The Moon Knows How to Play

Epilogue

Epilogue

When I opened my eyes, a blinding white light greeted me. I winced, shutting them again as pain shot through me. Slowly, I turned my head to the side and dared to open them once more. The very first thing I saw was Elunar—sleeping beside me.

My vision adjusted to the brightness, and I got a clearer look at her face.

A smile tugged at my lips. The IV needle taped to my hand and the sharp, sterile smell of disinfectant told me everything I needed to know—I was in a hospital. So, I survived?

As though sensing the weight of my gaze, Elunar's lashes fluttered. She stirred awake, blinking groggily before her eyes widened. Her lips trembled into a smile, her expression filled with relief and surprise at the sight of me conscious.

"You shouldn't be here," I murmured hoarsely, my throat dry. "You should be resting at home."

"The house is still under investigation... besides, it's half destroyed." Her voice cracked with a bitter smile. "You took two gunshot wounds, Thunder. It's a miracle you made it—if they hadn't acted fast, you would have bled out. Do you feel pain? Should I call the doctor?"

I shook my head weakly. "How long was I asleep?"

"One week," she replied softly. Her expression darkened. "My sister... she's in a mental health institution now."

I felt her voice grow heavy, weighed down with grief. I reached for her hand, squeezing it faintly. "Let's not talk about her," I said. She forced a smile, but I could see the hurt in her eyes. Losing a sister to madness was not something easily accepted, not when she was family—once loved, once trusted.

"Wait, I need the bathroom." She stood quickly, moving toward the restroom attached to our private room. My eyes followed her, lingering on the gentle swell of her belly before she disappeared behind the door.

Just as the door closed, the main entrance opened. Tornado stepped inside, followed by Mama and Papa.

Tornado gave me a faint, sad smile. It hit me then how distant we had grown over the past few months. He spoke briefly, saying he would be visiting Fairel before he left. Mama and Papa also stayed for a short while, talking and fussing over me, before finally taking their leave.

The moment they were gone, the restroom door clicked open again and Elunar came out.

"Are you hungry?" she asked.

I shook my head.

"Thirsty?"

I shook my head again, then smirked. "Horny."

Her eyes widened in disbelief before she stormed toward me and slapped my cheek. "You're lying in a hospital bed, fresh from surgery, and that's what you're thinking about?!" Her face flushed crimson, her voice sharp.

I grinned through the sting. "You said I've been unconscious for a week. That means one whole week without making love to you. Do you realize how much I've bottled up? I need to release it somehow."

"Oh my gosh!" she groaned, throwing her hands in the air. "God forbid our daughter, Lunar Moon, inherits your shamelessness!"

I chuckled, amused by her outrage. "Honestly, I want to get out of this hospital already. Elunar, maybe you should go home and rest there too? I don't like you being here too long—you could catch something, and it won't be good for your health or the baby's. Once I'm discharged, then we can... continue where we left off." I smirked.

She glared at me. "You never even gave me the papaya I asked for! You're on your own."

My mouth dropped open. "I did! I picked one that day—I just forgot it in the car!"