Chapter 3-Visiting Hours
A gentle knock on my door woke me from my slumber. The nurse poked her head through and passed me the meds. I threw them in my mouth and took a gulp of water. I opened my mouth for inspection. The nurse nodded.
As soon as she left, I spit out the meds and stashed them under the pillow. They made me extremely groggy during the day. I need my brain clear.
Usagi said she would be visiting today after school. I couldn't help but smile a little. I wondered if this world's Usagi is just as kind and just as wonderful…I kept checking my watch throughout the day, anxiously waiting for her arrival.
"Ami, you have visitors. Follow me."
Visitors? I thought Usagi was visiting alone.
Dr. Tanaka stood outside the visitation room. "I just want to prepare you mentally. Usagi talked to the other girls, the ones you saved and they all decided to come visit you together. If this is too overwhelming, please say so."
"I am okay. I want to meet Usagi." I smiled at the therapist. I was surprised at myself for smiling for real. I could see the back of Usagi's head. Her odango head. She still had the power to cheer me up, even though she's not real.
I pushed the door open and the girls turned to face me. Mako! Rei! Minako! Of course, Nehelenia incorporated them into my fantasy. This must be an elaborate illusion.
Despite what my logical brain was telling me, I couldn't help but ran up and hugged Mako. She still smelt like roses.
"Nice to meet you, Ami-san. My name is Kino Makoto. I want to thank you for saving me." Mako gently pulled away from my hug. She then offered her hand. I shook it. I knew I was staring and "Mako" was blushing, but I couldn't help it. I miss my thunder soldier.
The rest of them introduced themselves and said their thanks. I went up and hugged all of them. Until I could get out of here, until I could figure out a way back to my world, this would have to do for now. I need them as my friends.
They stayed and chatted for hours. I actually laughed. It sounded so strange to my own ears, so foreign. As they were leaving, Mako hugged me and gave me a quick kiss on my cheek. I pulled back out of shock. Mako looked at me and gave me a wink. "I will come visit you again, Ami-chan. I like you. Hope I am not too forward." Without waiting for my response, Mako turned and left.
'Did Mako just say she likes me?' I wondered.
That sliver of hope was quickly crushed as I realized. Of course, the illusion would give me my "friends" back and my "Mako". As long as I am happy here, I would never wake up from the dream. I would be trapped here forever. I haven't told Mako my feelings for her yet. I had always been too afraid, too many excuses. If I ever get back, I should tell her how I feel. I need to get back.