The Space in Between

Chapter 14

"You slept okay?" Dre asked me when I turned to face him.

"Yeah. Slept like a baby." Gave him a little smile.

"Couldn't agree more." He answered. I wasn't sure if it was a joke or not. Then, he continued, "Any plans today?"

"A lot. Get my hair and nails done, go to the grocery then cook food for the guests." This time, it was my turn to make him guess whether I was joking or not. But it seems the joke's on me.

Dre's jaw dropped, eyes wide and said, "You should try making a joke often. It'll help you get better at throwing punchlines." Then he laughed so hard.

For a moment, I forgot he was the patient and threw him the pillow I was using.

"Let's visit the kids." Dre suggested.

The kids are in their common play room. Dre started playing with the kids.

I was looking for an angelic face, Dre seemed to notice.

I approached the nurse in the room and asked for Raffy.

As I entered her room, Raffy looked up at me and gave me her sweetest smile the same way when we first met, but this time it's weaker.

"I was looking for this fighter, sweet little angel but she's not in the kids' play area. Have you seen her around?" I was trying to make her remember our last conversation.

"She's fighting her battle, that's why she's missing." She replied.

I was stunned hearing her say that as if she's an adult who has gone through a lot of difficulties in life.

"Whoa! She really is a fighter. How are you feeling, Raffy?" I asked her casually.

"I feel weak and my mouth tastes sour. I want to get out of this bed and play but Nurse Lydia said I need to get some rest and gain back my strength then I can play." She replied.

I looked at her mom who was sitting next to Raffy. She looked worried. I wanted to ask her what Raffy's real condition is but I don't want to do it in front of this sweetheart.

I tried making Raffy feel better so I said, "You're doing a great job, sweet little angel. How about this? Follow what Nurse Lydia is telling you to do and I'll visit you every day. We can play here in your room if you want."

She looked up and smiled, "I love that. Sounds like a plan."