Re-edited version, man I hate it when the words comes out in symbols rather than words.
Chapter One: Expect the Unexpected
The white washed walls shone dimly under the feeble light bulbs above. I waited, looking down with barely disguised irritation at the receptionist. Carefully patting down gel soaked hair with claw like nails, each coated with thick red nail polish. Against her pale uniform, her hands looked rather like blood-tipped whips. I let out a loud sigh, and tapped my fingers on the desk in case she didn't get the hint. Apparently, the girl was not as air-headed as she appeared. Glaring me for interrupting her private phone call, she whispered a soft good bye, gave a high fake giggle, before turning her attention to me. "May I help you?" The tone of her voice clearly said that she would love to do anything except to help me. Returning her glower with a stony stare of my own, I decided to ignore the soft sneer that was replied to my actions. "I am here to visit a friend of mine, Daidoujii Tomoyo. Would you kindly tell me where her ward is?" That reminded her that she was here to serve me, and I could easily complain her behavior to the head nurse. Her dark eyes left mine in defeat, and those claws typed on the keyboards for a few moments before, "Daidoujii Tomoyo, is it? She is on ward 528, level five. Take the lift to your left, and the signs on the walls will tell where to go next. Next please." Leaving my defeated opponent, my steps took me to the lift, which opened as soon as I pressed the "up" button, Stepping into the metal cage, I found myself alone as the mechanical device grinded upwards. Alone, I leaned against the cold wall and closed my eyes in confusion.
How did I end up here? Was it only two weeks ago? It seemed like a lifetime. How did this all start? Ah, of cause. That fateful night but only a fortnight ago. She could remember every detail, every action and word as if it was only ten minutes ago. In the back of my mind, the night repeated itself over yet once again.
It started off simple enough, a single phone call to Syaoran asking him when he would be home. It was late, almost 11 in the evening. Our one and a half year old daughter, who I named Nadeshiko after my mother, was long asleep. Caressing her soft cheek with one finger, I smiled softly before leaving the room to phone my husband. I was worried about Syaoran, as he is always late working. He often come home haggard and ruffled, and generally falls asleep in the first instant. I often ask him about the sad state he is in, but a mumble is all I receive. Sighing, I dialed speed dialed his mobile. The cold beeping of a busy line greeted me, and I frowned in concern at the noise. It's been like this a lot lately. When I ask him, he would just shrug and mumble something about not wanting to be disturbed. Setting the phone down, I signed, my mind and heart in a confused bundle. It might just be me, but Syaoran and I are drifting further apart. It was not as if anything was amiss, more like that there has been an invisible barrier between us. A barrier of misunderstanding, awkwardness and silence. Brushing strands of brown from my eyes, I proceeded to phone one of Syaoran's fellow workers. "Hello, Sota? Is Syaoran there? He is still not back yet." The reply astounded me, and I tried desperately to keep my mind away from the possibilities. There might have been a traffic jam, the car might have broke down, a million different reasons why he left three hours ago and still have not arrived.
The door opened, and my husband for two and a half years entered the door. The childish lankness he was as a child is now gone, replaced with a tall slim look that, accompanied with his light brown hair was enough to make any female drool. Slipping off his black leather shoes, he slipped the heavy suitcase onto one of the chairs before seating himself in one. Clicking close the phone, I turned slowly to face him. "Why was your mobile off?" The question came out flat and cold, and my forest green eyes pierced into his honeyed orbs. To my infinite sadness, his gaze left mine and a flash of guilt seem to cross his features, but it was gone before I could see clearly. "I was...busy... with work." My emerald gaze narrowed. "I rang Sota just then, and he said that you left work more than three hours ago!" The words came out with more than a little force and screech. Syaoran stared up at my face, his features working before settling into one of anger. "What are you getting at? I was in my car, working on the laptop. There has been an accident on one of the main roads, so I had to take a detour. Are you implying that I was doing something behind your back? How dare you! HOW DARE YOU!"
