Fall In Love With A Feline

Chapter 14

**Kevin's POV**

"Hey... look at Lisa, she's been so down lately." I heard one of my co-workers who's stationed behind me whisper to another. It immediately took my attention and look over her I've noticed to be looking so exhausted lately who's sitting across the other side of the aisle.

She was so happy a few weeks back but now, she's totally looking like she's had a bad week. I've never seen her smile nor heard her laughing which is out of her character. Lisa has always been so cheerful and never had I ever seen her like this, except the time when her friend met the accident. Although everyone knew she's depressed back then, she was able to mask her depression with a wide, sweet smile.

Lisa's the only one who notices me around here and she never failed to ask how I was doing. She always greets me and she's been consoling me whenever things are turning out bad. That's why she was my crush back then. I realize I should be consoling her. She's always very nice and I sort of feel somewhat guilty that I'm just sitting here and watch her like this. I just had to find a perfect time. 

When lunch and everyone else left to eat outside. I'm always left behind and eat my lunch at the office's pantry where I can reheat the food Abey packed for me. However, as soon as I stand from my station, I found Lisa still sitting in front of her desk, looking directly at her phone.

Maybe it's my chance.

"Lisa, it's lunch. Are you not going out with the others?" I asked, walking towards her. She usually goes out during lunch like everyone else.

"No. I don't have the appetite." She muttered after I notice that she sent a text message. She then looked up to me and forced a smile.

"Are you... okay?" I asked, standing in front of her station. 

She then lets out a heavy sigh before she bowed her head down again before her hand covers half of her face.

"You know... when you said you felt somehow guilty about my friend's accident... I actually felt guilty too. Whenever I tell you that it isn't your fault, I'm also telling that to my self, that it's also not my fault, that she's just in the wrong place, at the wrong time. I know I kept repeating this but whenever I see her laying there sleeping for two years now, I can't help but blame myself." She stated while her voice started trembling as she spoke.

"Lisa..." I called out softly. I didn't know she feels this way. But maybe, she's right. It's both our fault. If she hadn't forced me to meet up with that girl, she wouldn't be where she is. But, if only called her or even sent a text that I couldn't make it, her friend wouldn't have gone to that cafe.

She then looks up to me, revealing her tears.

"I thought she's gonna wake up soon. She showed signs a few weeks ago. I thought she's getting better... I kept hoping that she'd respond to our voices again like she did but there was nothing again. I tried to think positively and try to smile as she always tells me whenever I'm sad but... the doctors say that... they suggested that...." she trails off with her words as she started breaking down, hiding her face behind her hands, sobbing softly.

All I could do is tap her back to console her. I don't even know the process of consoling someone but maybe this will help, even a little.

However, based on what she was saying, I can only assume that the doctors are suggesting the worse. After all, it's been two years and she still sleeps.

This is also my fault. If I had just shown up that night then, her friend wouldn't be in a coma.

"...they suggested to pull out the plug..." she finally revealed.

My breath hitches and my heart started pounding that my knees grew weak. I can't felt so responsible for this. 

When I got back home, Abey's bright smile had somehow uplifted my spirit. However, like always, she noticed I wasn't myself.

"Is something wrong?" She asked, cupping both my cheeks despite how I was wearing a forced smile. 

I told her everything...

She listens intently while holding my hand. I told her about two years ago before I found her at the bushes on the corner of the building. I told her where I tried to go that day and who I supposed to meet. 

I explained what happened to that girl and what might happen to her now.

"Why do you refuse to visit her?" She asked. 

For two years, I avoided going to that hospital because I was scared that the people who cared for that girl who will put the blame on me just like how I blamed myself.

However, it was hard to admit it in words than of thinking about it that I couldn't answer immediately. My hands tremble knowing that my decision that day will cost that girl her life today.

"Kevin?" She called out softly, reaching for my cheeks and cupped it gently, thumb caressing my cheek so softly. 

I inhaled deeply but suddenly, a lump grew on my throat which made it hard for me to speak, "I..." words were even hard to form especially now that I have to admit what I've been feeling.

"It's my fault, Abey. I'm to blame... and I'm too ashamed to face the people who love her... I'm afraid to see her."  

I distance myself from people not only because I'm an introvert who isn't comfortable with people but after that accident happened I tried to shut myself out despite wanting to have some company. I was afraid of hearing those words of blame. I was afraid of people pointing fingers at me.

Even if Lisa had been consoling me, I still can't face the fact that the girl wouldn't be there if it wasn't for me.

Whichever side you look in that situation, it's would always be my fault. 

I'm the one that put her in that situation.

Abey had been with me all through those times I couldn't handle my guilt. When I opened the door, my dear cat happily greets me and comforts me. It was the only being that is happy to see me.

I'm an introvert ever since but, what happened to that girl just made me afraid of connecting to people.

But despite all these, my Abey consoles me in a way no can ever do. If she's not here, then I would completely shut everything out.

"If you are afraid to see her by yourself, then take me with you so we can both apologize." She whispered as she kisses my cheek before leaning against my shoulder.

"I don't know what really happened but I know you're not at fault. Everything happens for a reason and we are here at this very moment because we are supposed to be here." She continues.

"I think you need to see her. She deserves that. I can't say if it's really your fault but, at least come see her even if it'll be the first and last time. I'll be with you." She muttered by my ear as she kept her arms around me.

"She likes you and she saw you despite other people not noticing you. I feel bad for her so let's go see her, Kevin." She added.

My tears were threatening to fall because I feel like I would be killing that girl soon since they will be taking her life support but Abey's embrace says everything's going to be alright.

After taking a deep breath, I nodded. She then cups my cheek and smiled ever so sweetly even if I still had my doubts. 

But she's right. I need to see that girl.

"Alright... Let's go see her." I said as I look into her eyes.

I hope that they wouldn't give up on that girl just yet.

But I don't know if I can take it once decided to take that path for her. I know it will continue to haunt me for the rest of my life.