The Space in Between

Chapter 20

As I walked out of the hospital, I saw him standing by his car across the street.

Dre smiled at me the moment I appeared out of the revolving hospital door. I smiled back. I can't explain the lightness of his aura that day, as if he's glowing.

"Did you have fun with the kids today?" he asked when I reached the car.

I gave him a surprise look because I didn't tell him that I went to see the kids. He noticed it and smiled. "Where do you want to go?"

"Not really sure. Do you have a place in mind?" I asked back.

He looked on the side, thought for a moment and said, "Hmmm. Get in the car, let's just drive around."

"Sounds like a great plan." I teased.

I was at ease when I sat inside his car. It has a relaxing smell like an ocean breeze or newly changed linen.

I got back into my thoughts then I turned to him, "What made you think I was with the kids earlier?"

"The smile from your eyes." He answered.

My confused stare made him glance before speaking, "it's the same look you had the first time I took you in the kids' ward when you were talking to Raffy. I wish you had that kind of look more often. You seemed more relaxed and happy."

I nodded. In my head, I replied, I wish that too.

Dre turned the music that added the chill vibe of that moment. We're almost leaving the city and he turned to the corner. Suddenly, the street we're on changed to a lush green scenery.

He may have seen the slight excitement on my face so he turned down the windows. Without any thoughts, I automatically moved closer to the window and smelled the breeze. Ah, that is so refreshing.

Absent-mindedly, I said, "Wow, the sky is so beautiful today. I haven't seen anything like it." My eyes were fixed on the picture-perfect view in front of us. The sky is tri-tone: light blue on the top, purple on the middle and pink at the bottom then green trees guarding it on the side. It's like I was looking at a painting.

"What do you mean you haven't seen anything like it?" Dre interfered with my bewilderment and smirked at me.

I know he's making fun of me but I felt ashamed as if I'm missing something. Then he continued, "That's how it looks at this time of the day when the weather is great. I guess this is the first time you've been here."

He's right. I wasn't even aware that this place exists. "And I guess, I have to look up more so I won't be missing any wonderful things in front of me." I answered with a timid smile. We continued driving towards the beautiful sky.