My Sunshine

Discharged / Welcome Home - Haru

"Are you sure this is okay?"

"Absolutely.  As soon as Mizuka gives the word, we can go home."

He was smilng kindly at her.  She appreciated it.

Surprisingly, the weeks she had spent in the hospital were the most enjoyable she could remember. Life finally had a comfortable routine for her, which is something she had never had before. 

Her body was still weak, even though her bones were finally healed. The healers had been lovely, helping her bathe and brush her hair and teeth regularly.  She knew that she would get to eat at the same time every day and it would be healthy, safe food. Nothing drugged, where a man would finally wait for her to break down and eat after being locked in her room all day.  He would usually have his turn with her unconscious body after that. 

 And Iruka had stayed with her much of the time, which was oddly comforting. 

She didn't care much for anyone, especially men, but Iruka was kind and sincere. All of the people in this village seemed sincere, and she was feeling herself not only become comfortable around the, she was beginning to feel attached to them.

However, everything was changing quickly. She was being discharged today, and she was terrified.

She was sitting up in the bed, talking to Iruka, when Mizuka came in.

"Today's the day! Are you ready to finally get out of here?"

"No."

Mizuka dropped her cheerfulness, looking at her with sadness.  She sat down on the bed close to her and spoke to her warmly and caringly.

"Haru, why don't you let us put you in an apartment close to some wonderful families who can help you? There's nothing available in Iruka's building..."

She took a deep breath, looking over at her friend.

"Actually, Iruka offered me his spare bedroom. That gives me something until I figure out what comes next. And I really don't want to be alone, even if it's my own apartment surrounded by other units. I don't think my nerves can handle it."

Iruka reached out and patted her hand gently.  Mizuka smiled at both of them and nodded.

"Haru, I'll put your chart on file, and I'm clearing you to leave."

Mizuka bowed deeply to her before continuing.

"You're a delightful young woman and I hope to see you around the village."

"Thanks, Mizuka. I'll see you around."

She walked to the door, giving Iruka a smile on her way out before calling out to him from the hallway.

"Be good to her!"

Haru watched Iruka blush a little.

"I will."

He stepped in and shut the door behind himself, coming over to sit with her on the bed.

"I brought you a yukata. I figured you didn't want to go home in a hospital gown."

She smiled at him, a little surprised.

"You brought clothes for me? You brought me clothes?"

He looked a little caught off guard as well as he laughed.

"Well, yeah! I mean, it's nothing special; you have more clothes at home waiting for you."

He unrolled it for her, laying it on the bed. A yellow yukata with a beautiful sun design and black soras. All brand new and all for her.