Together We Make A Clover.

Chapter 70: it's a surprise

*2 weeks later*

I was laying in my bed while staring out my window. I felt nothing while holding the frame that had Eri, Asta, Yuno and I in it.

[I've been this way since the passing of my beloved Eri and the despair has affected me so much that my physical strength has weakened dramatically.]

To my luck, Captain Vangeance has given me all the time I need to mourn everything that I have endured.

[If it wasn't for Captain Vengeance giving me this time, I'd horrendously ruin my work as a magic knight and make things extremely worse and difficult for everyone.]

My Captain knew exactly the constant obstacles that I had faced in such a short amount of time that he was the one whom decided for me to take this leave. He even decided that Yuno should help with the first few days of my leave to assist me in trying to get out of this depressed state. Yuno did everything he could to get me to make sure I took care of myself; like eating, getting up for some training and so forth.

{To be honest, I've been selfish and such a burden to Yuno. But it feels like I have no control over anything of myself. I feel so stuck yet out of control.}

Not only does Yuno try his hardest but Belle makes so much effort as well. She will "chime" her little wings at me and will even go and kiss my cheeks to see if that will make me smile and it does, but the smile fades as quickly as it appeared. I've even been fortunate enough to have members of the Black Bulls send me letters to see how I am doing and I gather enough energy to write back but, it just becomes so short. My family back at Hage Village will do the same but I end up staining the paper with tears and the writing gets blurry so it makes it difficult to read. Klaus and Mimosa stop by a lot to check on me. They bring me food and try to help Yuno with making me feel better. Klaus treats me like a loving mother while Mimosa treats me like a loving sister. They will even lend an ear for me so I can vent but as soon as I try to talk, I burst into tears making them all worry.

But even though it seems like their efforts seem to be wasted, I always make sure to tell them that I am forever grateful and in their debt. However, it doesn't take away that in the end, no matter what they do, I feel so heavy as I gain more emptiness inside.

*Knock, Knock, Knock*

I didn't say anything as I continued with my current state of laying down, staring out the window and hugging the framed photo. The door opened and as I can tell who was coming in.

[ I still didn't budge.]

They spoke up gently as I still wasn't moving.

???: Hey Vannellope, it's Yuno.

Me: *still not turning* I know.

I heard his footsteps go around my bed and towards me. He faced me as he held a long black bag. Yuno placed it on the edge of my bed as he then sat next to me. He leaned down and smiled warmly at me.

Yuno: Happy Birthday Vannellope.

[Did I forget to mention that it's my birthday? With everything that has been going on, I've completely forgotten it's my 16th birthday.]

I mustard up the strength to get up and get into a sitting position while Yuno helped me get balanced. I finally got the courage to smile weakly at him.

Me: Thank you Yuno. I can't believe you remembered.

Yuno: How can I forget such an important day of the person I care most about?

Me: With everything that has been happening, the way I've selfishly lyed around and not even asking how you are. I thought my birthday would be the last thing to think about. I've clearly forgotten about it.