Project: Karma

S2 | 03 Sunset Across the Horizon

<Nagisa>
To our dismay, ever since Mari turned 13 she fell ill more often than ever. Sometimes when it's really bad, she can't even move a muscle to go to school.

This was the 3rd time since the New Years. We've brought her to the doctors and they say her immune system has degraded rather unexpectedly. Even when Koro-sensei asked to help examine her, he said said something similar. Though, at least he gave us a reason why.

Unfortunately, it has to do with Karma and his artificial sperm. Despite Karma being once human, with all the experiments done on him, his sex cells must of took a turn for the worst as time went on. Apparently they affected the readiness of her memory B-cells. And it was only now that these genes that made these cells weren't turning on efficiently.

For awhile now, Karma has been blaming himself for Mari's poor health. I would say that it can't be helped but he would sulk and beat himself up for it.

"Mari sweetie, how are you feeling?" I rubbed her forehead, switching the cold towel that lost its coolness.

Her cheeks were red and even with the slightest touch, you could feel the heat emitting from her body.
Mari didn't respond and just cuddled under her covers, trying to warm herself from the chills. She closed her eyes for a bit and then opened them up with exhaustion.

"Sorry..." Her mollified voice was hardly audible.

"Don't worry about a thing. Rest up. Papa will be coming home early again." I patted her arm, "just rest. I'll make some porridge."

Mari smiled and sighed.
"Thank you." She quietly spoke and fell back asleep.

I stood up straight and walked out with the warm towel and that was even I bumped into Karma.

"How is she?" He said giving me a quick kiss on the cheek and walking past me towards her.

"38 degrees celsius, a little over than last time." I explained, "keep her company, I'll make something light for her to eat."

"Has she eaten breakfast? It's almost lunchtime." Karma looked at his watch.

"Could barely keep down apple sauce. She did drink at least a cup of water an hour ago." I crossed my arm, "Koro-sensei said he'll swing by around 3pm."

"That's reassuring at least." Karma patted Mari's head and glanced over at me. "I'll take it from here, thanks Nagisa."

I smiled and slightly shut the door on my way out.
At times like this, I'm glad that Karma is around.
•••••
<Karma>
I sat on the ground next to Mari's bed and held her hand that peeked from under the covers. I heard Nagisa in the kitchen cooking what smelled like porridge.

"Papa?"

Startled, I got to my knees and hovered over Mari. Sweat dribbled down her forehead as her soft amber red eyes glistened. My heart twisted in pain.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

She shook her head, "it hurts."

"I'm sorry Mari." I kissed the back of her hand. "You'll fight it, just like all the other times." I assured.

"You didn't." She paused and shut her eyes, "you didn't need to come."

"Mari, what are you talking about? Of course I needed too." I brushed her hair back. "Don't say things like that. Want some water?"

Mari nodded her head, "sorry." She apologize.

I took the glass of water on the nightstand and sat on the edge of the bed. With my left arm, I wrapped it around her back and propped her up. Carefully, I brought the yellow rimmed glass to her lips and she started to sip slowly.