The Disconsolate Maiden

Chapter Twenty-Two

After having a complete breakdown in front of both of her parents in the hospital room, Homura, eyes red and puffy from crying, was led to the nearest bathroom by a kind nurse.

Splashing ice cold water on her face, Homura's bottom lip trembled as she tried not to face the truth anymore than she had to.

"The only time I'm correct is when something bad is going to happen..." Homura thought to herself, proceeding to blow her nose as water from her face dripped onto her skirt. "I wish I would die. That's what everyone wants anyways..."

Homura threw her tissue in the garbage can and sighed, wiping her face on several paper towels, which she had just grabbed.

Looking back at herself in the mirror, all she seemed to see was her sister, not Homura. The girl who always encouraged her. The girl who loved her more than her friends at school. The girl who saved her life. The girl who should still be alive.

Shaking her head, Homura left the women's bathroom, deciding to go for a quick walk to distract herself.

She knew she should have been spending time with her mother, but seeing her mother only made her feel depressed, knowing she wouldn't be there tomorrow, or the next day, or the next.

Walking down the busy hallways of the hospital, from the back in the distance, Homura recognized a certain person. A bouquet of flowers could be seen in their arms as they knocked on a door to a hospital room.

Homura stopped in her tracks, staring at the person from several feet away.

Another person opened the door from the other side, smiling as they took the flowers from the person, spoke with them for a moment, then closed the door again.

"Jyushimatsu...?" Homura whispered, squinting her eyes in confusion. "Why is he here...?"

The boy turned around, his eyes immediately resting an Homura, his bright smile faded away.

Jyushimatsu broke into a run, dashing up to his friend from school.

Sadly, he grabbed Homura by her shoulders, surprising even himself that he did such. He was so worried and confused at why Homura was in the same hospital.

"What's wrong? You look sad," Jyushimatsu said, wrapping his arms around her, hugging her. "Well, whatever it is, don't he sad! Today is a pretty day! We should never waste time letting sorrows hold us down in life! Time keeps moving!"

Homura began to shake, still trying to hold back tears.

Her breath was hot on Jyushimatsu's neck as she buried her head in his shoulder.

"I'm sorry," Homura sighed as Jyushimatsu pushed her away, looking her up and down, a worried expression remaining on his face.

"What's wrong, Homura? Why are you here too?" Jyushimatsu asked innocently, hoping he wouldn't upset her.

"I-I..." Homura stammered, her sister's bright smile flashing throughout her mind as she stared at Jyushimatsu.

"Do you have to go anywhere right now?" Jyushimatsu asked, tilting his head a little.

Homura shook her head. "I'm not busy..."

"We should go to that cafe nearby, then! Maybe that'll cheer you up!" Jyushimatsu exclaimed, laughing a little as he took Homura's hand in his, squeezing it tightly, breaking into a run.

Startled, Homura stumbled to her feet, running with Jyushimatsu down the stairs of the hospital.

Jyushimatsu laughed a little as he weaved around several nurses, Homura apologizing along the way.