💜I am here💜
2815 Words
Aria opened her eyes.
First, light. Bright. White. So bright it stung her eyes.
Like someone shined a torch directly into them.
Then pain. From her head to her toes. Like needles in every bone.
Dry throat. Tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. Chest heavy.
When she tried to breathe, it felt like she was borrowing air from someone.
She blinked. The ceiling was white.
The walls were white.
The blanket was white.
Even the saline tube on her hand was white.
Everything was so white... like someone had washed all the color out of the world.
Like someone was saying: _there is no life here, only staying alive._
The only sound in the room was the machine. _beep... beep..._
Monotonous, boring, but a sign that she was alive.
With every beep she remembered that night. 2:03 AM. Blood. Darkness.
She tried to move her lips. They were dry.
Her tongue was stuck.
A moan escaped her throat. _"ahh..."_
Instantly the door opened.
Fast footsteps. The sound of rubber shoes.
A nurse came in. Blonde hair tied back. Fair. Blue eyes.
White uniform. File and thermometer in her hands. Her face showed signs of an all-night shift, but her smile was still there.
The moment she saw Aria, she stopped smiling.
Relief flickered in her eyes.
_"Thank God. You're awake."_
That softness in her voice that hospital staff only have for patients who come back.
Aria looked at her through blurry eyes.
First thought: _Alana?_
9 years ago. Hospital. White room. White sheets. White lies.
But in 2 seconds she realized. This was someone else.
This voice was soft. Caring. Alana’s voice never had care. Alana’s voice only had calculations.
The nurse took her hand. Checked her pulse.
Cold hand. Gentle fingers.
_"I'm Nurse Elina. You're in City General Hospital. You've been unconscious for 3 days."_
She put in the thermometer. Checked her BP. Aria groaned when the cuff tightened.
_"Exhaustion. Blood loss. And shock. The doctor said you wouldn't wake up soon. But you're stubborn."_
A small smile at the last sentence. Like she knew stubborn people are the ones who survive.
Aria looked around.
White curtain. White wall. White table.
And on the other side... an empty bed.
The white sheet perfectly tucked in. Corners sharp. Like no one had ever used it.
But on the floor... wet footprints were still there.
Faint. Drying.
And the chair... pulled a little forward. Next to that empty bed. Right beside her bed.
Like someone had just gotten up.
Aria’s heart panicked.
Her breathing got faster. The machine beeped faster too. _beep beep beep_
_"...was... someone else here?"_ Her voice was hoarse. Like thorns in her throat.
The nurse closed the file. Paused for a second. Thought.
Like she was deciding how much to say.
_"Yes. A boy. He was injured. Bandage on his head. Had a fever. Name... Gray, maybe. He didn’t give his full name."_
Then she lowered her voice even more: _"He was here for 3 days. Sat in a chair next to your bed. Didn’t eat, didn’t sleep. Just watched you. Whenever a nurse came on duty he’d say 'wake me up when she wakes up'."_
Aria’s breath caught.
3 days.
He sat here for 3 days?
Injured. With a fever.
Just to watch her?
Just so she wouldn’t die alone?
Scenes flashed in her mind like lightning.
Phone. 2:03 AM. Darkness.
_"Black, I killed someone..."_ her shaking voice.
The bunker. Blood. Running. Darkness. And Gray’s hand... holding hers tightly.
_"Don't be scared. I'm here."_
She closed her eyes. Tears stayed inside. Didn't fall.
In 9 years she had forgotten how to cry. Crying was weakness. And she refused to be weak.
_"...where is he now?"_ she asked. Her throat was raw. Every word was a wound.
The nurse lowered her eyes. Shook her head helplessly.
_"I don't know, Aria. I haven't seen him since last night. The doctor said he had an infection. Maybe he was moved to another ward... or went home."_
Paused. _"We staff can't give patient info. Privacy policy."_
Then added softly: _"But he seemed okay when he left. He was just angry. He kept saying 'don't leave her alone'."_
Aria’s heart sank.
