There is Everything for You Here

Chapter 31

Last chapter before the epilogue : )))

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I managed to get out of bed the next day without one of Klara and Jameela's wakeup calls, and I felt okay. The hot water ran over my body as I took a shower, letting it relax my muscles. I pounded on the bottom of the shampoo bottle – it was almost out. Maybe I could even get my mom to bring me a new one. I would have to call her today, hear her voice again.

Stepping out of the shower, I wrapped my towel around my body, opening the window a crack to let some steam out, which had fogged up the mirror as well. I could see my friends playing bocce outside, and I smiled, knowing I would soon go down to join them. It looked like Liam had just one the previous game, as he jumped up and down, yelling happily.

Turning back to the mirror, I wiped away some condensation with my hand, looking at my face with admiration. It could have just been my imagination, but I thought I looked healthier, happier. My eye bags were gone, and there was a glow to my face that wasn't there when I started my time here. Breathing in deeply, I buried my face into my towel, inhaling the lingering scent of my soap.

And I felt ready. Or at least, I thought so.

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I was not the only one, as Klara's time came to an end at the program. I held her tightly, my heart full as I said goodbye to her. I knew it wouldn't be for long, and that I would see her again soon enough, but it felt like the end of an era anyways. And in a way, it was.

"Call me every day, okay?" Klara clutched my hands, rocking back and forth nervously on her heels. It was the 5th time she had asked me, and I was reminded of when I had first gotten here, with Marco.

"I promise," I said, and gave her one last hug. She turned to Liam, eyes starting to turn glassy.

"Don't bore these two to death with all your science facts, okay? I need them alive for me later." He ruffled her hair and pulled her in tight, planting a few kisses on the top of her head.

"I won't," he said.

"Ok my turn," Jameela interrupted, and joined the hug. Klara broke away to embrace her next.

"My lady," she laughed. "I'll miss you so much." After a few more hugs she stepped back, reaching the start of the driveway, and gave us all one last look as her mom pulled up in front of the house.

"Bye guys. I love you. Take care of yourselves." She wiped a tear away from her eye, smiling tightly. I knew she wasn't sad though, because her heart was as full as mine.

"I love you too," I choked out, and Liam and Jameela followed. Arms around each other, we waved goodbye, until her car disappeared behind the trees. We stood there for a moment, letting the late summer breeze rustle our clothing.

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Later that evening, the three of us sat outside, under some blankets, and watched the sunset. We didn't talk for a while, just enjoying each others company, knowing our time to leave would come soon enough. Content, we stay there until the stars came out, and I identified some of the constellations Isaac had taught me, smiling at the memory.

And we were okay.