I don't care for hospitals; they smell of sanitizer and people who need a shower; myself included. Though, sitting here, gazing through the window, things could be worse. A smile caressing my face, I was somewhat ignorant of the throbbing in my back. I was lost in peace.

Outside, wind zipped about, carrying pollens and birds. In here, everything was still. Something about the contrast is reassuring. Like, I can separate myself from the storm. It exists, I'm in it, but with a little patience I can find the eye, and I'll be okay.

Those thoughts were comforting, and now, they were to be tested. My peace was ripped away and replaced with responsibility. Though, I suppose obligation can be reassuring in its own way. A duty to something or someone helps us see the way forward; we know where we're going, and it's just a little further.

"Wrong room," said a familiar voice, the smirk evident.

"Shut up," June drawled, backtracking and hurrying after her companions.

Evelyn groaned and turned on her heel, stalking towards my bed. Her scowl was furious but as she drew closer, seeing my smile and the pain I was failing to hide, she slowed and her anger was carried away on the wind.

Sighing, Evelyn shook her head and smiled sadly. "Idiot."

"Hey, gorgeous," I replied, my gaze flicking to her.

Scoffing, Evelyn flopped into the chair beside my bed. She crossed her arms and legs and closed her eyes. "He's fine."

Grinning, Bark stopped beside the bed. "You're so dumb," he snickered.

Rolling her eyes, June slugged him. Ignoring his yelp, she smiled sweetly at me. "Are you okay?"

Splaying my hands, I tried to shrug but only winced. "I'll be fine. I always am."

"You nearly weren't," Evelyn muttered, tapping her foot.

Bark nodded seriously. "She's right, but what actually happened? From what I heard you lifted an entire piano overhead."

Scoffing, June waggled her finger. "Oh please, he couldn't even carry our group assignment."

My head tilting, my back spasmed briefly and I winced again. "It's a group assignment, you're not meant to- You know what, never-mind." Shaking my head, I sighed. Glancing at Bark, my lips thinned as I very seriously said, "someone dropped a piano on me."

Not even hesitating, Bark met my eye and replied, "they didn't do a very good job. A Piano should've done a lot more damage."

June slugged him again and Bark whined. "Ow! Hey, I'm saying he's lucky. It could've been much worse."

"Yes, it could have," Evelyn agreed, refusing to look at me.

June's lips thinned and her eyes grew wide. Sharing a look, she wished me luck before taking Bark by the arm and dragging him from the room.

"Huh? What?" Bark grunted, stumbling over himself.

Rubbing her temples, June sighed. "Read the room, would you?"

"I'm more of a movie man," Bark replied, disappearing behind a corner.

As the two vanished from earshot, I looked to Evelyn. She was still tapping her foot and glaring at the floor. Good thing I'm in a hospital because one wrong step and I could be mortally wounded.

Taking a deep breath in, I exhaled silently. Alright, words, brain, I can do this. It's V! This'll be fine. Please, please, let it be fine.

Grinning, I braced myself for whatever happens next. "What's got you in a mood?"

Her head snapping upright, Evelyn's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe her ears. Rage, fear, sorrow, racing through her, twisting her face. Her lips trembled as they fell. Her brows furrowed pitifully, and her eyes almost seemed to shrink. Her muscles snapped to rigidity and her tongue grew sharp.

"Oh, I'm in a mood?" Evelyn exclaimed. "At least I'm not in a hospital bed."

"Would you like to be?" I offered, raising the sheet beside me and donning my most innocent smile.

Her eyes narrowing, Evelyn's gaze was downcast, and she fiddled with her hair. When next she spoke, her voice was barely a whisper. "I was scared. Someone knocked on my door and said you'd been hurt. Then I couldn't come and see you because the school was a mess. It was only thanks to Headmaster Josiah that I could come today."

Jaw dropping, I shook my head. "He's so biased. I'm his favourite, it's a real problem."

Evelyn shot me a weird look before sighing. She didn't speak again, merely watched the floor, as if hoping it would swallow her.

I shuffled to edge of my bed, my face twisting in pain. I grunted with the effort, but it was worth it. Stretching hurt, but I could just reach Evelyn. Stroking her head, I smiled. "I'm sorry I scared you. It'll take little time, but I'll be okay."

Evelyn scoffed and threw her hands in the air. "What if you weren't?" Her voice breaking, her hand flew to her eyes, and she desperately fought back tears.

My hand falling from her head, I thought for a second before speaking. "You were right. Sometimes it's harder to be beside the hospital bed than it. Though, we're partners, right? If you're in the bed, I'll be there. And when it's me?"

Letting the question hang, my smile fell upon my beautiful girl. Her eyes clenching shut; the pain was evident on her face. Her cute little dimples said it all.

Balling her fists, Evelyn whispered, "it still hurts."

I scoffed and immediately regretted. Wincing, I laughed painfully. "I know."

After that we were quiet for a while, but it was a comfortable silence. Welcome and warm. Though, all good things must come to an end.

"Stop tearing up my hospital!" Hilda screeched.

Yelping, Bark came racing into the room. "It's not my fault I'm tall!" He called over his shoulder.

Laughing herself silly, June stumbled in, doubled over and holding her gut. Hilda followed shortly behind, an unamused look dressing her face. Shaking her head, Hilda sighed and moved to do my observations.

"J, your friends are idiots," Hilda said, marking my blood pressure on a clipboard.

"Careful, it's contagious," I warned.

A small smile cracking on Hilda's face, she hid her laugh and continued her job.

"Hey, Hilda?" I said, smirking deviously.

"Hm?" The nurse muttered, mostly ignoring me.

"Could you take Evelyn's temperature? She's looking a little red," I suggested.

"What?" Evelyn asked, her brows furrowing and head tilting cutely.

Cocking my head, I looked upon her with mock concern. "Maybe she's just too hot. Do you feel okay, beautiful?"

Her face reddening, Evelyn clued on and immediately covered her face with her hair. "I hate you," she muttered.

Laughing, I poked her gently. "The blush doesn't lie," I sang teasingly.

Bark laughed awkwardly, looking somewhat uncomfortable. June giggled dreamily, almost jealously. Hilda simply groaned and hurried from the room.

Looking between my friends, hearing the laughter in the air. Despite the pain shooting through me; despite the tears welling in my eyes; despite the fact that my toes were cold, I smiled.

My chest heaving with a buried sob, I gestured to Evelyn with my head. Raising her brow, she leaned over so I was whispering in her ear.

"I still don't what I'm scared of, but this is the most okay I've been in a long time."

With that, I kissed her cheek, leaned back and closed my eyes. My hands folded over my chest and a great breath escaped my lungs. A single tear drizzled down my cheek.

June raced to the door. "Hilda, he's dying!"

My eyes snapping open, I looked at her dumbly. "I'm not dying, you idiot!"

Bark snapped his fingers. "Damn it."