Untold Part 1: The Strength Within

Chapter 9: Resurfaced

Fusae and two paramedics, two black cattle breeds in uniform, are discussing Mabaru's condition. One of them grabs a small notepad documenting her account.

"It's true. Iteijyu told me he fainted. I rushed to the door and checked for a pulse. I'm worried about him." Fusae supports her head with her arm. She feels she didn't do enough to save Mabaru.

"It's likely burn out. You mentioned he was exercising with his friend. Do you know how long?" The paramedic eases in as he writes his documentation.

"I don't know. I should've asked but I don't want to interrupt Iteijyu." she answers.

"It's okay. His blood pressure and heart rate is fine. I'm glad you called us." The other paramedic convenes with them after checking on Mabaru.

The paramedic glances at Iteijyu sleeping. "Poor kid. He carried him all the way here?"

"Iteijyu said they weren't far off. Almost a block away I think."

"He could've called on the spot. It just had to happen at the wrong time. I don't blame him. When Mabaru wakes up, I need him to recover for a day or two. Check his pulse, breathing, or discoloration until he's good."

"Hey buddy, why do you have to ask her? Fusae's a nursing student. She knows all of this." He nudges his arm to the other's arm. There was no point in instructing Fusae if she's a nurse.

He ignores his behavior. "We're doing our job. Be serious for once. Fusae, thank you for calling us. Mabaru owes you one. I hope you're doing well with your social worker."

"I do what I can to help my grandmother."

"You're a good kid y'know? See you at work."

The paramedics left and Fusae sighs in relief. She puts both her hands on her waist and exhales a big breath. So much is happening for her. Fusae is used to dealing with patients at Esari Springs but not helping her neighbor.

"God... I can't do everything. What is Nakari going to do? Why is this so hard?" She talks to herself.

Iteijyu slowly opens his eyes and hears Fusae. She takes a deep breath and walks to her room afterward. He then squints his eyes to see Mabaru resting on the couch with his legs elevated. All of the burning thoughts of what to do begin to intensify internally. But, he doesn't have the energy to think about them. Iteijyu has had enough with them. He needs to sleep. He shuts his eyes again.

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Mabaru is sitting on the carpet in front of the patio door. The translucent sky embraces his warmth onto him. He hears Iteijyu rustle and looks at him.

"You're up." Mabaru comments. His eyes are exhausted.

"Hey. What are you doing?" Iteijyu leans his head forward.

"Stargazing. It looks nice, see? Just like back at the hospital." He points his hand at the sky.

Mabaru isn't wrong. The night sky is illuminating a hazy turquoise with flickering stars. The city far off from Fusae's apartment shines greatly with its yellow lights. It's serene to him. Mabaru slowly puts his right hand on his chest and ponders to himself.

"What's wrong?" Iteijyu sits next to him cross-legged.

"I remember the loud voices. They were bad. Almost too familiar. It kept telling me 'I'm not good,' 'I'm a liar,' 'I'm not strong.' Everything was blamed on me. Why is it me? Am I responsible for all of this?"

"I... I don't know."

"Iteijyu. I'm scared. No matter what, Jidai made me like this. What's the point of this training if I can't forget him? Am I being strong only to set myself up? It's a never ending loop for me. Everything will just be the same. I'm just running away from him. It's stupid. I can't move on. What am I?" He struggles to find his words. He's scared to admit he's not getting any better. All of the beliefs he knew before were right all along. He should've learned better in the first place.