FRAGILE STRENGTH CHAPTER SEVEN
1030 Words
Doctor came]
Violet's pov— A doctor came in to draw my blood and said they’d be back later with my medicine. They aren't just treating the blood clot in my head; they’re also treating the bruises on my body. It’s so quiet here. My body feels strange because it’s used to always being on the move, and now I’m just lying here. Out of boredom, I decided to leave my room.
[Hallway]
Violet's pov—I went to a common area for patients and nurses. There were many people in wheelchairs, mostly older. I sat on a bench near a large glass window. A guy in a wheelchair sat next to me. He looked to be about my age. At first, we didn't speak, but then he suddenly broke the silence.
Kio: What’s your illness?
Violet: Pardon me?
Kio: I asked, what are you sick with?
Violet: Oh... I have a blood clot in my head. I need surgery.
Kio: Ah.
Violet: How about you?
Kio: Kidney. I need a donor. Maybe you want to give me yours? Just kidding.
(Violet stays silent)
Kio: I'm kio. And you?
Violet: I’m violet.
Kio: You don't need to be polite How old are you?
Violet: 17.
Kio: Oh, I’m only two years older than you. I’m 19. How long have you been here?
Violet: Just a week. You?
Kio:Almost a month. So... what happened to your bruises?
Violet: Oh, it’s nothing.
Kio: No, really. It’ll stay between us. I won't tell anyone.
Violet: I think the nurse is looking for me. I need to take my medicine.
(Violet leaves and goes back to her room.)
[Uncle's Visit]
Uncle: Hey!
Violet: Hi, uncle!
Uncle: How are you feeling?
Violet: I'm okay.
Uncle: I brought some fruit; I hope you like it.
Violet: Thank you.
Uncle: I just dropped by to check on you.
Violet: I’m doing fine, po.
Uncle: Don't you get bored here?
Violet: It’s better than being with Papa.
[Next day]
Violet's pov— I went back to the same spot the next day.
Kio: Hey!
Violet: You startled me!
Kio: Sorry, I didn't think I'd catch you here.
Violet: Why?
Kio: Nothing. It’s just boring in my room, so I go around.
Violet: You can still go around?
Kio: Of course. Why not?
(Violet suddenly feels dizzy and her head starts to ache.)
Kio: Are you okay?
Violet: Yeah, I'm fine.
Kio: Maybe you should go back to your room before something happens.
Violet: No, I’m always like this. I’ll be okay in a bit.
Kio: Are you sure? If you faint, I’m really going to give you a ride in my wheelchair.
Violet: Silly.
Kio: Can I ask why you ended up like this? Both the head injury and the bruises?
Violet: The head injury was just my clumsiness. I fell down the stairs and hit my head on a rock.
Kio: And the bruises?
(Violet stays silent)
Kio: Well, as for me, I was just born with this illness.
(Violet laughs)
Kio: Why are you laughing? I didn't say laughing was allowed!
Violet: No, it’s just... you’re sick, but you can still laugh like that.
Kio: You know, if you were in my position, do you think being sad and crying all the time would cure you? While you’re still alive and breathing, make the most of it. Who knows, we might not be in this world tomorrow or the day after. So just laugh and smile as if you aren't sick.
Violet's pov— I was amazed by him. I couldn't do what he does. I’m used to crying because my father beats me. I’ve never been happy. I’ve never felt special.
Kio: Hey, smile!
(Violet smiles)
Kio: See? You look even more beautiful.
(Kio's mother calls him.)
Kio: Mom! This is Violent.
(Violet smiles at his mother, and she smiles back. kio has to go back for his medicine.)
Kio: See you tomorrow!
[Next day]
Kio: Hey!
Violet: Oh, what’s this?
Kio: Food, obviously.
Violet: Why?
Kio: Eat it. My parents brought it. I saved some for you.
Violet: Why?
Kio: Nothing. I just felt bad eating while you had nothing.
Violet: Thank you.
Kio: So, how are you feeling?
Violet: A bit dizzy.
Kio: Are you getting better?
Violet: Just okay.
Kio: The dizziness will fade slowly. By the way, are you still in school?
Violet: Yes.
Kio: What year?
Violet: Grade 8.
Kio: Grade 8?
Violet: I had to stop many times.
Kio: Why?
Violet: You know... life is hard. My parents couldn't afford it.
Kio: I see. Do you have siblings?
Violet: Yes. Why?
Kio: You're so lucky!
Violet: How is that lucky?
Kio: I'm an only child. I’m envious of those who have siblings. It must be so much fun.
Violet: Fun?
Kio: Of course! You have siblings who are also your friends. Is it like that for you?
Violet: Sort of... but my siblings are all boys. I'm the only girl, so we aren't very close.
Violet's pov— I didn't tell him the truth because not everyone with siblings is happy.
Kio: Then they must treat you like a princess since you're the only girl! If I had a younger sister, I would really take good care of her.
Violet's pov— Whoever becomes his sister will be so lucky. He’s so kind. If that’s how girls should be treated, why do they hurt me?
Kio's pov— Violet, I’m finally going home later! My surgery was successful, so I’m allowed to leave. I met with her just to say goodbye. I felt a deep sadness because I was losing the only person I could really talk to. It was my first time having a real friend, and now I had to leave. But I was happy for myself because I’d be able to do the things I wanted again.
Kio: Get well soon, okay? I’ll still come and visit you, Violet.
Violet: Really?
Kio:Just promise me you’ll get out of here too.
Violet: I promise.
Kio: I have to go; my parents are waiting for me downstairs.
Violet: Take care.
Kio: You too. Take care of yourself here.
- Writer
