Forever Halstead

Chapter Seven: Our Fourth Anniversary

May 21st, 2035

Chicago Medical Center

Chicago, IL.

4:45 PM CST

"It feels like I've been in this bed for a month, but it's only been forty-eight hours." Matt said shifting uncomfortably.

"I know the feeling, it's because you are sedentary. You haven't walked in a couple days." Kaylin said crossing her ankles on the edge of the bed.

"What I wouldn't give, to be comfortable, under the covers waking up in my own bed. Instead of being in a space where nothing except the TV is familiar to me." Matt said, 'And to be perfectly honest, I don't have a TV in my room.'" Matt laughed, lightheartedly as a conversation with his mother jogged his memory.

BEGIN FLASHBACK

"My mom and I were shopping one day without Kelsey, she might of been at practice—we were walking past an advertisement for TVs, it read, 'Buy two, get one for free: Perfect for college dorms, kitchens and bathrooms.' I said, "MOM! This is exactly what we need. You'll have one for the kitchen, I'll have one for my room and we can share the one that will go in the bathroom." I laughed excitedly. "Sweetheart, no way am I going to give in to this offer. We have enough televisions as it is. Plus, you don't need a TV in your room, you'll never sleep and the bathroom. . . well that's just truly unnecessary and ridiculously confusing." Mia laughed, uncontrollably. I could not help but laugh in return.

END FLASHBACK

I looked away from the TV, Kaylin's eyes were the shiniest color of brown I had ever seen.

"Babe, are you okay?" I asked, grabbing her hand that was closest to mine.

"Yes, I'm perfectly okay. I'm just so grateful that you are okay. That you are here, talking to me, telling me the most random stories you possibly can. I missed you." Kaylin said, squeezing his hand in reassurance.

"I missed you too, Babe.' Matt said, rubbing his thumb against her skin. 'Oh, that reminds me, I have your gift.' He said, opening the drawer to his right. He took out a long rectangular velvet box and handed it to her.

"Matt, this looks extremely expensive." Kaylin said, holding the long velvet box in both of her hands.

"Just open it already,' Matt said, 'it's not what you think it is." Matt laughed.

Kaylin opened the box slowly. Inside was a beautiful marcasite stone bracelet.

"Babe, this is gorgeous, thank you!" Kaylin said, as her eyes welled with tears again.

"You're welcome, happy anniversary, Kay." Matt said, giving Kaylin a kiss. "Let me help you put that on." Matt said, taking the clasp of the bracelet in his hand.

"Thanks,' Kaylin said, 'I have your gift also,' as she got up from the bed, she wiped away the remaining tears left on her chin. She opened her purse and took out a black leather box and handed it to Matt, as she sat on the side of the bed.

Matt opened the box slowly, the same way that Kaylin did. Inside was a black leather watch with a wide circle timeface.

"Kaylin, this is perfect. Where did you get it?" Matt said, looking up from the box.

"I actually had it custom made.' Kaylin said, clearing her throat. 'The leather wristband was from your grandfather's watch and the timeface was from your great grandfather's watch growing up."

"Oh my goodness. Babe. This is amazing. I thought it looked familiar." Matt said excitedly.

"You're welcome, happy anniversary, Matt." Kaylin said, kissing him.

"Excuse Me, miss." Maggie said, clearing her throat in the doorway to get Kaylin's attention. 'Visiting hours are over for today."

"Oh, okay.' Kaylin said startled, 'Thank you for telling me.' Kaylin got up. 'I'll see you tomorrow, Babe.' Kaylin said, kissing Matt's forehead.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Kay." Matt said, squeezing her hand before he put on the watch.

'I love you." Kaylin said, looking over her shoulder, before leaving the hospital room.

  "I love you, too." Matt replied, looking at his watch.

He did not want to see her leave, and Kaylin knew that.