𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓-𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙨

XXXVI-THE END

I wasn't sure what time it was when I woke up, but it was bright and wind pulled on my hair and clothes. It smelt like sea water, like back at the safe house, only now it smelt pure. No disruption of anything. It was exactly what I expected heaven to smell like.

No, I didn't think I died. I felt too much, physically and emotionally. My arm stung where I got shot, everything hurt and was sore. My eyes felt puffy and throat was screamed raw. I remembered everything and wished that I had woken up with amnesia like when this whole story started. It would have hurt a lot less.

I groaned when I sat up, hissing when the stitches on my arm pulled. I was only wearing a tanktop and shorts. My feet were bare. I wiggled them, and they weren't that sore. They touched the ground, surprised from the grainy feel. It was different from before. Back at the safe house, we slept about cement, so if you fell, expect pain. Now it was sand and it was cold.

I stood, stretching out my legs. Multiple joints popped. I sighed and walked out of the tent, being met with a bright sun. I shielded my eyes, breathing in the sea air. It burned just right. The sea was right in front of me and it glittered so beautifully.

"Aesara!" Brenda ran up to me, their hair was in a beautiful side braid, showing off the angles in their face. I smiled at them and embraced them back when they pulled me into a hug.

It felt nice to be held up, because I knew they would be right there if I decided that gravity was too much to fight against. They pulled away from me and inspected my injuries. Brenda smiled when they saw that my injuries were fine. "How long have I been out?"

"Two days."

I balked at them. "Two days? You guys let me sleep in that much?"

They laughed. "Shut up. You needed the rest." I laughed with them. I looked over their shoulder and saw Thomas standing a couple feet away. He was clean and had fresh clothes on. Much like me. I wondered who cleaned him. Then blushed from the thought that ended up playing in my mind. Brenda smiled. "Go to him. He couldn't wait for you to wake up." I smiled at them and half ran to Thomas.

His arms wrapped around me instantly. He was warm and smelled like the ocean. I held him tighter, despite my injuries screaming for me not to. I ignored them, indulging in the comfort Thomas brought me.

"Are you okay?" He whispered against my head.

I took in a shaky breath. "Honestly no, but I'll get there in time. How about you?"

"The same. It will take a while." I looked up at him, smiling when he was already looking at me.

"How's your stomach?" I lifted up his shirt. It was bandaged but a small red dot was already coming through. "I think it's doing okay."

I looked up again and his lips were on mine. I gasped in surprise and he took it deeper, barely ghosting my lips with his tongue.

"Hey, you two, maybe take that somewhere more private." Minho spoke up to my left.

I laughed and pulled away from Thomas, going to hug Minho. "I missed you too." Gally was behind Minho and I was never happier than to see him alive. I offered him a smile which he returned. Thomas joined us and pulled both of us in a hug.

"Hey, hey, I'm not into this multiple relationship thing."

"Shut up Minho." We laughed and it felt good.

I explored the island the rest of the day, finding a fully functioning farm, sleeping area, food area, and the bathrooms.

Thomas walked with me along the beach, our feet getting wet and sand stuck to them. He pulled me to him as the sun set and his eyes looked like a honey pot I can get lost in all day. Suddenly I was grateful for everything that happened, if only to bring me to this one singular moment. One that I found peace and solace in. Sure I wish it had been different, but it happened and I have to live with it. Anyway I can.