The End of Our Stars

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

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“Hey.”

“Hi.”

“…”

“…”

“Everything’s going to be alright, Hazel Grace. You’ll see.”

“Yeah, tell that to Isaac,” I laughed and it didn’t feel real. “He needs it more than I do.”

“He’s alright. Don’t worry.”

“Aren’t you worried? He’s your best friend and obviously he’s crushed.”

He shook his head at me and smiled that perfect smile only he could make. “He got over it a long time, Hazel Grace. This is just an aftershock.”

“Oh. And you know what they say about that,” I sighed.

“What?” He asked.

“Aftershocks are worse than the actual earthquakes.”

I woke up with a thud and almost jumped off the bed. But I couldn’t quite move. Tubes were in place as well as the IV, needles poking my skin. I look around but I can’t see Mom or Dad anywhere. I wanted to call a nurse when I noticed a boy by my side, head down and sleeping.

I couldn’t believe my eyes at first, thinking that a miracle has happened. But then I came to my senses and realized that the dead could not rise from their graves. Besides, the hair color is different…

Still he was unfamiliar to me—until I realized he was.

“Isaac?” I choked out and he moved a bit. He wasn’t wearing his dark sunglasses today (or is it night time?) and I could see his long eye lashes. I couldn’t help but feel glad because he came back. And I couldn’t help but think why in the world he dyed his hair brown, a dark brown that it almost seemed black.

His eyes slowly started to open and he blinked twice before smiling up at me. It took me a long time to process what was happening. Then it hit me like a bomb that landed in a library. “Hi, Hazel,”

“Isaac!” I gasped and his eyes creaked as he smiled. “What…what…I don’t understand what’s happening…” I was obviously speechless seeing as how Isaac may be looking at me, directly, like he could actually see!

“I didn’t want to wake you.” He says as a way of explanation which makes it more real. He must have been dying to tell me what has happened to him.

“Where have you been?” I asked instead, thinking this was the most important question. “You’ve been gone for weeks. I was so worried.”

“I’m sorry about that.” Isaac lowers his eyes and there I saw inconspicuous little stitches in various places. “I just—well, I took a chance at something. And apparently, right now, I can see that it was worth it.” His head snapped up and he laughed. “No pun intended.”

“Wow. Isaac! You really can see, can’t you?” I beamed and if I could jump off the bed to give him a tight hug I would’ve already. “Oh, Gus would be happy for you if he was here!” Then the happy moment was over as soon as the words slipped out.

I was stupid, ruining a time like this. A cloud descended on both Isaac and me and I was so embarrassed that I had to close my eyes and say, “I think I’m just too tired.”

“I know the feeling, Hazel.” He whispers. “Should I get your parents?”

I nodded and kept my eyes shut. I couldn’t look at him.