Imagine Us in Heaven

Basket Full of Dreams

For the past few days, I've grown accustomed to waking up beside a stunning figure with wings. Our routine can be exhausting, given my night shifts, and I only get to see him in the mornings. Nina tells me that Winter remains awake during the day, spending most of his time waiting for me. Despite the pins stabilizing his wings, he still enjoys watching television. Yet, I can't help but notice something troubling: the bones in his wings aren't connecting properly.

I try not to think that our efforts are in vain; that thought feels too disheartening. It's not that I'm trying to heal Winter just to send him away. It's more that I worry I'm not capable of caring for such a fragile creature.

However, my perspective is slowly shifting after meeting Carlos, Nina, Alison, and Jake. As much as I hate to admit it, their support has made the burden lighter. Alison visits frequently, sometimes accompanied by Jake, sometimes alone. She always brings a variety of things for Winter, treating him like a child she wants to nurture. I once suggested to her that if she feels so maternal, she should consider starting a family right away. She laughed it off but acknowledged that it was part of their plans, though she wasn't in any hurry.

"How's the bird?" Markus asks, just as he's about to finish his shift and I'm gearing up to start mine. I can't help but wonder if there's anything else on his mind besides birds---just birds and more birds.

A frown settles on my face as I respond curtly, "It's fine."

Markus raises an eyebrow. "When are you going to show it to me?"

I quickly counter, "Oh, that would be---never. Besides, I've already talked to a wildlife service officer. They'll take the bird once it's healed." It's a lie, but Markus doesn't need to know the truth. There's no way I'm letting him catch even a glimpse of Winter.

In this life, I trust only a few people, most of whom are from my past---like Clement and Alison. It's not that Markus isn't trustworthy or that he's a bad guy. He's actually alright, but he's definitely an oddball, and I mean that kindly. His obsession with anything that has wings is a bit much. If he ever saw Winter, I can't even imagine how he'd react.

I go through my usual workday, which includes a heated exchange with Ana, who keeps bossing me around as if she owns the place. By the time my shift ends, I head out, relieved to see the sparkling blue sky.

Thanks to Ana's constant reproach, I didn't get to enjoy my one-hour break and ended up chain-smoking a whole box of Marlboro. Needless to say, I'm starving. I pass by my favorite newspaper stand, where I usually hang out to smoke, and next to it is a hotdog stand.

As I devour my food, I glance around and spot the bar across the street, which is usually bustling at night. This morning, however, it's busy with someone putting up posters on its windows. It's one of the most popular bars in the area, known for attracting celebrities because of its secluded location, which makes it hard for paparazzi to snap photos.

My brow furrows as I notice one of the posters. Despite being at a distance, its massive size makes it stand out among the others. What catches my attention, though, is the close-up image of a face that seems to be staring directly at me in an accusatory manner. I nearly drop my hotdog in shock.

You've got to be kidding me...

Am I seeing this right? I blink and rub my eyes, but the image doesn't change. I'm not daydreaming---across from that famous bar is the face of a man who used to be my best friend: Gavin Dunn.

✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺

The stressful day at work finally melts away as soon as I step inside what I now consider home. Lately, any place with Winter in it feels like home. A smile spreads across my face as he rushes to greet me. I open my arms to embrace him and bury my face in his collarbone, inhaling the blend of fruity scent, cedar, and morning dew. This simple moment feels like pure heaven.