8:28am
"Nice day today." Suzy stares up at the morning sky.
"Mmhmm." I hum in response. The wind makes my purple sweater flutter. It feels good to get some fresh air.
That room is too foggy.
Even though I'm situated in a wheelchair, this is a peaceful morning walk.
My stomach is in shambles. Stab wounds alongside two bullet holes, my stomach has a while to recover. Once it heals properly, I'll be able to walk again.
Eating hurts worse than anything. Soups and salads are my close friends.
A doctor calls for Suzy. She leaves me outside to enjoy the much needed air.
"Jackson!"
I see a slim figure running towards me.
A smile curves my lips as Mark approaches me. He has on a tanned coat with a red scarf wrapped around his neck. His nose and cheeks are slightly red from the cold.
"I brought you something." Mark hands me a warm cup of hot chocolate.
"Thank you." I smile and take a sip of the warm liquid.
My throat enjoys the drink, my stomach despises it. My stomach will just have to suffer today.
"Wanna go by the river?" Mark points to the left.
I agree and he wraps his mittened hands around the handles of my wheelchair. He begins to push me in the direction of the river.
Mark was discharged a week ago. He looks better now that he's out of this place. It hurts that I can't see him everyday like before, but one day is enough.
My wheelchair stops in front of the river. It's even colder near the river but the scenery is just breathtaking.
Mark sits on the bench beside me.
We stare into the horizon in silence. I finish the warm hot chocolate as a gush of cold, winter wind hits me.
"Are you cold?" Mark asks first.
"Are you?" I look at the shivering boy.
"Maybe." He giggles.
I ask Mark to wheel me back inside so he won't suffer from the cold.
Just as we turn the corner to the hallway of my room, a doctor calls for Mark.
"Mark. Good to see you." The doctor bows.
Mark bows as well.
"Your appointment starts in ten minutes. Don't be late to the room." The doctor pats Mark's shoulder.
"Of course not sir."
This is where he goes every Saturday. To a doctor's appointment.
We enter my room.
"Can you..." I look at Mark and back at the bed. My stomach is screaming in pain, I need to lay down.
"Oh! Of course!" Mark quickly helps me onto the bed.
His hands hold me gently and firmly as he helps me lay in the bed.
Our eyes catch each other as I relax into the uncomfortable excuse of a bed.
Ever since New Year's, Mark and I haven't mentioned a word about what happened that night.
I know he wants to bring it up but...he's scared.
Mark turns his head away shyly, he gives in to my deep gaze.
"Go. Don't be late." I smile.
Mark nods his head and walks to the door.
"Bye Jackson." He waves goodbye.
"Bye." I wave back.
He leaves. Instantly, loneliness possesses me again.
I stare out the window and reminisce how cute Mark looks when he blushes.
I wonder how he feels...does he love me too?
Do you love me too, Mark?
