Oasis skies

Chapter 3

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My eyelids flutter open timidly. Today is just like any other; most likely filled with pain and regret. However, I can't help but feel like today is different, that today is special. The room feels so much warmer and my heart feels lighter.

Then I remember; I am not alone. In my eighteen years of living, I do not believe I have ever uttered that sentence. Even before being in this godforsaken hospital. My heart always yearns for attention, for comfort, for love. Yet, no matter how hard  I try, I am never satisfied. Soon, this happy feeling will subside. Just like anything, the pleasure of having the soft-spoken boy around will wear thin; my heart will crave more.

I suppose it's the same with everyone, really. The longing to feel special, the longing to feel loved, is everlasting- it never goes away.

Or maybe that's just me.

After all, I've always been different.

I am a shattered window in a house of pristine panes, a heartbroken melody in an album of cheesy pop. I will always be different. Not special, but different.

It brings me comfort to think that some people see different as good. I am good, I am unique. I and many others groom myself with those very words, twisting myself into a broken dream. But, although this dream is damaged, it is comforting- even if it's just for a second. Then, reality will flood back in, crashing down in waves. I realise when people said different is good, they were talking about people with funky clothes or coloured hair, not about people like me.

They made no mention of monsters.

Hesitantly, I raise myself into a sitting position using the heels of my hands. I am both shocked and disappointed at the fact that the room is empty.

He's gone.

The truth is, I saw this coming. I'm too dangerous for anyone to be around.

I destroy everything I touch.

That last thought makes me sad. Tears start flow, betraying my real emotions in the form of a warm, salty liquid. I sing a song. I almost laugh at the familiarity of this situation.

Old habits die hard. I think bitterly.

We the people fight for our existence
We don't claim to be perfect but we're free
We dream our dreams alone with no resistance
Fading like the stars we wish to be

Just as the last note slips from my lips, the door creaks open. I almost smile when I see who is behind it.

"Where you singing again?" The beautiful boy grins at me.

I mumble something vague under my breath and he chuckles, before wheeling in a small black cart. I find myself drooling at the plates stacked up on top of it.

Every delicate china plate is piled high with several different breakfast foods. There are steaming lots of buttery toast and crispy bacon, accompanied by juicy sausages and tomatoes.

It is safe to say I'm in utter shock- the only food we ever get in here is burnt toast or soggy cornflakes, far from the fatty goodness before me.

"W-where did you get these from?" I stumble over my words.

"Well, I nicked it from the nurses office," he looks up and smiles, "and it's all yours!"

"Aren't you gonna have some?"

"I had some stuff whilst I was down there," he shrugs, "now go on, eat up!"

And so I do, I gobble up the food down to the very last morsel, savouring every single flavour.

When I'm finished, I offer the boy a small smile and say, "thank you."

"You're welcome," he says, "I'm Chris by the way."

"Alex," I reply, still smiling.

He grins at me.

And as he does so, warmth spreads through my chest; it's I nice feeling.

But it scares me.

***
Word count- 638 🤙🏼
Oof it's a short one, but I think it's cute :)