The Edge of Reality

Chapter 21: Clarity

Ashika came to pick me up the day I got out of the hospital. I hadn't told anyone I was there before, mostly because I didn't feel like being seen but also because there wasn't really anyone to text. When she called me the last day I was there to see why I hadn't responded to her last message, I decided to tell her- I knew I would need help getting home anyway. When she came into my room, she was holding a white daisy and wore a shy smile.

"Hey," she said. "I'm glad you're okay."

"Me too," I lied, accepting the flower.

"I got that from someone's front yard," she said, pointing at it. "Pulled over for it and everything."

I laughed gently and she reached over to hug me. She was small, but very sturdy. After weeks of minimal contact with others, her embrace felt amazing and I relaxed into her. As the nurse got me checked out, Ashika took me by the hand to lead me out. It was just a friendly, protective gesture but it sent tingles up my arm.

"I was really worried when you called yesterday," she said. "Why didn't you let me know sooner? I would have come for you."

"I didn't want you to worry," I replied, laughing without humor. "That was the point."

"Well stop it," she said, trying to sound angry but laughing instead. Her car was a decent sized bronze truck, and I struggled not to laugh at the ironic contrast.

"How are you doing with everything?" she asked as she got onto the interstate.

"Uh, pretty poorly to be honest," I replied, deciding to stop pretending. "I've lost everyone that meant something to me, and almost died. It's pretty rough." I kept emotion out of my voice because I didn't want to be a pathetic ball of emotion like I keep turning into. Strangely, holding myself steady while acknowledging it kept me from feeling the full impact.

"I can't believe they did that to you, you're probably one of the best people I've ever met," she said, getting angry. "I'm your best friend now. Don't try to fight it or I'll have to attack."

"Thanks for that," I laughed for a moment and sighed lightly as I returning to resting against the headrest of the seat. "Really, thank you."

"Don't mention it," she said. "You've been really supportive of me, and I appreciate that. I wish we spent more time together. Are you busy this week?"

"Well, my boss gave me the rest of the week off," I said. "Because, you know, can't carry trays." I laughed like it was a joke to lighten the mood. That should be my default strategy in dealing with uncomfortable subjects. "Tomorrow maybe?"

"Oh, I can't that soon," she sighed. "I have a family event thing on the far side of town."

"That's okay, let me kno-"

"Unless..." she interrupted me. "You want to come? My guardian figure and I can pick you up."

"Uh, sure," I said, unsure of what a "family event" was. I'd never heard that word before.

"Great!" she exclaimed. "We'll pick you up at around 7, sorry it's so early." She was about to say more when she swerved over to the side of the road suddenly, jerking me violently to the right.

"Sorry!" she cried. "That's my friend Matillo- I didn't want him to have to walk." I looked out my window and saw a muscular young asian man. Ashika honked the horn and he looked over, bewilderment turning into a smile as he saw her. She stalled just long enough for him to jump into the backseat and sped off again.

"Thanks for the ride!" he said, upbeat words popping out like energy.

"No problem," Ashika replied. "Matillo, this is Tesha, Tesha this is Matillo."