You exist in winter

Part 11: Exams

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Night had fallen. I was carrying Yulia in my arms, walking towards the hospital. The road from here to the hospital felt peaceful. Occasionally, an evening breeze would sweep by, bringing a slight chill. The sky tonight was clear, revealing stars that had been hidden for so long behind clouds. I was about to pull my coat up around her neck to keep her warm when she slowly opened her eyes and asked:

"Is that you, Dmitri? What time is it?"

I looked at her with a smile and replied:

"It's 7 p.m. You've been sleeping for over two hours."

Suddenly, Yulia pointed up at the sky and said:

"Look, stars! It's been ages since I last saw them!"

I looked up and said with a smile:

"Yes, they're beautiful, aren't they?"

"But not as beautiful as you," I whispered.

"Hm? What did you say?" she asked, a little surprised.

I shook my head.

"Nothing. Don't worry about it."

Reaching the hospital door, I placed Yulia in a wheelchair and pushed her towards her room. When we arrived, I gently lifted her onto the bed and said:

"In a while, Jay will be here to take over for me. I have exams tomorrow at school, so I can't stay with you tonight."

Yulia looked at me and replied:

"I know, so go study for your exam. Jay's been my childhood friend, after all! You don't need to worry about me."

I didn't respond, just looked at her with a gentle smile. I placed my hand on her head and ruffled her hair lightly. She didn't say anything, just looked down, a bit flustered. Suddenly, my phone rang.

"Wait for me a second, alright?" I told her before stepping outside to answer the call.

"Hey, Jay?" I asked.

Jay's voice came through from the other end of the line.

"Yeah, it's me. I'm here, waiting in the lobby. Come down and bring me up, will you?"

"Okay, hold on a sec."

I went back into Yulia's room and said, "Jay's here. I'll go down and get him. Just wait for me, alright?"

Yulia smiled and replied, "I know. My legs are like this; where could I possibly go?"

"Oh, right! I forgot," I chuckled.

With that, I stepped out and closed the door. I walked to the lift, pressed the button to go down to the lobby, where Jay was waiting. When I reached the first floor, the lift chimed, and the doors opened. I looked around and spotted him, sitting with a coffee, still wearing his backpack.

"He probably brought his notes along to study. We're in the same class, after all," I thought to myself. Smiling, I walked over and tapped him on the shoulder, breaking him from his focus on his phone.

"Been waiting long?" I asked.

"No, just got here a little while ago," he replied.

"Brought your notes to study too, huh?" I asked, glancing at his backpack.

"Yeah, we've got exams tomorrow, same as you. Figured I'd keep Yulia company and study at the same time. Two birds with one stone!"

"You're really that efficient, huh?" I teased.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Jay said, giving me a slightly annoyed look.

"Just kidding. Thanks for coming to look after her tonight. I owe you one; I'll treat you to a meal sometime."

Jay chuckled. "Don't mention it. It's my turn to take care of her anyway."

"Alright, come on, I'll show you to her room," I said, leading him to the lift. On the way up, I took off my visitor's badge and handed it to him.

"Here, put this on."

When the lift doors opened, we stepped out and walked leisurely to Yulia's room. Reaching the door, I carefully turned the handle and opened it gently, trying not to wake her if she was sleeping. Entering, I saw her sound asleep on her bed. I raised a finger to my lips, signaling Jay to keep quiet.

"Alright then, I'll leave her to you now. Take good care of her, okay?" I whispered.

Jay smiled and nodded, whispering back, "You can count on me."

I bent down, gave Yulia's head a soft pat, and then turned to leave. On my way out, I clasped Jay's shoulder and said softly, "She's in your hands now."

I walked out and closed the door behind me. Glancing at my watch, it was already 7 p.m.

I let out a sigh.

"Looks like tonight's going to be a long one."