Tracing Memories

39: C o z y

There was no one in this town whom I trusted more than you. After my parents, who once brought me to this town, moved to another city a couple of years ago, I made no objection in living by myself in our old house. I liked solitude and independence and I had made for a good life in this town with good friends and good memories. All of these facts led to this following situation.

"You're going to have to stay with me. " I said as I held you by the sleeve of your jacket as you got up to leave.

"W-what?" You exclaimed, your flushed face giving away your emotions clearly for once.

"Look at my feet!" I said pulling up the blanket to remind you.

"I understand but I-I can't stay here." You said avoiding my gaze at you.

"I can't walk at all. I can't even get up to get food. I will starve and die. Should I just die then?" I looked at you intently for an answer.

You stood mulling over my request for a while and during that time I stared at you with the most innocent and helpless look I could muster. Finally, you gave in.

"Thank you! You're the best." I said as I pulled you down to my level and gave you a quick kiss.

You then left to get some of your stuff from home. I remained sitting in my bed, now fully realizing what I had just proposed and my face heating up as a result. But it was true that I did need help and without you, I would be in deep trouble.

You brought some medicines on the way back to help ease the pain but despite everything, I continued to suffer. I barely ate anything and lay down in hopes that I could fall asleep.

But even sleep eluded me that night and I curled up in an almost fetal position and quietly sobbed waiting for the pain to subside. Just then, through my teary eyes, I saw your vague figure approach the door. You had come to check up on me and wish me 'goodnight' before retreating to the guest room where you were going to sleep.

"What happened?" You asked seeing me cry.

"It still hurts. I can't fall asleep." I responded, my voice distorted due to being mid-crying.

You walked over to me and lay down next to me. I didn't turn to face you because I was too preoccupied with my suffering. You then began stroking my hair while talking to me.

"If you stop focusing so much on the pain it will hurt less." You explained gently.

You talked about a lot of things all the while running your hands through my hair and I silently listened, my eyes squeezed shut but soon the frequency of the teardrops emerging from my eyes lessened and eventually I fell asleep.

...

My eyes burned as soon as I opened them. I guess tears and sleep don't mix. I turned to find myself alone in my bed. I figured you must have left after I fell asleep. Next moment, my phone blared startling me in the process. I picked it up to see it was you. Confused, I answered it.

"Finally, you're awake." you said as soon as I answered.

"Why are you calling? Where are you?" I asked.

"I'm downstairs but I got tired of checking up on you to see if you're awake or not so I decided to make sure you're really up before coming."

"That's so silly." I laughed.

"Well, you do have been sleeping for long. It's lunchtime, you know?" You answered.

"It's all thanks to you otherwise I would probably be awake all night." I responded.

"I guess my trick worked a little too well." You sighed.