Soulmates 9

What do u think of this new update? I normally don't do romances but this one was irresistible!

Letters II

Dear Tomo-chan,

Hi how are you today? I was very happy to receive your phonecall. You're such a thoughtful person. Sorry I haven't been able to write to you in a while. So do you have many visitors? I hope you are not too bored.

The other weekend when I saw you, you looked much better, it's the cool and fresh air in the gardens right? You can receive good treatment and high quality of care in the hospital. Are they very nice to you? If you feel pain, do tell them. They are paid to do it. And yeah it isn't bothering them. These people have a very generous calling to help their patients. I heard from an aunt that this hospital has top facilities to research on cancer. So I know you'll be well soon.

What do you usually do when you aren't sleeping? Read, paint, write? Hmm, I think that you will not likely write since you're tired easily. Does your room face the trees? I think there will be many birds there. We can often chat face to face but somehow, writing letters communicates much deeper meanings and feelings. How about your opinion?

Well you asked about school and usually I said it's fine. It is technically. You should not worry too much, rest more. I have plenty of assignments, activities and stuff until 8 pm at least. I wish I didn't have to wake up so early, sigh.... The most interesting thing in my life is my instrument, the flute. It's a Chinese instrument isn't it? I love it, though it is hard to muster playing it. The breathing is important. What instruments do you like? I think you have high aesthetics, a

love and genuine passion for the arts. People say art is stupid and doesn't contribute to society. I don't think so. It's the most beautiful stuff on earth! Definitely it doesn't make a lot of money but it fulfils our soul.

Friends wise..... I have a few close friends in the band. They are not too snobbish and are quite cute and playful. It's too bad we're too busy to go have fun.

Ok my mum is calling me for dinner now. Gotta go!

God bless your health,

Bernadette

Hi Bern-chan,

I'm so excited to receive your letter today. I'm feeling really ill after throwing up. It's a sort of stomach bug, or side effects of medication. Food makes me sick.

Um yea the hospital people are very kind to me. They are usually friendly and willing to help. Like when I can't walk too much or throw up which is gross to clean but they are without a complaint. Only 1 or 2 people are grumpy. I know they must be irritable due to some reason of personal stuff..... the worst is Dr Alex Bell, she's always complaining about her workload. We all loath her. The nurses are ok, they often tell us about their homes and family. One girl is only 16 and is learning the ropes. She is so friendly.

My room is facing the trees. The birds sing every morning! It's such a beautiful melody. I feel that God is closer to us than we can imagine. The other day I saw a bird with many colors, I think it's a hummingbird. The tree flowers attract so much life. Being sick here, I realize that I have missed out on many things of nature in my usual busy schedule. I like the peace and serenity here in my room. It's sad that the others don't feel inclined to chat with me, my neighbor Shawn is usually reserved and quiet. Other than saying hi and introduction, he doesn't talk anymore. The rest are grumpy. I feel tired being positive and they are just the opposite of me. But I should be anyway or you wouldn't want to come. Ah yes good news, my hair is growing back again! I can pull a tail like I used to. Don't worry I won't scare you being bald, I'll wear a wig if that happens.

Sleeping. I do it a lot. Or I read half heartedly. Reading too much exhausts me as does writing. Now I'm okay because I slept 13 hours. Like a small baby. I wish I could paint some more, I think it is healthy and not as tiring as reading. Sometimes I can't sleep at night because I'm in bed so much.

Wow flute! It's so nice. Keep it up! The arts is not stupid, those are ignorant boorish people. Everything is art, drawing, music, songs.... It's around us. How can they say that without seeing whether they enjoy music or songs? They are all a form of art. It doesn't earn much, still money isn't the most important in this world. Our soul is constantly hungry for fulfillment, loneliness, depression for instance. Art is a way of communication too. I agree with you. You know you're quite mature, which amazes me.

Write back, take care too,

Tomo sempai

Dear Tomo chan,

Are you all right now? It must be terrible to throw up your food. Eat something light like biscuits. Yoghurt is ok too.

Mature, sheez that is such a large compliment! Thanks so much. I don't know but sometimes I think a lot about life. It's tiring to stay positive Tomo, but keep it up! It's much better to be happy and sunny than being down. Bow told me sometimes you're angry and frustrated and you usually don't show it to others. It's alright to vent your anger when you're hurting. As long as it isn't too much of the time okay? It's the agony which tends to worsen your mood and temper right? You're very brave anyway.

It's nice you're happier there, I was worried about you. Wow, those people sound truly mean and ogre like. Yuck. I wouldn't like them too. Look for the nice staff, then you won't feel so angry and depressed. Some people are just bad at handling their own temperaments and vent it on others. It's not fair for you. For your neighbor maybe he's too sick to talk too much.

Even if you're bald or sick or frustrated I will still be your friend. I will stand by you, you need our love and support as you have for us, I'm speaking on behalf of Kenni and the others. What about her, are you going to ask her to be your girlfriend?