The last sentence propelled me back into my senses, its coldness cooling my rage. I felt warmth running up my face, shame and humiliation taking form as drops of tears streaking down my face. "Sorry Syaoran. I'm sorry, I really am. I don't know what's gotten to me, but I know I'm wrong to doubt you." The words came out softly; each sob not only breaking my words, but also my heart and soul. Hiding salt streaked tears behind my shaking hands, I could hear the scraping of chair against the floor, then the familiar warmth of Syaoran's arms around me. But something was different; the embrace no longer felt comfortable and right, but with the awkwardness that reminds me of our primary school years. So we stood there in the living room; the pain and hurt of only a few moments ago still heavy around us. We could not undo what was there, but we could always try and mend our wrongs.
The lift shuddered to a stop, and a soft ring announced the halt. Opening my eyes, I glanced up at the lit number showing the level we've stopped on. The number three shone with a dimmed yellow color. The door slid open, and a nurse carrying several folders stepped lightly in. She was a young thing, and a sudden pain of loss overwhelmed me. She was so innocent, all pure and naive to the pains of the world. Seeing me, she smiled, and I could not help but to return one in reply. The door closed once again and as the machine continued onto its destination, my mind went back once again.
Three days later, and our previous incident still revolved around us like a thick dome of sandpaper. Syaoran tries to ignore it, and every smile he gives me was so full of warmth and love that all my shame magnified a thousand fold. Sitting on the couch, my fingers ran over the Clow Cards placed before me. Mirror, Rain, Shot. My hand stopped, hovering over one particular card. Looking down at it, the corners of my mouth lifted in a smile as I gazed down at my first card, the Windy. So many fond memories...
The ringing of the phone snapped me out of the trance, and I hastily placed the cards carefully back into the book before answering the call. "Hello? This is the Li's residence." "Sakura, dear? I can't find my cell phone. Could you look for it?" One hand on the phone, I glanced hurried around the room. Ah, there it is. Just above the television set. "I see it. Should I bring it to you?" A sigh could be heard. "Would you do that for me? Oh, thank you so much. Bring Nadeshiko too. She might like to see daddy's workplace. Bye honey." Whispering my own sweet farewell to Syaoran, I hurried to get Nadeshiko ready. Grabbing the mobile and my keys, I drove towards the game company where Syaoran worked. He was one of the special effect designers, specializing in the magical images. Smiling, I cursed myself once again for doubting him. Then his cell phone light up. Luckily a red light allowed me to stop and open the cover. It was a message. Opening the message, I froze. The whole world around me shattered into countless shards; each piece piercing into my soul, shredding my heart and tearing all reason from my mind. A loud blare sounded behind me as the light turned green, and it took me not a few seconds to respond to the angry blasts. Even then, I drove towards Syaoran with all the mind of a zombie.
I saw him, standing outside the office building in his black and white décor. Sliding into a vacant spot, I cradled Nadeshiko in one arm and the cell phone in the other hand. Oddly enough, I was calm; not a trace of emotion or feeling could be found inside me at that instant. Seeing me, the relieved smile on his face quickly turned into one of worry and confusion. I could just imagine what I look like; a face of set without any kind of emotion on it, and green eyes flashing like a set of polished emerald stones. "Sa...Sakura?" Bewilderment could be seen in every line on his face, and his wide stared at me, pleading to be told of the reason of the sudden transformation. Stopping before him, I raised my hand and silently dropped the phone into its owner's hands and marched back to my car.. "Wait, Sakura, what is this about?" Slowly turning, I looked into his eyes for a second, the mirror like glaze breaking and allowing all my grief to be shown. Letting my gaze travel downwards, I pointedly stared at the cell phone in his hands. His brown orbs followed my path down to the still light screen. His eyes grew wide, and his mouth gaped open in astonishment. Not waiting for his reply, I strode into my car and slammed the door. Hands gripping the steering wheel, my eyes closed as I fought hard to retain what little sanity I had left. Waiting until my breath no longer caught in my throat or shook as it escaped; I started to drive home, not once noticing Syaoran as he shouted against the closed window.