Rhodes Island's Psychologist

Ch 39: Will Pineapple Bun Be by My Side?

"Did I hear it wrong?" Lin Yie asks, "You want Nightingale to fight on the frontline?"

"Un." Melantha nods, 

"But not really on the frontline. We have a tough task at hand and there is some danger involved so we need a good medic to help us."

"You mean Nightingale?" Lin Yie asks incredulously.

Melantha frowns, "Why are you surprised? Before her infection became more severe, Nightingale was a better medic than Shining. Dr Kal'tsit and the doctor both acknowledge her ability."

"No, I am not doubting her or anything." Lin Yie shakes his head, 

"I know she was really good in the past but the person she is now is different from her past self, at least before her treatment is complete."

Melantha turns to look at Nightingale, who is focusing on her pineapple bun. The medical staff told her that Nightingale has gotten better, at least Nightingale doesn't fear people other than Shining and Lin Yie.

Is it because of this man?

Melantha glances at Lin Yie. Truth be told, she is still doubtful of Lin Yie's ability, even after what he did for Nightingale.

"That's why I am here," Melantha says, 

"The medical staff couldn't confirm Nightingale's conditions, so they sent me to observe her."

Lin Yie feels speechless. He is just a pseudo-psychologist, so why do they always make him do these types of things? How does he know this little devil's conditions? She is still giving him the cold shoulder because of some "pineapple syrup."

Lin Yie tries to pass the torch to others, "How about other medics? What about Ansel or Hibiscus?"

"Ansel and Hibiscus have to stay in Rhodes Island." Melantha says, "If they leave, a lot of the work in Rhodes Island has to be stopped and Nightingale can't replace them."

"So, only Nightingale?"

"You can think of it that way."

"Can we say no?" Lin Yie scratches his head, 

"I don't want to doubt Rhodes Island's decision, but Nightingale is not suited for that kind of mission right now, right? It sounds quite dangerous."

Methland remains silent before saying, "It's not easy to turn down the request."

"Why?"

"Because the client offered a lot of money."

.(..Alright. That's a simple and direct reason that can't be refused. Always come to money..Ughh)

"Does Shining know about this?" Lin Yie grasps for hope for her.

Melantha nods, "Of course, we already told her."

"What did she say?" Lin Yie thinks that Shining, a "siscon," wouldn't allow Nightingale, her so-called kin, to go on a mission like this.

"Shining agreed," Melantha says.

(Alright. She's a fake sister then.)

Lin Yie recalls Shining's pained expression when she wanted to end Nightingale's suffering. He can't help but question whether Shining and Nightingale share a sister-like bond or not. Or perhaps, real relationships between devils have to involve life and death.

He's only a human so he doesn't know how the brain of a devil work. 

"Calling it an agreement is not really accurate." Melantha says, "Like the other medical staff, she let you decide."

Lin Yie pauses, "Me? Why?"

"It's simple. They say only you can stabilize Nightingale right now." Melantha says, "And we need a mentally stable Nightingale, so what do you think?"

Lin Yie is speechless. They left the decision-making that means life and death, to an intern. Is it really fine? What are they thinking!!

After some thoughts, Lin Yie shakes his head, "I still don't think it is right. Although I don't know how powerful her ability is, from the standpoint of a doctor... *Cough* I don't think a newly recovered or not yet recovered patient should endanger herself, no matter how small the probability is."

After hearing his words, Melantha looks disappointed for a moment but she manages to hide it quickly.

"If that's your decision, we will respect your choice." Melantha nods, "I will let Orchid and Fang know."

Lin Yie nods, "Thank you."

Melantha turns to leave but she stops in front of the door.

"Shining asked me to tell you this," Melantha says,

"What is it?" he asks.

"She said you shouldn't underestimate Nightingale. If Nightingale doesn't have a strong will, she wouldn't have made it to Rhodes Island."

Lin Yie pauses.

Melantha is gone.

In the next few minutes, Lin Yie thinks about her words. They are not hard to understand but...

He turns to look at Nightingale.

She has finished eating her pineapple bun. Now, she is just sitting on the window sill and staring at the birds outside.

Lin Yie stands next to her, but he doesn't speak. He watches the birds with her.

After a while, Nightingale whispers, "I want to leave."

"Um?"

"Like that bird." Nightingale points at a black dot in the distance, "And see the world outside."

Lin Yie pauses but he soon understands, "Why?"

"I can't remember anything. Like there is nothing inside." Nightingale says, "Don't know where I came from. Don't know where I will go."

"... That sounds philosophical. Did you look that up?"

"?" Nightingale is confused.

"Haha. Its nothing."

Lin Yie was just joking but he realized that Nightingale heard his conversation with Melantha. Even though she remained quiet, she understood what they said.

This is her wish.

This caged bird wants to leave its cage.

Lin Yie pauses for a long time before saying softly, "It will be dangerous."

"Will Pineapple Bun be by my side?" She asks hopefully.

Lin Yie looks into her eyes, and she is also looking at him.

*Sigh*

"If that's your wish. How can I refuse?"

Nightingale smiles when he answers her.

When he sees her smile, a thought comes.

No

A wish. For her

(...I hope you smile more often.)

So he did the only thing he can do now. 

Smile back at her.