God Bless,

Bern

Although Tomo sempai was often tired from treatments and physiotherapy, he cheered up quickly when his young friend came by. He was always courteous in listening more than talking and interrupting. Bern knew it was due to his immense pain that he was unable to sit up at times. Yet he made the effort to smile, hiding his discomfort. They chatted about a lot of things, he added softly a word here and there. Only avoided the subject of his illness, which Tomo refused to mention.

"We should be happy. My pain is a small part of it. I feel tired if you ask me everyday." Then the patient sat up straighter, gesturing out the window. The most beautiful singing greeted the pair. "Can you spot the little bird? It's very colorful. It's always singing at this time, morning."

At first she could not spot it and Tomo was patient. He took her hand and urged her to see this way. "Shh, remember. Not too loud, it's so cute right? Do you see it?"

The girl smiled and did not shout when she planned to at first. At the childlike wonder on his face, Bernadette felt unexplained joy welling up inside. He looked free of agony and hurt. When a sick person is happy, we should learn from them, the spirit of simplicity and contentment.

She noticed that he still kept the customary ponytail he usually wore. It felt reassuring. He'd clarified that he would try not to scare her. Even though he laughed Bernadette was saddened.

"Um Tomo sempai are you still painting? I'd be honoured to help you." There was a small brush at his desk. He nodded.

"I'd like to do one, a new one of unicorns and fairies, but I don't have the paints. Next time you go to my house could you take them for me? They are in my room, the third drawer from above. Thanks. Oh paper as well." He stopped to drink some water. His hand was bony. Dark circles under his eyes.

"That's nice. It's good you're being positive," she remarked, dropping her gaze.

"Hmmm, I'm not feeling up to it. I'm still trying very hard. Well, if there are some missing colors, I used a lot the previous time, I'll give you the money to purchase them. Bern, thank you. I always feel better when you turn up."

Afterwards, he hardly spoke. Half an hour, the girl stood up. The patient slid down and pulled the coverlet up to his chest. He said goodbye to her and indicated that he'd like to sleep. She held his hand for awhile until he breathed deeply.

"It's ok if you're too busy to make it. I can cope. I'm not a child," the patient said softly, eyes still closed. The girl brushed his hair once and left.

It was not the truth. Actually Tomo did feel extremely lonely and empty if no one came. The time would crawl. It was very isolating. That's the problem if you're better but you don't, can't move. It sucks. If he'd been in the pangs of agony he'd be rendered still and fidgety coz the sheets would stick to his skin. Making sudden moves would cause aching or sudden cutting thorns into his chest. Tomo sometimes wished he could kill himself. But his conscience would stop him. If only there was someone to standby always so he would be occupied. His moodscould becomeso empty that he did not even want to paint or read, the unread magazines were still piled high.

Half heartedly the patient lifted up a book about fashion and read about it. He imagined Kenni wearing the season dresses and smiled to himself. When he told her how much he appreciated and loved her, he would buy her an engagement ring. When she was ready he'd make good his personal pact to marry her. Kennex wa so kind and devoted to him, she deserved his reciprocation. He cheered up at the thought and put away his depression.

The bird sang outside his window.

Fine Romance

"Hi! What food did you bring this time? I am hungry," the man said cheerily, as Kenni deposited flowers and a tiffin carrier on the table. He had combed his hair and tied a short ponytail, looking much better. His shirt was fresh, not crumpled. The sheets were clean too. Yesterday he was slumped and sulking even with company.

"Really? Today it's your favourite soup. Ginseng Soup," the woman replied, helping him to wind up the bed.

"Cool! I'll drink some." Tomo tried to finish a bowlful, an improvement from only mere sips previously. He looked apologetic that he couldn't finish.

"It's ok. You will throw up if you're too full. Ask the nurse to feed you more when you're hungry. What is it?" He beckoned her to come closer and took her hand. His ambers were flecked with grey and misty. Was he about to cry? Her heart ached when he did, though he seldom cried in front of them. It was due to much cooped up stress and agony and he hates people to see him weak but nowadays he often had red eyes. Tomo hated to be hospitalized and sometimes would drive them away because he felt hurt they'd abandoned him. Or he'd be insanely cheerful the next. She felt his forehead.

"Kenni, I know about it."

"What?" she exclaimed, reddening. Who had told him?

"Why are you pretending still? I love you a lot too. Yes, in the Boyfriend way....." he chuckled, pulling her in a downward then they were kissing and embracing. She gasped her huge eyes bulging from shock. Tomo laughed when he released her. A genuine free laugh.

"Do you think I'm such a fool not to notice that you really am in love with me ? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I---I planned to, but not so soon. You're not angry at me?" she smiled hesitantly. Her idol shook his head. "Thank you."

"No I should thank you for being so strong and faithful to me. Even when I yelled and abused you. I was a beast. So shall we buy engagement rings when I can be discharged? Come let's plan for it. How about this Saturday? I feel better!"

It was too good, to be true. Kennex tucked her hair behind her ear and agreed. It would be alright. But her heart ached, what if he were to-------- succumb to this cancer? How could he possibly marry her then? The doctors hadn't been hopeful. And Tomo was uncooperatively pessimistic. So Saito said not to tell him the progression of the reports. He looked so happy for once, she couldn't reject him! It was stupid this way Fate was playing with them. If only Tomo was healthy and strong, it wouldn't be such a risk they had to gamble. Cancer had a habit of rearing up to ruin joyousness.