So he wasn’t here either... and she had no idea where he was.
Alone again.
In the same white room again.
She gestured for water. Her hand was shaking.
The nurse held the glass to her lips. 2 sips through a straw. Life came back to her throat. Coolness spread.
With the water, anger left too. And courage came.
Then Aria asked directly. Her voice wasn’t shaking anymore.
Strong. The same voice that had been silenced 9 years ago.
_"Did the police come? To take my statement?"_
The nurse nodded.
_"Yes. 2 officers are in the waiting room. They've been there since morning. Waiting for you to wake up."_
Aria looked at her IV hand. The tube. The needle.
Then looked at Nurse Elina.
And for the first time in 9 years... there was no fear in her eyes.
Only fire. A cold, sharp fire.
_"Send them in,"_ she said.
_"I'll tell them everything. Every word. The truth. And no lies."_
The nurse nodded and walked out. The door closed softly.
There was a knock, and then the door opened.
Two officers came in.
Suited. Stern faces. Gray in their hair. File and recorder in hand.
In the whiteness of the room, their black suits looked even darker.
The older one showed his ID. Badge gleamed.
_"Detective Harris. This is Detective Moore. Ms. Carter, we're here to talk to you about that night. The incident from 6 days ago."_
Aria nodded. Her IV hand was shaking.
But her voice was strong now. Like glass.
Something inside was breaking, but her voice didn’t break.
She told them everything from the start.
The 2:03 AM call.
_"Black, I killed someone."_ Her own voice on the recorder.
Running to the bunker. Blood on the floor. The wound on her hand.
And Gray shielding her behind him. Using his body as a shield.
The room went silent.
Only the machine _beep_ could be heard. And footsteps in the corridor outside.
Detective Harris stopped writing. Closed his notebook.
Then looked up and asked, his voice flat. Emotionless:
_"Alright Ms. Carter. What else do you know about Gray?
Did anything else happen in those 3 days? Any threats? Any names he mentioned? Any address?"_
Aria looked at them in surprise.
There was no anger in their eyes, no sympathy.
No question about the wound on Gray’s body.
No concern about the 104 fever he had.
No question about why that boy sat by an unconscious girl for 3 days.
Just the case. Just the file. Just the statement. Just interrogation.
Her heart felt heavy.
It was like this 9 years ago too.
No one asked what was wrong with _her_.
They only asked "why did you go there."
She slowly shook her head no.
Wet her lips. Swallowed.
_"No,"_ she said. Her voice was soft but clear. Every word cut sharp.
_"In those 3 days only one thing happened... he kept saving me.
Even with a fever. Even with wounds.
And I... I couldn't do anything. I just slept."_
Detective Moore turned off the recorder. Click.
Harris closed the file. Thud.
_"Alright. If you remember anything, let us know."_
Both stood up. Chairs scraped back.
Harris stopped at the door.
Turned back and said formally:
_"Get well soon, Ms. Carter."_
The door closed. Silence.
Aria stared at the ceiling.
White ceiling. No cracks.
No tears in her eyes.
Just emptiness. A silent scream.
And one sentence echoed in her heart:
_If no one will ask, then I will ask._
_If no one will search, then I will search._
---
After the police left, Aria stayed in the hospital for 2 more days.
Every hour was accounted for.
Every minute had one question: _Where is Gray? Is he okay? Is he breathing?_
She kept asking Nurse Elina.
Morning, afternoon, night.
_"Any news?"_
_"Any word on Gray?"_
_"Did you check the ward he was moved to?"_
_"Is his name in the admission records?"_
Every time the nurse lowered her head and said:
_"Aria, I understand. But it's hospital policy... we can't tell you. I'm sorry."_
Aria would go quiet.
And stare at the ceiling all night.
