I returned her smile, "Just seeing how he's doing. Is it time to leave yet?"

"I don't thibk so. Just sit back and take your own sweet time marvelling him." I frowned before she continued, "I have to check on him every hour or so, in case he wakes up and throw a tantrum all over again." But then she glanced at her wristwatch, making certain of the time. As she looked up, she cast me an apologetic grin, "But Hanami, I'm sorry to say that the visiting hours is coming to an end. I have not realised it myself, until you've mentioned it."

I let out a little laugh when hearing this, for I've not expected myself to lost track of the time either. I never lost track of the time, so there must be something wrong with the her watch.

"Honto?" I gasped, as I looked at the time, amazed to find that an hour had passed so quickly. I stood up and grabbed my handbag along the way, followed by a little laugh. "I better get going then.."

I sling my handbag on the shoulder, tossing away a mass of red lock that got in the way. I glanced at him for the last time, and when Takako noticed it, she put a reassuring hand on my own,

"Don't worry, Hanami. He'll be just as fine as you and me in no time."

 "When will he be able to recover fully?" I had said this with a tinge of anxiousness in my voice.

She gave me a wry smile, as if understanding my feeling, "That depends." She threw a side-glance at the mentioned person lying motionless on the bed, "If he's willing to co-operate, I'd say, he could even be discharged in two days time. It's a highly potent substance he took that day. If he's not treated sooner, I'm afraid we might have lost him."

I drew my head back and took in a staggering breath, momentarily I closed my eyes on hearing her words. The talk of death made me feeling sad all of a sudden. Hana's departure was only a little more than a week ago, I couldn't possibly hear about another one. At least I'm able to save his life, although I was too late to save Hana's.

 As I stepped out of the room, I heard her call out my name, and I looked back, "Yes? What is it, Takako?"

" I was wondering.......who is this person to you? It puzzles me, because you never mentioned about him before, and suddenly, you're showing great concern for him. Is there anything I should know of?"

I just cast her a smile, not wanting to disclose anything. Besides, I really don't know him. But I should say, I am baffled with myself too, because I'm caring for a stranger. "Takako, don't be nosy! See you tonight, and don't be late, ya? Ja ne!" I left her at the corridor, with her hands akimbo, and an expression which is clearly displease with what I had said.

As I slowly opened my eyes, I felt the glaring sunlight as if they're daggers piercing at my eyes. It seems like ages ago since I last see the sun. I had to shut my eyes again due to the pain.

But after thinking it over, I've decided to be strong. I have to get accustomed to it, or I'll never get out of here. On second attempt, I had managed to open my eyes a little, which I assumed must have appeared like slits on my face. When I got used to the light, I forced my eyes to open wider, and the vision around me became clearer.

I knew that I'm in a hospital, but as to how I got here at the first place, I can't explain. I'm not supposed to be here, and all I want is to find Hana's light brown eyes gazing down my own, telling me that we can never be apart anymore. But now, that dream is shattered!

Still weak from lack of nourishment, I couldn't even force myself to sit upright; I can only be satisfied with moving my arms around. Suddenly, I became aware of my own discomfort; my throat felt very dry, having not swallowed anything for god knows how many days, and my body felt greasy from not having a decent bath for quite some time.

As I brought my hands to my face, I realised that the breathing tube had been removed, the one and only thing attached to me now is the drip tube. I tried to peel it off, but it proved to be a difficult task, and painful. 

I moved my head, and saw the ring button on the wall against the head of the bed. I willed the energy left in me to give it a push. I swallowed hard, feeling exhausted after completing such a simple task, and I rested my hand on my chest.

A moment later, a nurse emerged at the door, looking flushed, probably from running to get to my room. She looked at me quaintly, but when I mouthed the word, she understood right away, and was gone down the hallway. In a nick of time, she returned with a tray holding bottles of medicine, together with a glass and a pitcher of water. A young woman in white coat trailed her, smiling when she saw me. She edged closer to the bed as the nurse propelled me to a sitting position.

