Chapter Text
I felt the tubes attached to my body, an oxygen tank beside my bed. My eyes felt so heavy and blurry as if I slept for so long but my body felt different like nothing happened to me, like I wasn't sick or injured. What the hell happened? Was I caught in an accident?
"E-excuse–" My throat felt so dry and my voice sounded so raspy.
A person who seemed to be folding clothes near my bed glanced at me, though her face was blurry I could tell that she was shocked. She hurriedly stood up and ran towards the door. "She's awake! She's awake please call the doctor" her voice fading as the door swung shut.
The doctors and nurses rushed to check up on me with a puzzled look on their faces. Even I was caught up for a moment.
"I-is she gonna be okay? Please" the woman in teary eyes asked.
They conducted the talk outside my room. I glanced at the nurse beside me who was going to take a blood sample.
"Uh.. pardon me, what happened? Was I caught in an accident?"
She glanced at me as she was preparing the syringe. She smiled a bit and shook her head. "No sweetie but are you really alright, Nami-chan?"
I guess so...I looked down at my pale hands and slowly nodded my head.
Nami-chan.. I mumbled to myself. My name–
It was...
"Nami" with her teary eyes the woman earlier hugged me and held my hands.
I was stoic for a moment like hugs were a new thing for me but it felt so.. nice and warm. I feel like closing my eyes as it heats up forming tears.
The doctors ran a few more tests and after days they decided to discharge me, Dr. Aki stated that I was very lucky to surpass my illness and it was a miracle that I woke up as if nothing happened.. which felt weird for a second because I don't remember getting sick, but I don't remember being okay either.
It shocked me to that I'd been diagnosed with an illness, my mom told me that I have been in the hospital for 2 years now, months spent in a coma due to the effects of the medicines given to me. They all thought I was a hopeless case and one day I just woke up as if I resurrected. I immediately walked the day I woke up which they say I had trouble doing before, everyone in the hospital was talking about what happened to me and I couldn't even say a word because every time I would, it would always leave my mouth half open.
What's the point of asking if I don't know what to ask? Heck, I was in that hospital for years, I missed so much of my life.
I ended up biting my lower lip to prevent myself from talking.
The day of my arrival at our house came. I also met my dad who was as caring as my mother. Two boys immediately hugged them as soon as the doors were opened. I assumed they were my twin brothers as they addressed me as nee-san. They were both happy to see me too and as we ate for dinner, their stories never ended.
I learned that they're middle schoolers now, both had an interest in sports and are dreaming of being athletes. As they happily chat, I can't help but wonder what my dreams and aspirations are. All I know is I'm left behind.
"Mom, thank you for the food it's really good," I told her as I tried to help clean the dishes.
"Nami, don't worry about these. Go and take a rest, Rei help Nee-chan with her things okay?"
"I'll help you Mom" Rai, the other twin spoke.
Rei accompanied me upstairs to my room carrying my bags.
"Thank you," I told him as he put the bags on the floor.
"Nee-san, are you really okay or am I just dreaming again that you're here?" he sadly asked.
I was taken aback by his question. He’s just a kid, right? "Yes Rei, I'm okay now." I smiled at him and messed his hair making him pout.
I cant help but to pinch his chubby cheeks earning an "Ouch!"
"See? You're not dreaming anymore"
"Okay, I believe you! Geez." He caressed his crimson cheek "Rest up nee-san, let's play volleyball tomorrow okay?"
I nodded and smiled at him before he excused himself and I was left alone in the room. I sat on the bed and lay while the ceiling kept me company.
This feels like a dream...
I felt so light yet I wasn't sure of who I was supposed to be... or did the medicines still have their effects?
This room, didn't feel mine.. or was it because I hadn't slept here for almost 2 years? I stood up and looked at myself in the mirror.
I can't seem to pin point but I did feel odd. My skin was so pale and dry, I was skinny and my hair grew long. Maybe I should start exercising? But the doctors told me to not overwork myself. But damn it! I feel so alive like I could run a mile. Was I really in a coma for months?
That night I didn't properly sleep. My brain just wouldn't let me. I couldn't stay still and relax. I want to dance, I want run, hell I wanna move and catch up with my family. I want to hear more of their stories, their laughs, and their complaints.
As morning came, I was awakened from the light sleep I had with a loud noise. I hurriedly got up like it was a reflex of panic.
"Oi hurry up in there!" Rei was banging on the bathroom door and I assumed Rai is in there.
"Ohayou nee-san" he greeted.
"O-ohayou, why're you guys in a hurry?"
"We're gonna be late for practice, Rai slept late playing video games!" he said in a louder voice for his twin to hear.
Oh.. right they do love sports after all. I walked into the kitchen and saw my mom fixing Dad's necktie, he was just about to leave for work. They greeted me with their good mornings and Dad patted the top of my head before leaving. As soon as the house went silent, Mom and I ate breakfast together.
"Nami-chan"
I looked at her as she prepared some of my vitamins.
"The doctors also told me that you can attend school, what do you think? Classes will start weeks from now"
"School? But what course would I take? Which university should I get in?" I asked. If I knew, I would've just studied my ass last night for the university entrance exams.
There was a puzzled look on her face and then she laughed a bit. "Nami, have you forgotten? You were supposed to be in high school but you didn't finish the semester because of what happened"
What? I thought I was getting ready for college, I felt so mature and smart, the heck am I a high schooler? I saw my records, I'm already 17 years old.
"Um.. I thought because I was old enough, I was already in college" My shoulders fell and mom held it.
"It's okay, at this point if you want to continue studying, you'll start again as a first-year.. that is if you like to"
My mom.. she was so understanding, and kind. Can I even say no? Of course not. Maybe going to school will soothe this uneasiness I feel but what if they laugh at me? I look old and sick, I'd make people feel uncomfortable.
"I.. I'll think about it, Mom"
"One more thing dear"
I glanced at her.
"I was thinking of applying for a job. Since I finished a degree I could still work... you know, I could help your dad with all the bills"
What? Why is she asking me? My permission? She's my mom, she knows things better than I do.
"O-of course, I.. you should... if uh, you want" Damn, I think I may have the idea why she'll be working. It was because of my hospital bills for the past months.
She held my hands that were at the table. "I was just worried that if I become busy, things might happen to you again or your brothers... I.. I can't risk that" she sadly said. "Would you be alright?"
I gave her a reassuring smile "I feel fine.. If you like, I could also apply for a part-time job to help–"
"Oh dear, your dad would worry, you shouldn't overwork yourself remember? We can handle things okay?" She said cutting me off.
and all that's left for me to think of is whether I'll attend school or not. If not what else would I do? Stay here? Clean our house? Make food and take care of my brothers? It seemed okay for me but my brothers seemed old enough to do things at their paces. They even attend summer practice at this point, they seem independent and know what they want.
I don't. I am clueless as hell.