With only one prayer in her heart: _Let him be okay. Just let him be breathing. Just let him be alive._
On the third day the doctor discharged her.
_"You're a bit weak. You need rest. Nutritious food. But you're okay now. You can go home."_
Aria said: _"5 minutes. Just 5 minutes in the courtyard."_
There was sunlight in the courtyard. Cool breeze.
Leaves rustling. Birds chirping.
After 9 years she took a breath of open air... without fear. Without looking back.
The sun touched her face and it felt like someone was saying _"that's enough now."_
When she came back to the room, she stopped. Her feet froze.
On the bedside table...
A bouquet of yellow flowers.
Yellow gerberas. Yellow roses. 12 flowers.
Completely fresh. Water droplets still on the petals. Like they were picked just now.
She immediately called Nurse Elina.
Her voice was shaking. Heart pounding.
_"Who... who brought this? When?"_
The nurse looked at the card and smiled:
_"A courier, Aria. 20 minutes ago. He didn't give his name. Wore a cap. Just said 'it's for Ms. Carter' and left. When I came to check, it was here."_
Aria looked around.
The corridor was empty.
No one at the door. CCTV camera in the corner.
She picked up the flowers. The scent filled her lungs.
Yellow flowers...
Yellow flowers were Gray’s favorite.
He used to say: _"Black, you need light even in the dark. Yellow is like light. Like you."_
Her hands started shaking.
_Did he send them?_
_Is he okay?_
_Does he remember me?_
_Or... is he giving me the place of that girl with black eyes and black hair?_
_The place that was his 9 years ago? The place I lost?_
Tears filled her eyes. For the first time, they fell.
She held the flowers to her chest. Smelled his memory in them.
And whispered softly, like Gray could hear:
_"Ofooo... where are you, Gray??"_
_"If you forget me... I will never forgive you. Never."_
Under the bouquet was a small envelope.
White. Blank. No name, no address. Just her name: "Aria"
With shaking hands she opened it. Fingers numb.
Inside were only 4 words.
In black ink. Crooked handwriting. Written in a hurry.
_"The light came back."_
Aria’s breath stopped.
Her heart paused for a second.
The machine beeped faster again.
---
Nurse Elina handed her a small bag with her discharge papers.
_"This is your stuff. When you came in unconscious, your clothes, purse and phone were in it. The phone isn't charged."_
Aria took the bag. It was light.
Thankful that at least the phone was safe. Screen wasn't cracked.
She walked toward the main hospital gate.
Sun was harsh. Her head spun. Steps were slow.
She stopped outside the gate.
No money in her purse.
No balance to make a call.
No car had come to pick her up.
No relatives.
_How do I get home?_
_Bus? But where do I get fare from?_
_Walk? That'll take 2 hours._
Lost in these thoughts when...
_screeech_
A yellow taxi stopped right next to her. Meter was already on.
Aria frowned at the driver. Middle-aged. Wearing a cap.
She was about to speak...
When the driver reached out the window and handed her a small card.
Then without saying anything, looked in the mirror and turned on the meter.
Aria flipped the card.
White card. Black ink.
_"Hope you got the flowers.
Take a taxi for guidance home.
- G"_
She read it twice.
Then three times.
The handwriting... it was the same.
That same crooked, hurried writing.
Like on the card under the yellow bouquet.
The loop on the "G" was the same.
Lightning ran through her heart. Warmth in her veins.
She took a deep breath.
An involuntary small smile came to her lips. Her first real smile.
She gripped her bag tightly.
And opened the taxi door and sat inside. The leather seat was cold.
_"Let's go,"_ she said softly. No fear in her voice anymore.
_"Home."_
The taxi started moving.
The hospital got smaller behind her. White building.
And ahead... who knows what. Darkness or light.
But for the first time in 9 years, Aria wasn't alone.
Someone was taking care of her.
From afar. Quietly.
A petal from the yellow flower fell from the taxi window.
