Kana's mind raced as she processed his words. The offer was so unexpected, yet it felt so real. She had always felt alone in the sterile, quiet walls of her hospital room, but now… now there was an opportunity to meet someone who had been her only connection to the outside world. Someone who cared enough to step into her lonely reality. The thought of seeing him, in person, left her both terrified and excited.
Her fingers clenched the blanket tighter as she tried to make sense of the swirl of emotions. She glanced out the window at the snow falling softly, as if the world outside could offer her some clarity. The idea of it, the possibility of seeing John made her heart race, but also made the walls of her room feel even more suffocating.
Lonelygirl4556
> Are you… sure about that? I mean, it's not like I can go anywhere, and it's kind of… a weird situation.
John smiled, his eyes softened as he spoke through the call, his voice steady.
Gamerboy115
> Yeah. I'm sure. I don't mind weird situations. Besides, I think we'd both agree it would be nice to meet face to face, even if it's just for a bit.
Kana's heart skipped a beat. She felt vulnerable, exposed even, as if she were standing on the edge of a cliff. This wasn't just some anonymous interaction online. This was real. She would be meeting him, the person who had become her most trusted friend, in the flesh.
She thought of the picture of him in her mind—the way he joked, the way his voice softened when he said something kind. She imagined him sitting across from her, those warm eyes looking at her as if she were important.
But she wasn't sure if she was ready. She wasn't sure if she could handle it.
Lonelygirl4556
> I don't know… it's been so long since I've seen anyone besides the doctors and nurses here. I don't really look like… well, like how I used to.
John's voice came through the speaker with a gentle reassurance, almost as if he could feel her unease.
Gamerboy115
> Kana, I don't care what you look like. You're the same person I've been talking to, and honestly, I'm just looking forward to seeing you. No pressure. Just… you know, to hang out.
Her fingers hovered over the phone, unsure of what to say next. His sincerity sent a rush of warmth through her, and for the first time in a long time, she didn't feel like a burden. She didn't feel trapped by her own insecurities.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm the anxiety swirling inside her chest. The snow outside had gathered a soft blanket over the ground, a quiet calmness settling in, and somehow it gave her the courage she needed to speak.
Lonelygirl4556
> Okay. Maybe… maybe that would be nice. But it'll have to be a short visit. Don't expect anything too crazy, alright?
John let out a small laugh, the sound comforting and familiar.
Gamerboy115
> I wouldn't expect anything else from you, Lonelygirl.
Her smile was soft, even though she knew he couldn't see it. The weight that had been sitting on her shoulders for weeks felt just a little bit lighter now.
Lonelygirl4556
> Alright then. When?
John paused, glancing out his window at the snow too. He could feel the excitement rising within him, the moment they had been waiting for was getting closer.
Gamerboy115
> How about tomorrow? I can swing by in the afternoon, if you're up for it.
Kana's heart fluttered again, though she tried to keep her voice steady, her eyes still fixed on the falling snow outside.
Lonelygirl4556
> Tomorrow works.
The anticipation between them was palpable now. A new kind of excitement had settled in, one that neither of them had expected, but both were beginning to embrace.
John's eyes softened as he spoke, his voice almost teasing.
Gamerboy115
> Alright then, it's a date. I'll see you tomorrow, Kana.
For a moment, Kana just stared at the screen, her heart pounding, her mind racing. A part of her wanted to pull back, to tell him to forget it, that it was all too much. But the other part—the part that had gotten to know John, that had grown fond of him in ways she hadn't expected—wanted to say yes. To meet him. To see if this connection was more than just virtual.
Lonelygirl4556
> Yeah… see you tomorrow, John.
And with that, the weight of the decision fell upon her. She was ready, even if she didn't fully know what would come next. Tomorrow, they'd meet. In person. And the world, for just a moment, felt like it might actually be okay.
*****
Contrary to what Kana had said earlier, she was planning something a bit crazy since John was going to be showing up today. The anticipation had her heart racing, and she couldn't shake the nervous excitement that bubbled up inside her.
She took extra time in the shower, scrubbing her skin until it felt fresh and smooth. She lingered under the warm water, letting it calm her nerves, before stepping out and wrapping herself in a towel. The mirror fogged up as she stared at her reflection, wondering if John would even recognize her. Would he think she looked pretty? Would he even care?
Kana carefully brushed her hair, taking time to work out every knot. She was meticulous, as she always was, but today she was doing something extra—something that felt like it had to be perfect. She tied her hair into a ponytail, just the way John had once mentioned he liked it. She smiled at the thought, a little giddy.
Next, she turned her attention to the clothes she had laid out on her bed. She stood in front of them, her eyes scanning the options—hospital clothes, nothing fancy. Still, she wanted to look good for John. She couldn't help it. Her fingers hovered over the various sets, but she found herself unable to pick one. They all seemed so plain, so ordinary, and yet, each one felt important. Which one would make the right impression?
As Kana paced back and forth, she heard the faint sound of someone chuckling. Turning around, she saw Jane standing in the doorway, watching her with an amused expression.
Jane: So… you want to tell me what the occasion is?
