Entwined

Chapter 6: Pieces

I woke up from the sound of my alarm, I groggily rubbed my eyes awake and checked on the clock, 8:01. It took a while to process what I saw and it needed another look before I panicked. I was going to be late for class but then I remembered the doctor's advice. I calmed down and stared at the ceiling looking for the motivation to stand up and... Abygail.

I need to visit Aby today, I thought as I head out the door towards my bathroom.

I opened the valve and let the shower drip down on my face, washing away the sleepiness that I once had. While the shower runs, I recalled the events that happened that day. The memory feels so vivid I can almost live it again, each second engraved to my being like dust stuck to my skin. It was unusual— the crow, the dream I had and Mr. D. What are these weird occurrences?

After getting a change of clothes I headed downstairs, and I was greeted by an appetizing scent coming from my kitchen. I almost forgot about Melody living here temporarily.

"Good morning, Mel. What're you cooking?" I asked, taking a seat beside the kitchen table.

"Oh, hello. It's a secret, and are you going somewhere?" she asked when she noticed my get up.

"I'm visiting Abygail." I replied.

She smiled and served the food in front of me. I noticed it was the leftover curry from last night, but something tells me it's not the same. Eager to discover the difference, I immediately took a bite of it. And my suspicions rung true, it was a lot different than what we had last night. It was a much tastier meal, surprised to know she can make it tastier than last night.

"Wow, are you sure you're not a chef?" I complimented. "If this is going to be an everyday thing, I will never miss a meal."

She giggled at my comments and offered to fill my plate again. She's such a kind person, putting up with this just to lift me up. I can't help but feel relief knowing that she's here.

"Thank you, Mel. You have no idea how much I appreciate everything you do." I expressed my gratitude. "The things you did for me in the past and well, in the present. I don't know what I did to deserve someone like you."

She appeared shocked and went behind me while I lowered my gaze, feeling embarrassed. Moments later I felt her arms wrapped around me and I realized, she was hugging me.

"I'd do anything for you, Easty. Just say the word... I'm always here for you." She said while tightening her hug. "I'm sorry, I had to leave you for a while."

I felt the need to break it off and properly give her a hug. We stayed like that for a few seconds and we eventually broke off. She wiped her eyes clean and told me to be safe when she sent me off.

Melody...

After a quick ride on a taxi, I arrived at the hospital. Before I went in, I noticed vendors selling all kinds of products in the distance. I get closer to check it out, maybe I could bring a little gift to auntie and Aby. As I got closer, I noticed that there's also flowers on sale. I walked closer and examined the flowers.

"Hello lad, you buying flowers for a loved one? A friend? Or someone you care about in that hospital nearby?" the vendor said, showcasing the variety of flowers in display.

"I guess for someone sick," I replied.

"Then, what you need is chrysanthemums. Right here," she said and pointed at a beautiful white flower. "It symbolizes longevity and rejuvenation, perfect for someone that you care about."

Getting swayed by the vendor's words, I decided to buy some to put on the hospital. I also noticed some fruit vendors nearby and decided to buy a few apples for auntie. After getting my hands full, it was time to finally head inside. As I walk inside, I noticed a group of people that I recognize, it took me a few moments to remember, but they were the people that stuck to Abygail. They glared at me on their way back and started to talk with one another in hushed tones, not hiding the fact that they were talking about me. I decided to ignore them and head straight to Abygail's.