A few weeks have passed since Midori and Atlas escaped that place. And finally, the day Midori had been waiting for finally arrived. After a 5 hour surgery, it was time to get Midori’s bandages off.
— Are you ready, Midori?
Midori nodded. She didn't know how she was going to feel, it's been a long time since she was able to see the real world for herself.
— You can open your eyes now.
Midori hesitated at first, but with a deep breathe she slowly opened her eyes. In front of her was a mirror, in which she was able to see herself. She covered her mouth with her hands, she was feeling overwhelmed and, finally, tears were able to run down her face. She was extremely happy. She could see again. The nurse behind her was smiling just as happily. She didn't think it twice before going to her bedside table. In there was a bucket of flowers, she took one of them and looked at it with a big smile. She then excitedly walked to the hallway, appreciating everything that was in there. The feeling of finally being able to see after weeks of being deprived of it was incredible. She ran all around the hallway, doing little jumps here and there, the happiness she was feeling was one she hasn't felt in a very long time. She arrived at the place she was looking for, knocked the door and with a deep voice said:
— Room service.
On the other side of the door she could hear a cackle followed by a "come in". She opened the door slowly. The sun was shining brightly, just like in the oasis. When she entered the room, the sunlight made the figure on the bed look even more dazzling.
— Congratulations, Midori.
Midori ran to Atlas and hugged him tightly.
— Ow, you're hurting me.
— Oh, sorry.
She quickly stepped back and then both of them exploded in a laughing fit.
— Right, take this.
Midori extended her arm and gave Atlas the flower she took from her room.
— Oh, for me? You flatter me.
Midori stared at Atlas. She could finally see him. And it wasn't a surprise that he looked exactly like in their dreams, but this time it was different. She was seeing him in the real world, in front of her.
— I knew it, your eyes are beautiful, Midori.
Midori turned away, starting to blush. Atlas just laughed and took her face between his hands. He turned her back to face him and look into her eyes. Midori gradually grew redder as a tomato. Atlas leaned into her and pressed their lips in a chaste kiss. He then drew back, enough to rest their foreheads together.
— Would you have a date with me, Midori?
— Yes, Atlas.
Right then, the door opened. Midori turned to look who it was; it was a police officer. He approached Midori and gave her her phone, Midori’s eyes opened up in surprise. She already figured they had it hidden from her, even though back then she wouldn't be able to do much with it. Behind the officer, a familiar figure was looking at her.
— A-Aoi!
Midori exclaimed. Aoi stepped away from behind the officer and ran to Midori, engulfing her in a tight hug. Midori was speechless at being reunited with Aoi, but after a while she hugged her back.
— Midori! I was so worried about you!
Aoi leaned back.
— I saw the news... What happened to you two was truly horrible...
— Yeah... Atlas, this is Aoi. My best friend.
— A pleasure, Atlas! —she approached him and shook his hand— Thank you for saving my friend, I don't know how I can ever repay you...
Atlas just chuckled.
— It's not necessary. It's a pleasure to finally meet you too —he smiled brightly—.
— Ah! Aoi, by the way... Is mom okay? Was she worried about me?
The expression on Aoi's face turned nostalgic. She let go of Atlas’ hand and turned to her, slowly approaching her, and placed a hand on her shoulder.
— W-what's wrong, Aoi? —she said, starting to feel nervous—.
— Your mother, Midori... —she gulped down— I don't know how to tell you this... but...
— Just tell me! You're making me nervous... —she let out a nervous laugh—.
— Midori —Aoi looked at her directly in the eyes— Your mother committed suicide a few days ago.
The mood in the room completely changed in a second.
— ... What?
TO BE CONTINUED.
ns 15.158.61.54da2