"Well, Maki-san, you're finally awake." She gently held my wrist and took a reading of my pulse. "Hmm....you're right on track, it seems. This will be good news to Hanami, I'm sure."

I frowned. Who the heck is Hanami? But my headache got worst when the thought entered my mind, and after taking a second cup of tepid water, I decided to lie back on the bed again.

I let the doctor scrutinise my condition, and I was annoyed when I felt her tickling fingers on my chest. Finally, she looked up, a satisfied smile brighten up her face.

"By tomorrow , I think you'll do well without the drip!"

 I don't know whether to treat it as good news or otherwise, it doesn't matter anymore. I closed my eyes, trying to combat any thought from entering my mind.

 "Do you need anything else, Maki-san?" I reopened my eyes and settled my vision upon the inquiring doctor. "Perhaps you want to eat something?"

Yes, I am hungry, but fulfilling my basic needs will have to come later. I slowly shook my head, frowning discomfort at the throbbing headache. "No......please leave me alone.....I need a rest."

Awhile later, I heard no more sound, and assuming the doctor had at last left me in peace, I opened my eyes, and found my room deserted.

I sat up at once, and peeled the drip tube off my wrist. I've never felt such freedom before. Despite having a slight headache, I got to my feet a nd rummaged the tiny drawer beside the bed for some food. To my surprised, it is well stocked. I took a tin of biscuits and ate its content hungrily.

After my hunger was fulfilled, I swayed like a drunken man to the bathroom, wanting to take a quick bath. I must be fast if I'm to escape unnoticed, I realised. Quickly I wash myself, and dabbed myself dry after turning the shower off.

I searched the closet, and I was astounded when I found several shirts and trousers were carefully folded and placed on the shelf. Whose clothes are these? I tried out a few, and they seemed to be tailored to fit me nicely. 

Suddenly, I caught sight of a familiar red polo shirt hung at the very back of the closet. Hana's, his favourite......Who had brought it here?

So surprised I was, I came down to my knees, clutching the shirt close to my chest. Tears brimmed my eyes, but fighting not too get too emotional and trying hard to push old memories away, I threw the shirt away. A long pause prolonged before I absent mindedly pulled out a black shirt still wrapped in plastic.

 But I couldn't stop thinking who might have done such thing for me, and why is Hana's clothes here in this hospital's closet?.... I thought as I silently dressed myself.

"Konnichi wa."

 I asnwered the elderly woman's greeting by bowing my head slightly. I had made it to the foyer, for my conduct was like a mere visitor. Even the hospital's personnel I met along the way greeted me, fooled by my casualness. Upon seeing the main exit before my eyes, I felt a sense of freedom awaiting at the end of the road.

 Soon Hanamichi......I'll be with you soon enough.....

 A commotion was heard somewhere near, and it attracted my attention, so was everyone else within the vicinity. Curiosity delayed my move, and I looked back once, and that moment forever changed my mind.

A woman, with a slender figure, and that unmistakable straight, red lock was kneeling, picking up an object from the floor. She then handed it to a little girl standing before her, whose grateful little face light up with a smile. She glanced back once, and a look at her face mistified me. The same smile, and chiseled face, however, a little gentler and feminine than the one I marvelled. Hana?

Rooted to the floor, and still in deepest shock in all my life, I silently watched her as her figure descend, exhibiting her tall frame. Yes, I couldn't be misled, but it is Hana, isn't it? I shook my head realising this, praying I'm not delirious, or either not seeing what I think I saw a moment ago.....

With an elegant stride she made her way to the elevator, her straight, shoulder length red hair swaying against her back as she did so. A strong urge of wanting to follow her crossed my mind; wanting to know her, to look into her eyes. Will it be the same soft brown hue I had wish to see?.....and when she speak, will it be the exact voice, singing out the tune in which I've yearned to hear all this while?

But it couldn't be.....Hana is gone.....

I realised it with a heavy heart, and my mind gripped reality. I simply can't throw away this chance. With her figure dissapearing behind the elevator's steely door, reluctantly I left through the exit.