Lost in the Dream

We’re Bound Together Forever

Martell

We are each other's pieces of our puzzle.

We are not we if one of us is missing.

°°°

I wake up with a dreadful feeling. I never know someone's absence can cause this heavy feeling.

My heart aches for Sweven who lost his sight and my heart cries for Malkiel who got lost in his own wrong decisions.

If only we met in a different circumstance maybe no one will suffer now.

An unfamiliar watch is sitting on my nightstand. Did Malkiel perhaps leave this?

 But I never saw him wear it.

I scanned it out of curiosity. One moment I'm in my room and the next thing I know is I'm in an orphanage.

"I'm sorry but we found out that my wife is pregnant. I'm afraid we won't be able to continue the adoption."

 A couple is talking to a Nun.

"It's the seventh time he got rejected, can't you consider it?" the Nun pleaded but the couple just gave her an embarrassed smile.

"I don't think I can give him a great life if I'm supporting two kids and my wife. I'm really sorry."

The shutting of the door surprised the three of them. The nun runs outside and chases the young boy. I silently followed them until I found them sitting on a bench near the fountain.

Other kids are having fun except for that boy who the Nun is talking to.

"it’s okay, Malkiel. Maybe we can find the perfect parents for you next time. Please don't be sad, okay?"

"it is okay, Sister Claire. I know no one likes me." the young Malkiel cried.

"No, don't talk like that. It's just that it's not yet time. Maybe God is still preparing the perfect parents for you."

The scene shifted and I almost got blinded by the lights.

"Martell! Hurry up; we'll be late in the mass!"

My feet involuntarily walk out of the room and found my parents in the receiving area. When Mom saw me, she gets on her knees and fixed my collar.

"What's taking you so long upstairs? The mass will start soon."

My brow creased at the way Mom is treating me. When I glanced at the cabinet, my reflection almost surprised me.

"I'm young again," I said in disbelief.

Mom chuckled, "Of course, you're young. You're only seven, Martell. What are you talking about?"

If went back to my childhood then it means I can meet Malkiel at this time, right?

Mommy and Daddy were chatting in the car while we're on our way to the church. I heard them talking about Dad's flight next month for an international competition.

I made myself busy staring outside when Daddy suddenly step on the break while Mom screams at the top of her lungs.

"Oh my God! Honey, the kid!" Mom and Dad get out of the car.

People started gathering around our car but I don't have any idea what happened.

"Open the door!" Dad shouts.

Mom ordered me to move to the shotgun seat while Dad positions a kid with blood all over his body at the back. Mom held the kid and I almost shout upon seeing the boy.

"Malkiel!" I cried.

Dad drove fast to the hospital. Mom's crying while waiting outside the emergency room while I sit quietly in the corner.

"What if we killed him?" Mom cried.

Dad hugged her and told her everything will be alright. Two nuns came running towards us. One of them was the one Malkiel is talking to in the orphanage.

They all swarmed the Doctor when he stepped out of the operating room.

"The boy is fine. He got bruised ribs but there are no serious injuries."

Mom thanked the doctor when he told them they'll move him into a private room in a moment.

"I feel bad for Malkiel. All he wants is to have a family." the nun said to my parents.

"Where are his parents?" Dad asked.

The nun shook her head then said, "We don't know who his parents are. They just left him at the front door of the orphanage. In fact, he's supposed to be adopted but the couple found out the wife is pregnant. He was so excited because he thought he'll finally have a home he can call his own."

Mommy sat beside me when we got home from the hospital. She and Dad talked while we're on our way but I fell asleep on the way.

"Are you okay?" Mom asked me, "Is there something bothering you?"

"I'm so lonely, Mom. Our house feels empty." I answered.

"Hmm, I agree. This house is lonely, right? If Dad goes to Japan next month it will be the two of us alone again."

"I wish I have a brother." I blurted out.

Mom smiled at me and cupped my face. "Really? Will you be a good brother if you have one?"

"Yes!" I answered in excitement.

"Well, actually, your Daddy and I talk about it. I heard you calling the kid's name in the car. Do you know him?" she asked.

I nodded, "He's a good person, Mommy."

"In this case, do you want him to be part of our family?"

In my excitement, I jump and jump on the couch, "Really, Mommy?"

Mom smiled at me and nodded.

Someone tapped my shoulder, waking me up.

"Man, we have good news!" Gideon smiled at me.

I look around and found myself in the hospital. I suddenly stand and got dizzy because of it.

"Whoa, chill, man!" Gideon grasped my arm until I find my balance. "Sweven just woke up."

Upon hearing him, I rushed to the room and found all of them inside. One is sitting between Koa and Theo.

 I searched the room and found Malkiel feeding Sweven peeled apples.

"Can you see me?" I cupped Sweven's face, "Tell me, you can see me, right?"

Malkiel slapped my hands and Gideon pulled me away from Sweven.

"Goddamnit, Martell! What's wrong with you?" Theo asked,

"Of course, I can see you. They removed my appendix due to appendicitis but my eyes are still intact. You're so weird." Sweven answered making everyone laugh.

I scratch my head and nod, "Ah, right. But still, I'm happy for you!" I hugged him despite his grunting.

"Damn, my stitches!"

No one listened to him. Instead, everyone joins to hug him.