You exist in winter

Part 8: You will be fine!

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Jay and I were stunned when we heard the news. My heart felt like it was about to jump out of my chest. Jay couldn't believe that something like this could happen, either.

The principal continued speaking. "Now, I'll give you the hospital address. When you have time, make sure to visit and take care of her. I have some work to do, so I'll leave first."

"Thank you, sir!"

We nodded to the principal and immediately headed to the hospital, where Yulia was in the emergency room. Once we arrived, I rushed straight to the reception and asked, panicky.

"WHERE IS YULIA?"

The receptionist looked at me, confused and unsure of what was going on.

"Dmitri, you're too emotional right now; go stand over there, and I'll talk to her," Jay said, pulling me back gently.

"But..."

"Just listen to me."

I went to sit on a chair, letting Jay handle the conversation. At that moment, I felt incredibly nervous, like my heart was about to burst. The worry and fear bubbling up inside made it impossible to sit still. But I had no choice but to wait for Jay to finish the procedures so we could visit her.

A few minutes later, Jay returned. "All set. She's in room 204. But she's still unconscious and needs someone to stay and take care of her."

"But she doesn't have any family left," I said, the reality hitting me hard. "It's just you and me who are closest to her."

"Yeah, that's the issue!"

I thought for a moment, then looked up at Jay.

 "Here's the thing, both of us still have school, and we can't skip classes. Exams are coming up soon, too."

Jay looked at me thoughtfully. 

"So, what do you suggest?"

"I'm thinking this: you and I will take turns watching over her. One of us will attend class and take notes, then go to the hospital to explain them to her. Then we'll switch the next day."

Jay thought for a moment, then nodded.

 "Your idea sounds reasonable."

"Yeah... In this situation, the teachers will probably understand."

I said.

"Oh, and remember to explain the lessons to her too!" 

I added.

Jay laughed.

 "I'll leave that part to you. Try to make a good impression on her."

My face turned red, and I secretly thanked Jay. I didn't expect him to be so kind to me—although he is my best friend, after all.

"Alright," I said, clearing my throat. "Let's both take today off to look after her together. We'll start the plan tomorrow. Sound good?"

"Yep, perfect! "

We agreed and took the lift up to the second floor. Since it was our first time at this hospital, it took us a bit of wandering before we finally found Yulia's room.

When we reached her room, I gently unlocked the door and tried not to make any noise as I stepped inside. Yulia lay still on the hospital bed, motionless. The beeping of the heart monitor showed that her condition was stable.

"Phew..."

I sighed in relief, seeing that she was still safe and sound.

Jay patted my shoulder.

 "See? Your wife is fine. You can breathe now."

"Yeah..." 

 "What are you talking about? Wife? What wife?!"

Jay laughed, waving it off. 

"Just kidding, man. No need to get so tense. I just wanted to lighten the mood."

"Alright, you stay here today,"

 Jay said, sobering a bit.

 "I'll go back so I can attend class tomorrow. Around 4:30 PM, we'll switch."

"Alright." I nodded, feeling a bit more grounded.

Just as Jay was about to leave, I called out. 

"Oh, Jay."

He turned around.

"Thanks, man."

Jay smiled, giving a small shrug. 

"We're friends; it's only natural to help each other. Besides, when I want to impress a girl someday, I'll need your help too!"

I looked down with a small smile. 

"Alright, I'm heading out. Take good care of her!"

"Will do."

With that, Jay left the room, leaving me alone with Yulia in the quiet space. I turned to look at Yulia, her peaceful face softened under the dim hospital light, and smiled gently.

                                                        "You'll definitely be okay."