the other side of the curtain

07

"M?"

"Yeah?"

"Oh you're awake."

"Unlike some people, I do wake up early."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Um..are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. It's just..."

"Just?"

"I'm leaving soon."

"Oh. What about the infection?"

"Apparently it's not a serious infection. The doctor says it'll be cleared in a few days."

"Oh..."

"Yeah..."

"..."

"M?"

"..."

"M?"

"...y-yeah?"

"A-are you crying?"

"...no."

"I'm sorry."

"You don't have to be."

"I don't want you to cry. Why are you crying?"

"I...Well, I guess I'm just sad. We've only known each other for a week or so, but you're a really great friend, you know?"

"Yeah, I know I'm awesome."

"Yeah right. And when you leave this place, we'll probably never see each other again. So I just feel really sad."

"I'll visit you."

"...for real?"

"Duh. That's what friends are supposed to do. Don't tell me your friends have never visited you before."

"They've never come."

"What!? Why!? They aren't good friends."

"You can't blame them, Rivers. Can you imagine setting aside time every week to go to the hospital to visit a friend?"

"Yes if it's you."

"...really?"

"Obviously. You're a great friend too. And I know it seems crazy, M, but I think I kinda like you. Like, I know I'm supposed to be a lovesick moron over Emery Leens, but, I don't know..."

"Well, I kinda like you too."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You're a good guy."

"Then give me your number."

"What?"

"Give me your number?"

"Okay, fine, since you've been such a great friend."

[ says phone number]

[saves phone number]

"Now give me yours."

"You'll get it when I call you."

"What? No! Give me yours!"

"Patience, dear M, patience."

"Rivers!"

"What?"

"I hate you."

"Aw, thanks, M!"

"...Marie."

"What?"

"It's like a stage name."

"You still don't want to tell me your real name?

"...yeah."

"Oh, well, if that's what you want."

☮️ - ☮️

this story is gonna be pretty short. i think i'm gonna end it in a few chapters? anyways, how was this chapter? feedback is appreciated!

-ohkayed :-)