Project: Karma

56 | Comes and Goes

<Nagisa>
Within my 4th week at the hospital, the nurses would regularly come flaunting over the 7 months old baby, residing within me. The baby bump is very noticeable that I still couldn't believe it myself. Naoko was the one to point it out first when he came to visit me in my room, on how big my stomach had gotten. While they were lifting me onto the bed, he made us aware of it.

With everything faintly calm within my mental state. I was able to think for myself. What happened had really happened that day and where did everyone go? One person that came to mind was Shi.

"I heard that Project Itona was saved as well." Naoko spoke while sipping the tea the nurses had made, "Koro-sensei rung up his family and were able to reunite them." He explained.

"Is that so?" I wondered.

"It's great news that Koro-sensei was able to do such wizardry. It's outlandish that he's capable of such things. A brilliant man." Naoko praised.

"Yes, Koro-sensei is miracle worker." I agreed. "But he needs to stop barging into my room with flowers every single day. I think I'll contract allergies." I sighed.

We both stared at the circulation of bouquets that's surrounded us. Naoko chuckled lightly and picked one up, twirling it within his hands.

"They are gorgeous though." He commented.

I sat back and gazed at the window. The little kids playing in the court yard and the nurses having conversations with the patients. For how long until I can leave? That was always on my mind.

"That reminds me, you're getting released in two days right?" I brought up.

"That's the plan." Naoko nodded his head.

"That's good. You'll be with your sister too."

"Yeah...it's almost too fictional to believe." Naoko leaned back and looked at the white speckled clock. He made a face like he was injured and crouched over.

"Naoko, are you alright?" I questioned worryingly, "want me to call the nurse?"

He raised his head and shook.
"Nothing serious, just slight pain." He assured, "comes around sometimes, nothing to fret over." He added.

"O-okay." I moved back to where I was on the bed. Naoko's forehead began to sweat a little and I felt like he was lying to me.

"I think you should go back to your room." I pointed out, "you look exhausted." Naoko seemed like the confrontation was too much for him.

"Maybe you're right." Naoko surprisingly agreed, like he was waiting for a moment to leave. "See you later." He got up and left the room without his cane.
He's not okay, is he?
••••••
<Naoko>
I nearly struggled to get back to my room, luckily I happened to see Luyi making her rounds and saw me up against the wall.

"N-Naoko?! Where's your cane?" She looked around me for it and inspected me closely. "You don't look okay." She took one of my arms and led me gently back to my room.

She brought the doctor in and checked up on me. I knew that something changed and he was about to reveal the bad news.

"Naoko, I'm going to let the nurse take some blood samples. Are you willing to corporate?" He asked, flipping through the clip board.

"Of course." I looked back at Luyi, who kept the concern expression on her face.

"You heard him. Just bring me the samples later." The doctor smiled and handed Luyi the brown clip board. She took it within her arms and then hung it back on the bed hook.

I took a long sigh and saw that Luyi was getting the materials. She put the tray beside me and then went over to the sink to wash and sanitize her hands.

"Lay your arm here." She motioned towards the arm rest. Then she wrapped the tourniquet around my arm and said, "make a first please."

I followed what was instructed she continued with the rest.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't worked up about this. I hope it's nothing serious but, I can't shake off the feeling that.

"You're all set." Luyi placed pressure on my arm and then used a gauze to stop any further bleeding. "Even though it's the noon, rest up." Luyi grinned kindly and took the tray of samples back with her when she left.

Well, if worst comes to worst, I could always leave a few letters behind. I didn't want to sound all depressed about it or anything but, I can't just take that chance. No one likes it when people go without saying goodbye.
•••••••
<Nagisa>
The next morning, I started feeling contractions and tightness in my lower abdomen, more than usual. I did an ultrasound and was able to see the child inside of me however, I refused to know its gender.
I wanted to wait and be surprised. There was that idea and the fact that I have this weird sensation that it's going to be a boy.

After the ultrasound, I wanted to leave the room. It was all stuffy and boring that I wanted to roam around the floors. Two nurses helped me onto the wheel chair and I tried my best to move my legs a little.
After weeks of therapy and continuing, I've managed to some senses back in my legs. A miracle that had brightened some hope within me.

One of the nurses accompanied down the hall and then I came across Naoko's room. Maybe I'll stop by and say hi. He did leave earlier the day before. The room door was opened and I saw a glimpse of Luyi his nurse, folding up the bed sheets.

"Ah, sorry to disturb. Is Naoko here?" I entered the room as my nurse trailed behind me, greeting Luyi as well.

"N-Naoko..." Luyi looked dismayed and walked over to me. "He passed, I'm sorry Nagisa. I was about to head over to your room after I was done."

Wait...what? But he was alive the other day-

"W-what? You mean Naoko died?" I wanted to ask even I already knew the answer. I didn't want to believe it. Luyi nodded her head and looked down.

"He just never woke up..." Luyi spoke. "When he showed prior indication of flatlining, the nurses and doctor in charge did everything they could. Naoko died around 5am."

But why so suddenly? He was healthy wasn't he? So many things engrossed my mind that I still couldn't comprehend it all. Then I started to think about Ritsu. Naoko's younger sister. T-they just got reunited too.

I glanced over at the bed. His bed that he was recovering in. He was supposed to leave tomorrow. How cruel! Naoko deserved to live! How could he just die so suddenly?!

I began getting emotional, over the fact that this reminded me of Karma. Karma and I. Somehow the world likes to toy with people. What kind of sick joke is this? Naoko didn't deserve any of this. We all didn't deserve this.

I felt tears trickling down my cheeks. It's like I'm reliving it all over again. It's unforgivable torture that makes me want to vomit.
If that's the case what kind of future am I looking forward to? I placed my hand on my stomach. Will there even be a future for me in the first place?