The Lifeguard

Chapter 43

The sun hasn't gone up yet but Zoe's smile is already as bright as the sun. "Good morning, sunshine," I greeted Zoe. She smiles at me again as I close the door behind me. "You're up very early. Do you need anything?"

She shakes her head. "I'm okay. What are you doing here so early?" she asked.

I kissed her on the forehead before sitting down on the chair beside her bed. "I just wanted to see you before I go to Sweeten Field."

"What for?"

"I have to get some clothes for Anna and Mikael. They've been staying at my place and they didn't bring enough clothes. Mikael wanted to go himself but I told him that they should rest instead." I explained.

"Why are you leaving before sunrise?"

"Because I wanted to get back around lunch. I wanna spend the day with you."

"It's not so obvious that you missed me so much, huh?" she teased.

"I didn't want to be obvious."

She smiles."Hm. Do you remember when you took me there?" she asked. "It was a beautiful day. Well... Except the fact that I had to drink the most disgusting soda. I should have lied instead so I didn't have to drink that. It was terrible," she giggles.

I chuckled.

"But it really was a beautiful day. Everything was yellow. The field was filled with stunning sunflowers. But my favourite part. Well, other than the sunflower field, of course– was being with you. It's one of my favourite days. I remember walking in the field, holding your hand. We walked around the sunflower field–which felt like forever because it was more of a never-ending maze than a field. You gave me a sunflower. And I even had second thoughts of taking it from you because I didn't want you to get in trouble. But it turned out that you know the owners, Mikael and Anna. And they didn't like me that day because of who I am. But that didn't stop them from being nice and trying to get to know me. And of course, how can I forget about Von? Your horse is wonderful and very gentle. I never thought I would ride a horse, but I did." Zoe looked at me, smiling. "Why Von, anyway?"

"Von means hope. And yes, as I child, I was already hopeful."

"That's cute," Zoe giggled. Her giggle lasted for a while until it slowly gone down. "I wanna go back there. I miss everything about that place. Don't get me wrong, I love the beach and all, but that place is extra special."

"Hm. I thought you prefer the city?"

"Well. That was before. A lot changed, you know. Actually, I don't mind, as long as I am with you."

"We will go wherever you please. We can build a home anywhere."

"I already found my home. I found you, Connor. And you are my home."

"I will never leave you. But when I am not beside you, always remember that I will come back to you."

"I know. But this time, you should go so you can come back earlier than planned."

"Alright." I stood up from my chair and moved closer to her. "I'll be back."

She nods. "I know you will."

I bent down to kiss her.

"Drive safe," she smiles.

"I will."

"Connor?" she calls before I left. I turned around, facing her.

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

***

Walking inside the hospital felt like I was still in the field. Like what Zoe has described it, it's a never-ending maze. Other than that, my heart feels heavier and heavier as I take a single step. I was finally standing in front of Zoe's room when I suddenly stopped. I felt like I wasn't ready for what's waiting for me. From there, I knew something is wrong. A while after taking few deep breaths, I finally manage to move. I reached for the door knob, opening it. But when the door opened, nothing was the same anymore. The bed was empty and clean. The flowers on the table are no where to be seen. The curtain was closed, and the light of the sun couldn't enter the room.

And from there, the sunflowers on my hand fell on the floor as my world came crashing down.