It's surprising what human beings can accomplish when death is staring them right in the face. When things began plummeting, few knew how to react. Most were confused, seeking guidance from the very foundations and institutions that, once meant to h...
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"Oof, sorry," I apologize, as I narrowly avoid bumping into what must be the tenth volunteer since leaving Malia's room.
I move to the side, pretending to check my laces as my brain floods with memories of my mother.
Her melodic singing, her long strawberry-blonde hair, and her silver gray eyes mirroring my own.
I watch my feet move down the hall, remembering her perfume that smelled like jasmine and violets, her warm smile, and brief moments with me sitting in the kitchen, with my father, smiling, laughing, hugging.
Did she feel something bad coming her way?
As my mind turns with possible explanations for her letter and whatever message is recorded on that capsulegram, memories of whispered conversations, closed doors, and fleeting, strained looks covered up with smiles that never quite reached their eyes are pulled from a place deep in the back of my subconscious.
Towards the end, it seemed as though Declan and I became the center of their universe. More so than usual.
Where could this capsulegram be?
Does Auntie Clara have it? No, she wouldn't hide that from us. Would she?
I look up, at nothing in particular, when my line of vision is interrupted by a fuming Remy, who stomps towards me with a bored looking Asher following closely behind. I abandon, for now, the need to immediately search for and find answers.
As I shake the numbness from my features and the thoughts clear temporarily, I see that Asher has on the dark-green scrubs allotted to healers and surgeons here.
He definitely wasn't wearing those before, I think to myself. Not that I noticed.
From Remy's expression and crossed arms, my thoughts are drawn to the new problem in front of me, which I no doubt have to fix.
I slowly approach her, holding out the napkin with the croissants and giving her a small smile.
"Hey..." I say, confused, and peeking over her shoulder at Asher, who is a few steps behind her.
"That for me?" she asks, her face instantly lighting up as she takes the chocolate croissant and bites down hard. She closes her eyes as she chews, a satisfied expression on her face, and her posture slightly relaxes. "You're a life saver."
"What're best friends for if they don't feed each other's chocolate addiction? Wanna explain what's going on here?" I ask, gesturing towards Asher with my eyes. "You never came to see the baby."
She scoffs and rolls her eyes, taking an exaggerated bite of the croissant as Asher finally catches up.
"Hey, Adelaide," he says, giving me a polite smile and awkwardly standing at Remy's side.
