Gratitude

Wait

Nishikata POV

-------------------------------

The Hospital took her. They're transporting her to the ER, they told me that next time I need to call an ambulance instead of running to the hospital. I don't know how long it's been. could've been 15 minutes, could have been 6 days. Don't know.

My mom called.

"Sweetie, where are you?" She asked. Right, I hadn't told her yet. She might ground me forever, but if she tells me to leave i'm saying no. I'm not gonna leave. I won't. Takagi is here because of me. I'm gonna protect her when she wakes up. If she wakes up.

No she will wake up.

"I'm at the hospital." I say. It's the first time I heard my voice in what feels like hours. It's dry and dead. Dead. Dying. She won't be right?

I can't believe that Takagi won't without reason.

Takagi. I keep thinking of her name without the honorific. I guess it doesn't matter now. "WHAT?! WHAT HAPPENED?! ARE YOU OKAY?" She yelled through the speaker. I'm not okay. I want to be with her. I can't though I have to stay by Takagi.

Stay and Protect.

"Yes. I'm fine. Takagi was ran over." I wasn't crying. Like all the tears evaporated so long ago. Takagi. Where are you? What is heaven like?

Did you make it there?

No no no no no. She isn't dead. she is alive. She's strong so I know she can fight through. "Oh, My god. Yuki, is sh-

"no. she can't"

She can't

She can't

She can't

Let that be true.

Please.

"Yuki.. I'll be sure to pray for her." She said. She wanted to tell me to accept the possibility. She knew it was useless.

"Mom, I'm gonna be here as long as it takes to get news. You can do whatever to punish me, but I need to be there when it happens." I told her. I have conviction even though my voice wont say. What about Mano, Sumire..... Her parents. It's my fault. That's why no matter how much I suffer for this. It will be worth it.

"I won't ground you. Yuki, be safe. I love you."

She hung up. I was left with my thoughts. I'm going to sleep.

CRACK

No.... I can't.