Taking a cab to the hospital, I rushed in and asked for my father. The receptionist gave me the directions to the ward and after thanking her, I ran immediately to ward 54.

As I came to a halt, I saw Zayd and his parents.

Me: (Japanese) Good day.

Zayd’s Mom: (Japanese) Good day Zayla. You can go inside.

Me: (Japanese) Thank you.

Walking inside, I met my father along with mom. She gave me a hug and then, I turned my attention to dad.

Me: How are you doing, dad?

Dad: Good. I hope you didn’t run away from work, that would impact the chances of you becoming a professional firefighter, you know?

Me: That’s not important dad-

Dad: If my illness causes you a setback, then it is.

Me: (smiling) Not at all. I was given three days off.

Dad: That’s good. Don’t worry about me, I just passed out because of the hot weather.

Me: But still.

Dad: I am very fine, my dear. Don’t worry about me.

Just then, the doctor came to check up on him, and he was good. They just needed him to stay in the hospital for some two days, then he would be discharged. Letting out a sigh of relief, the security guard then told us that our visiting hours were over but one of us could stay behind.

Me: Let me stay over-

Mom: I will keep him company.

I turned to look at Mom. She was always so selfless -still is.

Me: But-

Mom: If anything happens, you will be the first to know.

Me: Okay mom. Thanks.

After bidding them goodbye, I went out. Closing the ward door, I then received a text from mom.

If Zayd and his family said anything bad to you, ignore those words. Your father’s condition was not as serious as Zayd put it. You saw it right?
Anyway, love you lots and get plenty of sleep, okay?

Mom.

I avoided the urge to break into tears. Sending mom a thank you sticker (she never liked me answering her texts) and a good night one, I packed my phone and was about to walk past Zayd when he grabbed my arm.

Zayd: Hey, Zayla.

Removing his hand, I asked him if he needed something.

Zayd: Since I am going home, I was wondering if you needed a ride.

Me: I stay in the opposite district.

Zayd: I can take you there! The weather forecast just reported that it might rain.

Me: I will be fine. There are plenty of buses and cabs to take me there.

Zayd: But-

Me: You can go home now, Zayd. Thanks for informing me.

Before he could reply, I walked away. Heading out of the hospital. Crossing the road, I went to a convenience store to grab some fruit candies to snack on. I also wanted Zayd to drive away before he could drag me into his car. He also gave me the creepy vibes.

I sat by the eating corner in the store, waiting to see Zayd’s car pass by. Seconds… then minutes passed, I saw Zayd’s car drive past. I knew he could be waiting for me and after - no, ignoring his words, I just didn’t like Zayd at all.

Thanking the cashier one more time before heading out, I put on my earphones. I walked to the bus stop. The last bus to Tokoya District would come at any given moment. Rushing to get to the bus stop, it began raining heavily.

Me: Weather forecast was right today.

And I didn’t have an umbrella. How ironic.

I took my last few steps to the bus stop slowly. As the rain poured down on me, I stood next to the bus stop shed. All the overwhelming emotions I kept today came up like a lump on my throat. I begged them to stay put until I got home, but they were too strong to defeat, and I began crying. Why was growing up so chaotic? Why do I have to meet new people every day? Why do I have to keep putting a smile on my face?

Taking a seat under the bus stop sheds, I didn’t care who saw me crying. I didn’t want someone to ask what was wrong. I just wanted someone to comfort me without saying a word.

That was if someone would come.

Kaito

I was driving back home from the station when I caught sight of a girl seated alone in the bus stop. It was never safe having a young girl by herself at a bus stop. Parking my car on the other side, I stepped out to see it was Zayla.

Me: Zayla!

Running to the other side where Zayla was, she rose her head up to look at me. She was soaking wet and looked like she didn’t mind. But if there was one thing I learnt about her, it would be that whenever her shoulders are slumped down, she was either gloomy, or had a rough time with her parents’ health, especially her father’s.

Me: Zayla…?

Zayla

Someone I didn’t expect to meet under this… gloomy circumstances was Kaito. He ran towards me like his life depended on it. But that was exactly how he saw things. Just a rookie firefighter learning the ropes from him - the pro. I was not sure as to what made me cry even more. Seeing him, or thinking about Zayd’s words more.

But it did hurt.

Seeing Kaito… did hurt.

Because I fell in love with a man who doesn’t even see me that way.

Quickly wiping my tears, he came and stood in front of me. Bending down to meet my gaze, he looked at me with a look of concern.

Me: (smiling) Hey, Kaito!

But he didn’t reply back to me.

Instead…

He pulled me in for a hug.

The hug that I needed.