Ephemeral Reverie

UNDER THE MOONLIT STARS TONIGHT

CH19: UNDER THE MOONLIT STARS TONIGHT

As the morning sun filtered through the windows of Soren's music studio, it cast a long shadow across the scattered pen and papers, as well as the scattered crumpled paper that surrounds his chair and desk. Ever since Thalia got admitted to the hospital, a gnawing anxiety had taken her every day, growing as each day passed.

Soren stretched out, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from another night he spent hunching over his work. He then glanced at the clock on her desk, realizing that he needed to leave. With a sense of urgency, he gathered and tidied up his things. He then hurriedly went down to say goodbye to his mother.

The thought of seeing Thalia again filled him with a mix of excitement and anxiety. He planned everything meticulously, hoping that it would all work out. The school dance party for currently graduated students is a perfect opportunity for him; he is determined to make it the most special moment for Thalia.

Before he goes to the hospital, he decides to drop by the cake shop to buy some cookies and milkshakes for Thalia as a mini surprise for her. Although he already asked her to be with him tonight, he wants to make it more formal today. With a pack of cookies, a milkshake, and some balloons, he put them in his compartment.

As he reached the hospital, he went first to Thalia's doctor's clinic. As he stood in front of the doctor's clinic, he felt a sense of tension in his stomach.

"Good morning, Doc," he greeted as he entered the clinic. "I am Thalia's boyfriend; I would like to ask for your permission if Thalia can go out tonight with me."

The serious look of the doctor gives him less hope. "I know that you are already aware of what her condition is."

He loses hope; luckily, he has a backup plan with him. Thorne already coordinated with the hospital's medical director, and they let them borrow the vacant room in the hospital. That vacant room is used solely for patients when they want to hold birthday parties and even wedding ceremonies.

"I can let you but bring her back in the hospital before the clock strikes 11." The doctor's words feel like a melody in his ears. He felt relieved, as if he had been pulled out by a thorn. It was indeed a nice moment to spend his hours with Thalia tonight.

"Thank you, doctor," he replied sincerely.

The doctor's gaze became serious. "You must be vigilant. Bring her back immediately once she shows any sign of fatigue. Don't wait any longer; any strains could be detrimental to her health."

A sense of relief washed over her. He thanked the doctor profusely.

He bid goodbye to the doctor, bringing back the promise he had made.

Running to the parking lot where his car is parked, he fetches the things that he bought a while ago. The milkshake's ice seems to melt, and he hopes that the taste will stay the same. He hurriedly went back inside and reached for the elevator on the third floor, where Thalia's room is. As the elevator door opened, he let out a deep breath and fixed his hair and clothes.

Thalia was busy doing her paintings again, and her eyes lit up as soon as she saw him. Despite the tubes snaking from her arms as well as the beeping machines that connect with her, she still managed to greet him with a warm smile.

"Hey, stranger," he teasingly greeted him with a smile spreading across his face.

"Hey yourself," Thalia replied.

Thalia becomes speechless as she sees Soren with food and balloons in his hands.

Looking timid, he began, "I know I already asked you to join me at the school dance party yesterday, but it seemed too informal, so I am asking you today." He stepped closer to her as he took her hand in his. "Can you be my date for tonight's dance event? "