The Space in Between

Chapter 6

The week went by so fast.

The doctor already removed my cast, I felt lighter and I could already use both arms freely. Dre got better too; he was bored most of the time so he'd ask me to walk with him around the hospital. His doctor advised him to do that so he could regain his strength the soonest and wouldn't catch any other complications.

He took me to the kids' ward a couple of times before and introduced me to the kids. I saw how happy Dre was whenever he's around the kids. There was even one time I saw him making bracelets with the little girls.

These kids are so innocent. The burst of their laughter didn't give any hint that they're suffering from their condition. I really wish I can do that too; I can just laugh all the pains away.

"I like your hair. I want my hair to look like that when I grow up." A little girl was brushing my hair while smiling at me. That's the sweetest smile I've ever seen in my life.

"What's your name?" I asked her. I haven't seen her with the other kids before.

"Raphaela. But you can call me Raffy." She smiled sweetly again. She has curly, auburn hair that fits well with her chubby, reddish cheeks. If not for the hospital gown she's wearing and the band on her wrist, you'd think she's only visiting someone in this ward.

"That's a beautiful name, Raffy. I'm Liv." I replied.

Then she started talking casually, "My parents gave me this name because they believe the angel of healing will protect me." She talks like an adult but I think she's not older than five years old.

She continued, "I was weak when I was born. My parents thought I wouldn't make it but as they always say, I'm a fighter. Lately, I'm feeling pain again when I'm playing, and I get tired easily. We visited the doctor yesterday and we didn't go home anymore. I'm not sure why."

I don't know what to say and my tongue felt numb, but I know Raffy needs assurance.

"As you said, you're a fighter. I am sure you can get through this. Your doctor and nurses will help you get better. And look around you, you have a lot of playmates." Her face lit up, and she nodded while smiling.

"It's nice meeting you. We'll see each other again, right?" She asked in her most angelic voice.

Who could say no to that? "Of course. I'd love to play with you." Then it hit me, why am I making a commitment I'm not even sure I can fulfill?

She hugged me and whispered, "Thank you, Liv. See you soon." Then she ran off. She stopped mid-way to look back at me, she waved and gave her loveliest smile before running to the other kids again. I didn't realize there was a pair of eyes looking at us the whole time.