Later that evening Kai and I had dinner together.

I thought he would take me to a fancy restaurant where I knew I would undoubtedly feel out of place, but I was pleasantly surprised... he brought me to an Izakaya.

When I asked him why he brought me here he told me that his mother liked this place and my heart softened a little...

I couldn't believe I could be happier than I was yesterday but I was... every time we were together there was something incredibly magnetic between us. It made me appreciate every moment I was able to spend with him.

*

We ordered some drinks with our ramen and then we had some casual conversations about work and repairs needing to be done at the house. After some time we ordered dessert.

"Do you... like this place?" he asked.

"I like it a lot... we should come here again..." I smiled when he reached over to hold onto my hand.

*

Another month at Ravenwolf passed by... and it was already the end of April.

We all celebrated Charlie's birthday at the small venue that Jackson introduced me to before that fateful trip to Paris...

Charlie was able to perform with a band he was invited to join a while ago so he played guitar happily on stage... seeing him in his element was quite an amazing sight.

The day after his party, while I was in the kitchen helping Edna make dumplings, I received a phone call.

I wondered who it was and since it was an unknown number I considered ignoring it. But for some reason... this time, I felt compelled to answer it. So I excused myself and someone on the other end told me that they were calling from a hospital near where my aunt lived...

"She is being treated after having a moderate heart attack... you were the only contact on her next of kin list..."

I almost dropped my phone after hearing the news...

I knew I couldn't avoid seeing my aunt forever... but it had been so long since I last saw her...

Just when I thought I was living in a sweet bubble with Kai...

"Hazel... sweetie... is everything alright?" I turned to look at Edna who had followed after me when I hadn't returned.

I wondered how long I had been standing in the same spot for.

"I... have to go."

"Go? Go where, child?" I looked at her worried expression and I shook my face a little. "You look like you saw a ghost... hurry, sit... I'll go make you some ginger tea."

Edna led me over to the living room and I sat down. She caressed the side of my face a little.

"I'll be right back, okay?" before she left I unconsciously reached out to hold her hand...

For a moment, it had felt like I was a child again.

Back at my aunt's house and that terrified me.

I never wished any harm towards her, but she still instilled this kind of reaction in me even after all this time...

Edna stood in place while I leaned towards her. Edna let my head rest against her body while she gently soothed the top of my head...

I wasn't alone anymore...

I had Edna, Rae, Kai, and everyone at Ravenwolf to support me.

After some time, I calmed down and gathered my senses. Without asking me any questions, Edna had sat down next to me and started warming my hands up in hers.

"I have to visit my aunt." Edna nodded while moving a few fallen strands away from my face.

"Alright, do you need me to call Walt?"

"No... I think I need some time to process it all so I'll take the train."

I would probably regret not going... even though I knew my aunt only listed me as an emergency contact because we were blood-related more than anything... I still needed to go.

So I packed a small overnight bag and then told Edna I would let everyone know about my absence. I asked her if she could keep what happened a secret and Edna didn't hesitate to support me. She hugged me tightly before I left...

*

The whole train ride there I thought about what I would say to her when I met her...

When I walked into her room, she was fast asleep. She had been moved out of ICU and remained admitted in the in-patient ward... I sat on a chair near her... waiting for her to open her eyes, which she did a half an' hour later...

"They didn't have to call you..." her voice was harsh and rasp... I closed my eyes a little.

"It was serious enough for them to reach out...so I understand."

"Mmm..." she said while looking over and out of the window.

"Have you been well?" she asked. It was always a forced formality with her rather than a concern so I nodded.

"Yes..." I said and then turned to open the small bag near me. I made a quick trip to the grocery store before I came. "I bought some fruit. I can prepare some for you"

"You know I hate most fruit, so why would you bring them?"

"I know... that's why I brought apples..."

She looked away from me while I peeled them. I cut them up in slices and then placed them in a bowl. She didn't turn to look at me. After I was done,l I placed them on a tray and then moved it closer to her. I made an excuse about needing to talk to the Doctor and left...

I knew she wouldn't eat in front of me...

After some time I returned and saw one of the Nurse's. My aunt had eaten the apple slices and was fast asleep again. The Nurse told me that she was checking her vitals and administering some medication. She was stable...

I remained at the hospital for a few more hours. During that time I got myself a drink in the cafeteria and then flipped through a book I had been reading.

My aunt woke up and ate what she could then fell asleep again. When the Nurse came again to check on her and take her tray away I spoke to her.

"My aunt doesn't like green beans... next time she leaves her carrots it's because she prefers them to be boiled. If you have anything else... that would be fine..." the Nurse nodded.

"I'll let the staff know..."

I sighed to myself...

Being here reminded me of my childhood. It made me feel like time had stalled between us.

In the past I tried to gain my aunt's approval. But the more I tried to please her the more she pushed me away. At one point I just wanted my aunt to look my way seriously, but it never happened.

I didn't hate her for blaming me... but I just needed a little praise. A little encouragement for getting things right when they were... but it never happened. As soon as I graduated from high school my aunt didn't have to tell me to leave. I just did. There wasn't a bone in my body that wanted her to feel like she had to take care of me because she was the only one I had...

*

When night fell my aunt was watching television. I switched programs for her when I could tell she was restless. It was only moments later when she told me that I didn't have to stay any longer.

"The Doctor said I can stay overnight."

"It's not necessary... besides, I'm not dead."

That struck a few chords in my heart... I held the edge of my seat while attempting my best smile.

"Don't worry. I will leave tomorrow, I promise..."

After that my aunt remained quiet. She only glanced at me a few times when I moved around the door. I got her a fresh glass of water and I adjusted her pillows.

I then rolled out the overnight folding bed that was given to me and laid there before I fell fast asleep. I was probably a little exhausted...

The next morning, while my aunt finished her breakfast, I asked the Doctor about her symptoms. He reminded me that she would be able to recover well. After hearing this news I walked back into her room and started to pack my bag. After zipping it shut my aunt turned to look at me.

It was the first time she made direct eye contact with me since I arrived.

"My friend is back in town. So you never have to come and see me again..."

She then looked away while closing her eyes as though she had been bitten by a venomous snake...

I almost dropped my bag so I clutched onto the handle firmly.

I really didn't know what else I expected. I didn't need her to be grateful I came here for her. But it was still painful hearing this was the last thing she wanted to say to me before I left.

She made me feel like I was small, insecure frightened child again...

And for some reason, it felt like I was suffocating.