Chapter 4: Walking Away

Chapter 4: Progress

As my eyes adjusted to the glaringly bright light, I took in the room we had entered. There stood Dr. Mirage, Nurse Maraschino, and my dad, each one with a different emotion written on their faces. The doctor exuded confidence, the nurse, excitement, and my father, anxiousness. I shifted in my seat as I tried to forget about the exchange Lion and I had just had.

“Glad to see you made it here, Miss Dawn.” The nurse’s attempt to act professional was completely transparent, and she smiled gleefully. “Why don’t we get you set up?”

~

After a brief lecture over how to use the treadmill, including the safety device that would make the treadmill stop should I fall, I stood atop a treadmill, surrounded by four people who seemed to be almost yelling encouragements.

In actuality, the sweet looking little nurse really was yelling. I could feel my hands start to sweat as I gripped the support beams of the equipment, and slowly eased myself into a walk.

  The first people I had come to care for after my mother’s passing all supported me, smiles shining on their faces… I’d never been happier.

It was an amazing feeling, walking on my own. The feeling I had was almost like the thrill one feels when they learn to ride a bike, of have their first kiss. I will never forget the feeling of walking again.

~

Sadly, I was not allowed to stay long. After about ten minutes, Dr. Mirage shut off the treadmill and helped me off of it. I then returned to my room, with the help of Dad and nurse Maraschino. That day, I I was elated, and I all but forgot about Lion’s and my conversation in the elevator.

~

A couple weeks later, I had grown even stronger. The small amount of awkwardness between Lion and I had vanished and be were back to normal.  It was then when the news finally came.

 

It was a beautiful morning in Briocheport, the sun was tinting the sky pink and, due to how high my room was, I could see what seemed to be miles and miles of land--which, I later learned, was scheduled to be turned into an apartment building. I hadn’t seen Lion all day, and was expecting him when I heard the door open. Instead, Dr. Mirage, looking friendly and refreshed, peered through the door.

“Oh, I’m glad the two of you are awake.” My dad had begun sleeping in the armchair next to my bed.

“Yes Doctor?” My dad’s voice was rough, it seemed that he had only woken up moments before.

“Today is the day.”

For a while, we discussed the plans for the day, regarding transportation and continued care. I would smile and nod, but inside, I felt a small twinge of pain. Will I even get to say goodbye?

This thought repeated over and over in my head, as the doctor, Dad, and I, exited my room, gathered my belongings, and entered the elevator.  I sighed as I realized that I probably wouldn’t be able to wish Lion a farewell, and voiced my concern.

“Doctor?”

“Yes?”

“Would you mind telling Lion bye for me?” 

“Certainly.

With a small chime, the doors to the elevator opened, revealing what, or rather, who awaited us in the lobby.

If I hadn’t promised the doctor I wouldn’t, I would’ve run over and hugged Lion. 

“Lion!” I beamed.

“Did ya really think I wouldn’t say goodbye? Don’t be silly, Mousey.”

He leaned over and hugged me. You were my first friend. Ever. And now, I’m leaving… Why is it that fate seems to do these things on purpose?

“I’ve got something for you, O.” He took his hands out from behind his back and showed me what he had been hiding.

A guitar pick.

The only thing was, I’d never told him about my ambitions with my mother’s guitar.

“How did you--” He cut me off.

“A little birdie told me… Looks like this is it, O.” He placed the pick into my hand, and grinned.

“Looks like this is it, Lion.” I paused. “Don’t forget to read those books, alright?”

“Alright. Seeya later, Miss Mousey.” Dad wheeled me out of the waiting room, and to our car, which had been sitting there for the past four weeks.

Goodbye, my friend...

~

Our little car pulled up to the solemn looking gate, and dad and I climbed out of the car. Remembering the doctor’s instructions, I allowed dad to help me stand up and walk across the stone path. We stopped in front of a small stone with an engraving on the front.

Cherry-Blossom Dawn, Mother, Wife, Music in the Dull Hum of Life.

A little piece of unrest finally melted away as I was able to pay my respects to my mom.

Once we had both cried ourselves out, I pulled my dad into a hug.

“Maybe this roller coaster is finally over, dad…”

He sighed. “I hope so, Oasis. I hope so.”

Little did I know how it had only just begun.