The Strings of a Violin

8. Kito

I know she didn't remember me after the first time I helped her, but I'm not sure I could deal with this a second time.

I finally got over my cold and I come back to Mariya being in the hospital, not for her mental disorder, but because she was hit by a car.

The doctors' didn't tell me how it happened, what happened, or if she was okay or not. I know I've only known her for a few weeks, but it feels like I've known her for years.

"Mr. Ramano, would you like to see your patient Mariya now?"

I stood up quickly and followed the doctor down the narrow hallway and to her intensive care room. I knew that this would happen, but I wasn't prepared for what I was about to see beyond that door.

"Before I take you in, there's a few things you need to know first," I nodded and bit my lip. "Mariya has broken both of her legs and sustained a few broken ribs. Her head is okay, but she's in a medically induced coma right now so when she wakes up the pain doesn't overwhelm her."

I became a little shaky and the doctor led me into Mariya's room. Ellie was sat beside her holding her hand and checking her vitals making sure she was okay. When she heard us enter she ran straight for me to give me a hug.

"I'm so sorry Kito, did they tell you how they think it happened?"

I shook my head no, not being able to form any words in my mouth.

"They said that her mind wandered and she didn't even know what she was doing until the car came and hit her," she said holding me tight. "It was possible that even though she didn't want to die, it was suicide. . ."

"No," I whispered, "she's too strong to commit suicide, all she needed was a friend. Someone who cared and wanted to be near her and with her. She wanted me," I said finally coming to realization.

I sat down in the chair that Ellie had sat in moments before and I took Mariya's pale hand. Her hair was in the usual braids but this time the white wasn't so white, it almost had a red tint to it that looked stained. It was her blood. . .

I held back tears as I looked at a crushed angel that just wanted to be free. "I'm so sorry Mariya, I'm sorry I wasn't there to save you a second time. . ." I whispered to her letting my emotions finally break through the barrier.

It was stupid of me to hold back my feelings, I should never of closed up because there was someone that needed me. But I wasn't there to help.

"Ellie," I said not looking up from Mariya's face, "get me my violin, it should be in her room."

"Of course Mr. Ramano, I'll be right back," she said trying to smile even though it pained her to act that way.

"Just hold tight Mariya, you'll be okay soon."

I refused to leave Mariya's side even when my work hours were over, and the visitor hours ended. Since I was hospital staff, and with Ellie's charm, they let me stay with her.

For hours after hours I played the violin for her, hoping that even in a coma she could still hear me play. Eventually I started to write a song. I didn't want to sleep until the song was finished, but I eventually dozed off with my hand connected to Mariya's and with my forehead on her bed.

I woke up to a hand shaking me awake. I opened my eyes and turned my head to see Ellie standing behind me.

"Good morning Mr. Ramano," she said quietly as it was only about eight in the morning. "Mariya is running a slight fever, would you be a dear and open the windows?" She asked as she tided up the room and put my violin carefully back into its case.

"Sure," I stated and stood up before stretching out my back. My back cracked and I sluggishly made my way to the windows and opened them both slightly letting the cool morning air in.

"Thank you sweetie, I brought breakfast for you since I assume you won't be leaving the room anytime soon." She said putting the tray down on the table.

I ran my hand through my hair and sighed. "Thank you Ellie," I whispered, gazing down at the scrambled eggs before me. Then it hit me, my parents were going to kill me if I didn't come home eventually.

What would I do if they found out I was getting myself into the same trouble that I got myself into almost a year ago?

I know for myself that they wouldn't like it. I know they would try to force me back into my emotionless self. But Mariya was the friend that I always needed, and friends don't leave friends behind. I liked her a lot, and I'm not letting her get away just because my parents say no.

I'll break away from them, I'll fly free for once and for all.