through letters or phone calls.
Oriel has been surprisingly calm about it all, but I can tell he's excited too, in his own way. He's been careful, quieter than usual, but he's always watching, making sure everything is perfect.
The living room is a mess of open suitcases and neatly folded clothes. Oriel is kneeling by one of them, meticulously packing our things.
"You don't need to fold everything like that," I tease, watching him from the couch.
He glances up, one eyebrow raised. "And have it all wrinkled when we get there? I don't think so."
I laugh, curling my legs beneath me. "You're such a perfectionist."
"And you're such a procrastinator," he counters, gesturing to the pile of clothes I've left untouched.
"I'll get to it," I say, waving him off. "Eventually."
He shakes his head, but there's a small smile tugging at his lips. "If I leave it to you, we'll miss the plane."
The thought of the plane sends a thrill through me. It's been so long since I've left the hospital, since I've been anywhere outside the confines of these walls.
"Oriel," I say softly, watching as he folds another shirt.
"Hmm?"
"Thank you," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
He pauses, glancing up at me. "For what?"
"For this," I say, gesturing to the suitcases, the tickets, everything. "For making this happen."
He shrugs, but I can see the flicker of emotion in his eyes. "You deserve it, Sao. You deserve to be happy."
The afternoon drifts by in a haze of packing and last-minute preparations. I finally get up and start folding my clothes, much to Oriel's relief.
"What are you most excited about?" he asks as I stuff a pair of jeans into my suitcase.
"Seeing Janus," I say immediately, my face lighting up.
Oriel's expression shifts slightly, but he quickly hides it behind a small smile. "Yeah. I figured."
"And the city," I add, trying to soften the moment. "I've always wanted to see New York. The buildings, the lights, the energy—it must be amazing."
"It is," he says, his voice quiet.
I glance at him, my curiosity piqued. "Have you been there before?"
"Once," he says, his gaze distant. "A long time ago. It was... overwhelming. But I think you'll love it."
"I hope so," I say, smiling.
That evening, we sit down to dinner together—something simple but comforting. Oriel insisted on cooking, and for once, he didn't burn anything.
As we eat, we talk about the trip, about what we'll do when we get there.
"Janus will probably want to show us his lab," Oriel says, his tone light but thoughtful.
"His lab?" I ask, perking up.
"Yeah," he says, leaning back in his chair. "It's where he's been doing all his research. He's pretty proud of it."
"I can't wait to see it," I say, my excitement bubbling over.
"You'll love it," Oriel says, smiling softly. "He's been working on something big, you know."
"What do you mean?"
He hesitates, then shrugs. "You'll see."
After dinner, I sit by the window, staring out at the city lights. Oriel joins me after a while, handing me a cup of tea before sitting down on the floor beside me.
"You're quiet tonight," he says, glancing up at me.
"Just thinking," I say, wrapping my hands around the warm mug.
"About Janus?"
"About everything," I admit. "It's been so long since we've all been together. I just... I hope it's not awkward."
"It won't be," he says firmly. "Janus is still Janus. You'll pick up right where you left off."
"You think so?"
"I know so," he says, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
As the night wears on, the excitement gives way to a calm anticipation. The suitcases are packed, the tickets are ready, and the apartment is quiet once again.
I curl up on the couch, my heart racing as I think about tomorrow. Oriel sits nearby, his presence steady and reassuring.
For the first time in years, I feel like everything is falling into place.
Tomorrow, I'll see Janus.
And maybe, just maybe, everything will be okay.