𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: THE NOTICE

As the night finally became day, Elara woke up with a sinking feeling of dread. She was going to have to leave the hospital eventually, since she couldn't stay forever. But the idea of going out into the world on her own again was terrifying. She didn't want to leave. She liked the comfort of the hospital room, where Aurelius was waiting at any given moment. She liked the feeling of being taken care of, even if it was by a doctor who was obligated to do so.

She might not ever see him again, and for some reason, that made her sad. He was certainly very attractive, there was no denying that - but it went beyond shallow attraction. He was caring and kind, qualities that were rare to find in such a callous world. His compassion was radiant, and the sad truth was that he was bound to be taken by someone. Men like that were often already taken, and if he was, then his partner was very lucky. She wondered if she would ever get to meet anyone like him again. She had hoped to avoid growing any sense of attachment to him, but she couldn't help feeling a little sentimental now. Maybe she would be heartless if she didn't. 

Don't feel anything toward anyone, that was the best way to keep herself from getting hurt again. She'd already been hurt so many times, she wasn't looking for more heartache in her life, and Aurelius Crane was no exception to that saga. It was best to keep him at a distance as much as possible. 

Elara exhaled as she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her shirt and pants. They were the same simple black t-shirt and jeans that she had worn. Apparently Doctor Crane had saved them for her the night she was brought in, and she was glad for that. It felt a bit strange knowing that these were the clothes she had tried to kill herself in, but she didn't want to think of it like that. It was the start of a new chapter of her life, the one where she lived whether she wanted to or not. The only thing she could do now was look for ways to move forward.

She was a new person now, and it was time for her to make the most of the new life she had been given. She had to keep reminding herself to be grateful. She didn't know how many people would give everything they had to be in her position, to be given a second chance at life. Even if it was difficult, she was looking forward to seeing what her new purpose was in this existence. After all, she wanted to think she had been forced to live for a reason. Otherwise, why else would the universe have given her a second chance? Not that she had asked for it, and she still didn't feel worthy of it whatsoever, but that was beyond the point now. 

Whether she liked it or not, it seemed like she had been chosen. 

Once everything felt in place, Elara made sure the pocket watch was secure in her pocket. She was still trying to wrap her mind around how it even got into the physical world in the first place, but she had decided figuring that out was more energy than it was worth right now, and she was just glad to have a piece of her family with her. That was all she needed to know right now, and maybe the rest would come later. Besides, it was comforting. No matter how strange it was, she felt like she had a piece of her father with her, and that was enough to make her feel a little better. 

With her father's presence with her, maybe she would find the strength to get through the challenges ahead. She had a feeling it was going to take quite a bit of energy to get settled back into the routine of her life. She hoped for a peaceful day ahead, but that probably wasn't going to happen because she still had so many things to sort out, but still. It was nice to pretend.

She gave the room one final glance, appreciating for a moment the place that had become her gateway to this second chance. Logically, it was just a simple room in a simple hospital, but this place felt special to her now. But she hoped she would never come back here again, even if to meant a chance at seeing Doctor Crane. She wanted to get as far away from this place as much as possible so she could get back to living her life. Or rather, what was left of it.