"Which shop do you want to go? Shall we get diamond or rubies or platinum? I want a unique design," he asked, circling a bold mark on the date. She kissed his pale cheek and then his nose.

Don't let him die, God. I love him so much. He's more than a brother to me. My beloved Tomo chan.

Then they embraced warmly, taking in the scents and sweated from the rising temperatures. Until he said they'd better stop or the nurse would see them and demand propriety . His face was flushed. Kenni remembered and told him to rest, take it easy. He shouldn't be too agitated, or he'd become sick.

"Ok, I know. I won't be too stressed. Hey how is my result? I'm recovering right? When can I go home?" the artiste wanted to know all of a sudden. Kenni pushed him onto the pillows and sat down, mind whirling. Luckily he soon left the topic and spoke about his recent hobby picked up.

"Starting last Wednesday we attended this workshop, they taught us to fold paper stuff, anything, frogs, birds, clothes..... such fun! I enjoyed them. I made you a pink flower." He sucked in a breath and scrunched up his face.

'Oh no! Sorry did I hurt you? I'll get the doctor..."

The pain was gone and Tomo smiled faintly, told her it was no problem. Sometimes, he related, it was only a little lapse. He closed his eyes for a moment's brief respite. Then whitened lips moved,

"I've always treated you like my baby sister. All that precious time wasted, when I could've kissed you and bedded you..... I must have been blind. Or perhaps too sick and caught up with life. Well now I've got a lot more time to think." Tomo sempai opened his slitted eyes and focused on his girlfriend. Reached out to touch her cheek and rested there. She was wet. He felt, but couldn't see very clearly, due to taking too much medicine.

Of course it was a secret. Tomo didn't fear blindness, the doctor told him it was a temporary condition. Once he recovered it'd return to normal. Our bodies need incredibly dedicated care. I've gotta buck up and build up my immune system. Until I came here, I neglected myself. Darn!

"Actually it's one of those unspoken things, I love you too. But I couldn't bring myself to say it, choosing to believe I was wrong. I also did not want to be your burden. I don't want you to feel stressed by me," he said tiredly, dropping his hand and bringing it to his forehead.

The visitor couldn't speak from sheer relief, that he knew and understood her. She told him of the progress in the troupe, omitting Touga's increasing snobbishness and Saito barely able to find substitutes for certain roles. Some plays were shortened as well to accommodate these changes. Only the finances were fine, they brought down the house in Selon City. Tomo listened quietly, his breathing the only movement. His fraility was dangerous, if he became agitated, he couldn't rest properly. So whether he believed her or not, she had no choice.He would never rest, if the quality of plays had become compromised.

Just hoped no one else gave him the bad news.

"All good news, that's cool. I can leave the running to all of you guys in peace," the soft hair concealed his eyes by wind. Tomo blew them up and they flopped again. Mirth broke out. He coughed. Kennex gave him a glass of water.

Bernadette saw from the doorway and smiled. Tomo-sempai was better and he had told her the truth, how much he liked her. There'd be a wedding! Wow, weddings are so nice, especially my best friend's one!

He placed the glass down and sank back, rubbing her tears off. "I must be nuts, being a child."

"It's ok. I like your natural self. Everyone can't wait for you to come back to the stage! Ganbatte kudasai," she added, more seriously. He didn't reply verbally, just smiled a small, sincere and content. Her hand rested upon his breastbone, sticking out, white. The doctor had told them to prepare for the worst, he might need an oxygen tank to help his breathing. He was very frail and might have pneumonia.

"Lie down now. You mustn't overstrain." The man slid down and pulled her hand to his lips.

Splash Art!

A unicorn flew into the paper, trailing blue stars behind its hooves. The elves and fairies surrounded him, carrying baskets of flowers, herbs. A rainbow was about to appear. Its artist, Tomo sempai, pondered how to make it, thin or fat. Now he was in a better mood to paint, a tad better he felt. The nausea was gone, he felt more able to defeat his illness. For his new girlfriend's sake, he was determined to marry her. So he wasn't going to die. He'd accomplished writing his will, got it seen by the lawyer and being calm about it, folded a lot of paper frogs and stars as future birthday gifts. He was going to the jewellery shop Azess with his love to purchase engagement rings. Quality time!

"Thank you, place it over there. I'll make this a bigger rainbow. Hand me the eraser please. Wait." He loved to feel in charge and in control of the situation. Bern colored in the elves. It was gonna be a landscape painting. When they started on this, it seemed to give them a new perspective of the earth. How lovely could nature offer to humans and animals...... mostly Tomo was inspired to sit up longer and as a result was calmer.

Then the artist leaned back, rubbing his temples. They had to stop now. Tomo didn't protest but he allowed Saito and Bow to help him to lie down and much to the girl's disappointment they had to end the painting session today. She'd looked forward so much to speak with him, and today he hadn't even chatted for 30 minutes when he was worn out already.

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