She smiled.
The taxi drove through the city streets.
The meter ticked. With every tick her heartbeat got faster.
Aria looked out the window. The city after 9 years.
Everything had changed. New buildings. Glass malls. New billboards.
But her street was the same. The same old one, but today it looked strangely clean. Like someone had swept it.
The driver adjusted the mirror. He was in his 40s. Beard.
After a long silence he said:
_"Are you okay, ma'am?"_
Aria nodded. _"Yes."_
Her throat was still dry.
The driver said in a low voice:
_"The sir said... take care of her. Drop her home. And if there's any trouble, let him know. Don't worry about the fare."_
Aria’s heart sank.
_Sir?_
She didn't ask. Just said _"Thank you."_
The driver turned on the radio. An old ghazal.
_"The way you're smiling..."_
15 minutes later the taxi stopped outside her house. _screech_
Aria’s breath stopped.
Small house. Yellow door.
But the paint was shining. Like it was just cleaned.
Window glass with no dust. No dry leaves in the yard.
Floor washed. New plants in pots.
The electricity meter was running. Faint light coming from inside.
Aria gripped her bag tightly. Her legs were shaking.
She thought about the fare but the driver raised his hand.
_"No ma'am. It's already paid."_
She thanked him and got out.
The door wasn't locked. Just closed from inside.
She pushed it gently. _click_
Inside... light.
The floor was shining. No cobwebs.
New sheet on the sofa. Pillows straight.
Picture on the wall cleaned. No fingerprints on the glass.
Faint scent in the air. Lemon cleaner and... something else.
Kitchen. Dishes washed and put away.
Fridge was running. Water bottle and milk inside.
Closet closed. Everything tidy.
A strange warmth rose in her heart.
_Who did this?_
Then her eyes fell on the dining table.
And she stopped right there.
The dining table was completely clean.
In the middle, a small glass vase.
With 12 yellow flowers. Fresh. Water droplets on the petals.
Right next to the flowers...
A white tray. Covered.
Tied with tissue.
A small white note on the corner: _"For Aria"_
Her feet walked to the table on their own.
She picked up the note. Opened it with shaking hands.
Inside were only 3 lines:
_"When the house is dark, you have to bring the light yourself.
Enjoy your meal.
I am here."_
No signature.
No name.
Just that same crooked handwriting.
Aria took a deep breath.
And for the first time in 9 years... she laughed.
Very softly. With tears in her eyes.
She lifted the cover.
Warm steam rose.
The tray had her favorite foods.
_Grilled chicken_ - lemon pepper, with roasted vegetables.
_Mac & cheese_ - slightly browned on top.
_Garlic bread_ 2 slices - still warm.
_Caesar salad_ in a small bowl.
And finally _brownie_ - with a small cup of vanilla ice cream.
Everything exactly her taste.
The same food she used to eat in the USA 9 years ago when she worked late at night.
She pulled out a chair. Sat down.
Flowers in front. Food in front.
The room was silent, but not empty.
She picked up the fork. Cut a piece of chicken.
Took the first bite.
Closed her eyes.
Taste, texture... everything was right. Exactly like home.
Mac & cheese was hot. Ice cream was melting with the brownie.
She was so hungry tears came to her eyes.
But this time not from pain. From relief.
She looked around.
No one was there. Door closed. Window closed.
But still...
Like someone was standing in the corner smiling and watching.
Like someone was saying _"eat slowly, don't choke"_.
Like a presence was around.
She touched a flower petal.
And whispered softly:
_"Thank you... you remember everything."_
Evening was falling outside in the street.
Inside, there was light on the table.
Stomach full. Heart light.
She finished eating and started clearing the tray.
Ate the last piece of brownie too.
Put everything back in its place.
And looked at the note one last time.
_"I am here."_
The room was clean. Her heart was clean.
And for the first time, she wasn't scared... of being alone.
*To be continued...
- Writer
