MY DAYS WITH YOU

Part 8 The Visit

"At the end of the day, all you need is hope and strength. Hope that it will get better, and strength to hold on until it does. ~Unknown~

A/N: Xeroderma Pigmentosum is an actual disease.  Remember, Mew and Lamai's relationship reflects my relationship with my mom. The way they speak does not represent the way people from different cultures interact (I do with my mom 😊). Do not get offended by it. I think this will be the longest chapter ever, MG's fault! Video credit to the owner. 

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Gulf took another day off out of precaution, now he is finally back at the hospital. For many, if not all of the children and some parents, he was gone for a longer time.

"Gulf, you are back!" Malee got up from her bed and ran toward Gulf.

Malee's slim arms hug Gulf waist as much as she could.

"Hello, Malee, how are you?" Gulf looks down to meet Malee's eyes.

"I am fine, no, I am happy that you are back." Malee smiles and went back to her bed.

"Mal, I was notified that you have a few days without taking your medicine. The nurses have to fight with you. Are you alright?" Gulf sat next to Malee on her bed.

Malee was playing with Mr. Grumpy, avoiding eye contact with Gulf.

"Mal, please tell me what's going on." Gulf touches Mal's chin so she can look at him.

"I am fine, really. I just- I just missed you, that's all."

Gulf hugged Mal really tight.

Mal inhaled Gulf's detergent aroma from his cloth as her head was buried on it.

"Mal, I was sick, and I could not come to the hospital. Now I am fine and ready to work."

"Are you okay for real? My mom said that you are working too much and sometimes your body needs time to relax."

"Your mom is a wise woman; it is true, I needed this time to relax and think about some things." Mal looks at Gulf with a puzzled look.

Gulf caresses her head.

Mal is very conscious when it comes to her physical appearance, especially her head. Still, with Gulf and other people, she feels comfortable enough.

"Okay, Mal, I will be doing my rounds and visit the other children. I am sure they must be missing me, too; I hope."

"They are, especially when Dr. Sam was the one in charge of most of us during that time. Argh! Please, don't get sick again, okay? Mal looks at Gulf with so much determination; Gulf laughs.

"I will try my best. Are you okay? Laura has half a day today in school. She is coming really soon." Gulf glances at his watch.

"Okay, I will stay here waiting for Laura and mom." Malee sees as Gulf is walking away, when suddenly.

"Gulf, can I ask you somethings?" Malee's voice sounds worrisome.

"Mal, what is it honey, are you sick, still afraid of the, [Gulf scratches the back of his head], well, you know-"

Mal stops him on time.

"Gosh, no, not that! I am okay." Mal's red face told Gulf he went too far.

"Okay, I apologize. What is it that you want to ask me?" Gulf once again sat next to Mal on the bed.

Mal was holding Mr. Grumpy, twisting his legs.