Kana didn't seem to hear her at first, still lost in her thoughts as she anxiously examined her options. She paced once more, then twice, as if hoping the right choice would jump out at her. But it didn't.
Jane shook her head, walking up to Kana and lightly tapping her on the head. The sound broke Kana's concentration, making her snap out of her daze.
Kana: Huh?
Jane's grin grew wider, clearly enjoying the sight of Kana so flustered.
Jane: I asked what the occasion was. But from the way you're acting, I more or less already figured it out. Is your online boyfriend coming, by any chance?
Kana froze, her face turning bright red as if she'd been caught doing something she wasn't supposed to. A chill ran down her spine, and she nervously shifted on her feet. Jane's smirk only widened, clearly having a blast at her friend's expense.
Jane: So it IS him, huh? Your little online boyfriend?
Kana's cheeks flamed hotter, and she immediately waved her hands, trying to dismiss the idea.
Kana: Shut up! You don't know what you're talking about!
Jane raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.
Jane: Oh? Then why are you so nervous, huh?
Kana opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She was completely silent for a moment, her mind racing. How could she explain? She had tried to keep it cool, but something about today made her feel like she had to make everything perfect. Her confidence wavered.
Finally, Kana lowered her gaze and muttered, almost to herself, her voice barely a whisper.
Kana: I just… I just want to look good, you know? For him.
Jane's teasing expression softened into a knowing smile. She stepped forward, gently patting Kana's head in an affectionate way.
Jane: Oh, Kana. You should've just said so in the first place.
She sighed, still smiling, though her tone was warm now.
Jane: You know you don't have to go overboard, right? I'm happy to help you out if you want. I'll even lend you some of my perfume.
Kana's face brightened at the offer. She looked up at Jane, her nervousness easing just a little.
Kana: Really?
Jane nodded, grinning.
Jane: Of course. What are friends for if not to help you get ready for your big moment?
Kana smiled and nodded, her heart lightening a bit.
Kana: Okay, I'll take you up on that.
Jane clapped her hands together, clearly excited to help.
Jane: Alright, then! Let's get to it. First, we'll pick the perfect outfit, and then I'll make sure you smell amazing.
With that, Jane took charge, pulling Kana towards the bed, where the clothes were still neatly laid out. Together, they went through the options, each one a little more carefully considered now that Kana had a little help from her friend. The nerves slowly began to fade as Kana found herself swept up in Jane's confidence and support. It was a big day, but she didn't have to face it alone.
******
John slowly pushed open his bedroom door, glancing down the hallway. He crept cautiously, taking soft, deliberate steps as he moved toward the living room. His ears strained for any sound, any indication that his mother might still be in the house. The last thing he wanted was for her to catch him sneaking around.
When he was sure the coast was clear, John made his way to the kitchen, the scent of stale coffee lingering in the air. There, sitting innocently on the fridge, was a note in his mother's familiar handwriting. He read it quietly to himself:
"Gone for a few days. Be back in three days. Don't forget to clean up, John. – Mom."
John's eyes narrowed as he scanned the note. He wasn't sure why, but something about her absence felt right with him. He crumpled the paper in his hand, tossing it into the trash without a second thought. It was a habit now, ignoring anything that might make him feel bad about the absence of his mother. She wasn't exactly someone he could rely on anyway.
John: I guess I'll have the house to myself. And she's going to miss my birthday too…
He muttered under his breath, a hint of bitterness in his tone.
He waved the thought away, letting it slip from his mind as quickly as it had appeared. He had other things to focus on today. His fingers hovered over the clothing hanging in his wardrobe, taking a moment to consider his options. It was winter, so he knew he'd need to dress warmly, but he still wanted to look good. Something flashy would've been great, but he'd have to cover it with a hoodie anyway. After a few moments of deliberation, he picked out a simple but stylish combination of a black graphic tee, a pair of well-fitted jeans, and a dark hoodie to keep him warm.
John grabbed his shoes and slipped them on, his mind already racing ahead to the plans for the day. As he adjusted his hoodie, a sudden vibration from his phone interrupted his thoughts. He pulled it from his pocket, his heart quickening when he saw the message. It was from Kana.
Lonelygirl4556:
[I can't wait to see you today!]
A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he read the message. It was one of the few things in his life that consistently made him smile. Sitting on his bed, he tapped out a response with quick fingers.
Gamerboy115:
[I'm about to leave right now. What's the name of the hospital?]
On the other end of the conversation, Kana was also getting ready. She sat on her bed, carefully propping her phone up against her pillow. Her hands hovered above the screen, waiting eagerly for John's reply. As she typed out her response, her thoughts drifted to the upcoming meeting.
Lonelygirl4556:
[Serenity Springs Hospital.]
John stared at the message for a moment before quickly switching over to his map app. His finger hovered over the screen as he typed in the name of the hospital. He had no idea where it was, and he wasn't about to risk getting lost on the way.
But when the map loaded, he froze, his finger stilling on the screen. His brow furrowed in confusion as he stared at the hospital's location, surprised by what he saw.
John blinked a few times, trying to process what he was reading. He couldn't believe his eyes.
John: Eh?