Where Stars Never Meet

The Long Winter

March 18 year 2020.
Yuri was staring blankly on the mirror. In her mind, there was nothing more frightening than not knowing what to expect from yourself. It's been a week since she opened her eyes from a deep sleep, not knowing who she really was. Everyday she would look at herself in the mirror and imagine what she would look like after removing the bandages covering her entire face, arms and legs. At times, she would smile thinking how she ended up looking like a living mummy.

"Tomorrow,  they'll remove the bandages on your arms and legs, so stop frowning" said Manda. She's been taking care of her since the day she regained consciousness.

"So I'll finally be able to walk again" Yuri said while her eyes are still fixated on the image in the mirror.

"You'll have to undergo therapy, of course. But don't you worry, cause that will depend on how strong-willed the person is, and just by looking at your eyes, I can tell that you are". Manda was changing the bedsheets and is giving Yuri a reassuring smile.

"How long have I been here again?"

"Well, I've been taking care of you for a month, though I've heard you've been a sleeping beauty for a month already before you were given under my care."

"So two months then. Have you heard if someone's looking for--" Yuri wasn't able to finish what she was trying to say as someone opened the door. It was Kenji and Liam. Yuri knew that they were the ones who saved her life and brought her to the hospital as she was told by Manda. Since then, Liam and Kenji took care of everything for her.

"You're here earlier than I expected" Manda greeted them casually. She was Kenji's nanny since he was little so she knew almost everything about him and his cousin Liam.

"There's nothing much to do in the school, so we got off early" Liam said while meeting Manda with a quick hug.

"I see. Well then, I'll leave the three of you here", she tapped Kenji's shoulder and left.

"How are you feeling?" Liam asked with his soft voice.

"Feeling a little better now, thanks for your help".

"That's good to hear" and he smiled showing he's relieved. "Anyway, we were told by your doctor that they'll be removing some of the bandages by tomorrow. We already find a therapist to help you get your arms and legs the way they were." Liam added.

"I see. You've done so much for me that I don't know how to repay you anymore".

With his warm smile Liam replied "Don't think too much of repaying us, just focus on regaining your strength".

Kenji's phone rang and he immediately answered it. "Yes, sir. We just dropped by at the hospital... I understand... No problem."

"Is it Dad?" Liam asked.

"Yes. Your phone's off again", irritated as his voice is, Kenji continued, "I told you to stop doing that 'cause I always end up getting his calls."

Liam laughed and looked at Kenji's face. "Fine, that'll be the last time. I swear!".

"He's waiting for us. Let's go". Kenji insisted.

"Yuri, we have to leave for now, the chairman is waiting. We'll be here tomorrow so just rest for tonight." Liam looked at Yuri with his brown eyes.

"I understand. Please send him my regards", and she smiled at them.

Liam and Kenji walked out of the room and Yuri was left wondering about Kenji. She's been seeing the cousins for a week now but Kenji never once spoke to her. She thought he might hated her for being so dependent or perhaps he just felt uncomfortable by her current state.