The Summer Mist

Chapter I: Waves Don't Dissipate

Chapter I: Waves Don't Dissipate

The smell of paper is an odd scent. I can't really tell if it is a good or bad smell. In some ways, the scent of an old book is nostalgic, but is it because of the dust? If it is, then isn't it a bit weird to like the smell of it? Half the time, it can be overwhelming due to how old the book is, so this whole experience is weird... Even new books have their own distinct signature, letting you know that this particular title was made recently. I have no idea if I seem like a freak for that, but it's always interesting to go to a book store and peruse their selection of stories from decades ago to now.

The book in my hand closes with a resounding clap as a breath escapes my lips. The store has a large selection of titles, but not many of them interest me. I was hoping to find something new and interesting to read during my downtime, but nothing has caught my eye so far. Instead, I've run into a bunch of half-baked ideas that try to introduce an interesting twist that I can see from a mile away. Really, why does it seem like every story is trying to be emphatic with their portrayal? Many of these stories have been told better before...

Looking to my left, I see Sunset looking through some books in the science section. She already has two books in her arms. Both of them seem to be time periods with some romance plot, judging from the covers. However, the book she is holding onto right now does not have much on the cover except for a few words.

"Cancer: What you need to know. Dos and don'ts of care," I whisper to myself with a slow sigh. The title is dreadfully boring, but the fact that she's looking at that is concerning... Taking a deep breath, I walk over to her, bumping her shoulder. "We agreed to look at the facts together and to not worry too much about it." Sunset seems a little startled from my presence, but she gives me a half nod, her eyes still glued to the page.

"I know. Just give me a minute..." Her voice is heavy with concern, almost like she is in another plane of existence while she desperately searches the pages for a cure. Something that could help... As much as I appreciate her concern, this can't be good for her. Every time I turn my back, I catch her looking at something cancer related. Websites, academic journals, medical resources, and now a book. It's nice to have someone I can rely on, but this kind of stress is eating her up on the inside... It's only been a couple of weeks too. We still have a lot of time to look at treatments and options.

"I hope you remember that I don't want the others to know," I whisper to her, closing the book with my hand. "Not yet at least." Sunset jerks the book away from my hand, opening it again. She walks a few steps away from me, pretending to ignore me. The way her body is so stoic is a false sign of confidence. I know she's scared... She's worried beyond comparison and there's nothing I can do to stop it. At times, this bravado makes me wish that I had not told her, but I know that would have just made things worse... At least with this outcome, I am letting her know I trust her completely to have my back. There's nothing I can do to lessen the concern. I just have to help her know it is okay to take a moment to breathe.

"I know, but I still want to buy this book," Sunset tells me with a shrug, closing it and adding it to the other two books in her arms. Something tells me that even if I tried, I wouldn't be able to stop her.

"Okay, but keep it out of sight of Sonata and Aria." I walk beside her towards the front of the store. I can't lie. This all worries me too, but I've mainly been burying myself in my work in the last couple of weeks to avoid the thoughts. The more I've thought about it, the less scary it feels. I mean, I've got my magic back. I knew hundreds of spells. It's just a small tumor... All I need to do is find the right spell to use. Sure, magic works differently in this world, but I am still adept at the craft. I did not spend thousands of years perfecting my voice to lose it all. Especially now that I have friends... Now that I have her in my life...

"I picked this one out because I thought it would be interesting to read together," Sunset mentions as she holds up a book about two fantasy elves in a classic illegal love scenario. Romance is something she's always been hooked on.

"Read together?" I ask her with a chuckle, trying to keep the conversation going. The more I can distract her, the less she will worry. Hopefully... Besides, it's nice to just talk with her.

"Yeah~ I was thinking if we have a hard time sleeping, we could cuddle and take turns reading. Even if it is a mediocre story, I'm sure I will love it if it's an experience with you." Sunset's cheeks blush for a moment, turning her gaze away from my own. The idea of a moment like that is cute. Happy. It reminds me of all the memories we've made thus far. And all the happy memories we may have left to make...

"If the story is the worst of them all, I'm sure it would still be a nice funny memory with you," I tell her quietly, resting my head on her shoulder. Even though we are waiting in line to buy these books, it feels oddly isolated here. Maybe because it is quiet, but it feels like the only person near me is her.

The truth is that she is the only person that matters right now...

Sure, my friends deserve to know what is going on, but they can wait a while longer. The last thing I want is a lot of pity and worry flooding my way. Instead, I just want to live my life to the fullest.

Looking towards Sunset, her face is so solemn. Quiet... I know that I have to keep going. For her. There's no way in hell I have come this far just to let her down now... Just to leave her broken. You'll see, Sunset... There's no reason to worry. We'll be okay. Just wait and see.