Disclaimer- Blah blah…
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When the time to leave finally came, I was getting nervous again. As we were heading towards the door, however, Patamon flew up to us.
"Can I come?" he asked, tears glistening in his large, blue eyes. We all looked to each other. It would be hard getting him there, and if anyone was in T.K's room at the same time that didn't know about Digimon, then we couldn't let him out. The air was heavy with thought.
"I'll go get a bag," I said, since it seemed only fair that he should come. I found one big enough, and added a small pillow for comfort. Patamon fitted nicely in it. Gatomon said she'd stay home, in case our parents returned. We all went downstairs in silence. Mr. Ishida looked dreadful. I looked away. We drove to the hospital in silence, no one having anything to say. Patamon poked his head out of the bag for the journey until we reached the hospital. We walked the familiar path to the elevator, to the fourth floor, down the corridors, and to his room. I walked in behind Tai. Mrs. Takashi was there, but her sorrow was beyond tears. She just sat there, grasping T.K's hand like the dearest thing in her life. I looked from her to T.K. He was ghostly white. The doctor left the room. I remembered Patamon, so I opened my bag to let him out. Tai closed the door behind the doctor. Patamon instantly flew to T.K. Mrs. Takashi looked at him for a moment, and outstretched her hand to stroke him. He lay down his wings and closed his eyes, as her hand gently stroked his back. I went over to T.K's side, and knelt on the floor beside him. I grasped his other hand. It was cold. Parts of my dream flashed through my head. I rested my head on his bed, as tears began to flow.
"Oh, T.K…" I whispered. Both my hands were grasping his, and I so desperately wanted his to warm up. I felt someone's hand on my shoulder, and turned to see Tai. He wasn't wearing his usual smile, but a rather sad one. I turned back to T.K. I sat like this for about an hour. At the end of that hour, it seemed that his hand was getting warmer. I perked up at this. And then, suddenly, I felt his hand gently squeeze mine. It was ever so weak, I barely felt it, but it still happened. I sat bolt upright. I couldn't believe it.
"Kari, what's up?" Tai asked, bewildered at my sudden movement.
"It's T.K…" I said breathlessly, "He…he squeezed my hand." Everyone stared at me.
"Are you sure?" Matt asked.
"Yes…" I answered, not taking my eyes of T.K, "It was weak, but I still felt it." Mrs. Takashi dissolved into tears. But these ones had a tone of hope, and happiness that her son may survive. I stayed there, in the same position for the next ten minutes, hoping for another sign, but none came. His hand was definitely getting warmer, and I saw this as a positive sign. I heard a growling from Tai, and turn to see Tai holding his stomach, looking rather embarrassed.
"Sorry," he said sheepishly.
"Hey Tai," said Matt, "why don't we go get some food for everyone. I mean, I guess it is lunchtime."
"Yeh," said Tai, happy that Matt had covered up that rather embarrassing moment, "So, what does everyone want?"
"I'll just have a coffee," said Mrs. Takashi.
"I'll have the same," added Mr. Ishida.
"I don't care," said Patamon.
"I'll come with you," I said, getting up and laying T.K's hand down, "I think I need some fresh air." And with that, I coughed.
"Ok," said Tai, "we'll be back soon." And with that, we left. In the elevator, I had a sudden urge to cough, but I didn't want to in front of Matt and Tai; they would most likely get all worked up about it. But the urge wouldn't go away. I tried holding my breath, but I felt like I was going to faint. I let out one small cough.
"Kari, are you ok?" Tai asked.
"Yeh, I'm fine…" I began, but talking was a bad idea. I suddenly launched into a coughing fit. Matt and Tai immediately huddled around me. The elevator doors opened, and Tai half-carried me to a nearby chair. I finally stopped coughing. Both Tai and Matt were white.
"I'm fine," I said, when I finally caught my breath, "It musta been the dust." They didn't believe me.
"Look, I really am ok!" I said, standing up, my cheeks red, "Let's just get the food."
They reluctantly stood up and followed me to the cafeteria. Tai ordered the food, while Matt and I looked at presents and magazines. Tai came back carrying a bag full of food.
"Are you sure you're ok?" he asked me, a tone of concern in his voice.
"Yes!" I pouted, grabbing the holder of drinks and leading the way to the elevator. I didn't want them to worry about me, not now when T.K was sick. The way back to T.K's room was a silent one. When we arrived, and Tai opened the bag, it was obvious that he bought more than everyone asked. I sat there, in a corner, munching on my small salad sandwich, staring blankly into space. Tai's hand waved in front of my face a few times, with some mumbling words, but I was too deep in thought to decipher what he was saying. I didn't realise, but I was drifting off into sleep. These thoughts were to become my dreams. But before I was able to sleep, I found myself being shaken rather hard. My head was lolling back and forth, my vision coming back. I held my head steady, and the shaking stopped.
"Kari?" Tai asked, peering into my eyes. I blinked, suddenly properly returning to reality. I look around, finally realising where I am.
"Kari, we have to leave," Tai said, unsure if I was still back to normal.
"Why?" I ask drearily, beginning to feel drowsy.
"Because we're supposed to be going to grandma's this afternoon," Tai reminded. I get up- with some help from Tai –and walk back over to T.K's bed. I kneel down again, and grasp his hand.
"Please get better T.K," I mumble, hope seeming to linger around me. I kiss his hand, and lay it back down on the bed. I stand up, and bow my head to the Ishida's and Mrs. Takashi, before heading to the door to meet up with Tai. I give T.K one last swift look, before I leave the place, the place where so often hopes are lost, dreams are abandoned, and death lingers, sweeping around the place, targeting his next victim.
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Looooong chapter!