Chapter 4 - An Old Friend

Nov. 13: This morning was rough on us. When I was giving him something to eat, he collided into me pretended he fainted and stole my key! He pushed me aside and ran out the door to escape once more, but I managed to tackle him, which is easy since he had not eaten food. We wrestled around until my trusted nurse handed me the tranquilizer and stuck it in Kazuma. The rest of the day, he stares out into the distance and gotten grim and silence. If the superintendent were here, he would've mistaken the boy's room for a catacomb. The nurse managed to bandage his bruises from our current fight, but not even first aid can cure his brain.

November 14

The young nurse with light brown hair was standing at the register for visitors. It was her turn to make sure that everyone signs up before seeing his or her love ones and it usually feels lonely at the desk. She wanted to talk to the people that are coming just to give them hope, but it's hard for her when somebody knows that there's none left. Whenever it's her turn to take post, she will smile as they enter and nothing more. She was just about to look through her nails when someone opens the door. She starts to smile as the young woman with short blue hair with a red ribbon approaches carrying a small paper bag. She was wearing a pink dress with a brown jacket on her shoulders and brown mary-jane shoes. "Good morning" she greeted at the nurse. The nurse is surprised that the little girl can be cheerful in a place like this. Most of the time, the visitors would be nervous and scared behind their brave facade. This child seems confident that whatever she's planning to do will make things better. "My friend said that I need to sign something before I see Kazuma. What do I sign it on?" The nurse grins as she directed her to the visitors list clipboard and then to the boy's room.

As they walk down the hallway, the nurse tries to make a conversation with the girl. "What's in the bag; is it for your friend?" The girl nods and answered, "Yes and it's a surprise! I could only say that this is something that he hadn't seen for a long time."

"Can I take a peek inside? I had to check to see if there isn't anything harmful. The regulation requires it." The girl looks down at the bag with uneasiness. The nurse adds, "I won't tell your friend of your gift, I promise."

The girl then reluctantly gave the bag to her and looks inside. "Aw, how cute!" the nurse exclaims.

"His sister told me that it's his favorite thing when he's young. It can be his little companion when we can't see him." she explains.

"A good idea! He's lucky to have you as one!" the nurse warmly said. When they reach the door to the boy's room, the nurse suddenly went solemn. "Well, here we are." The blue-haired girl looks through the window and gasps in shock. Kazuma was wearing white t-shirt and long pants. He was lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Or rather, belted down on the bed across the legs, arms and chest. Only his head can move freely.

"What happened? Why is he like this?" she asked. The nurse answers, "Well, your friend kept on beating up everyone and trying to escape..."

"Oh, I see." she replies sadly.

"I'll go in first, to see if he's in a mood for anyone," the nurse said and opens the door. Kazuma did not show any reaction as she enters the room. "Kazuma, there's someone here to see you."

Kazuma turns his head towards the entrance and saw Yukina. "Good morning." she said. He did not say anything as the nurse close the door after Yukina got in the room. "How are you doing today?" She walks towards his bed.

Kazuma looks at her for a while without response, then said with no emotions, "I've been tied down on to this bed since yesterday and I was in a straitjacket for so long that my arms ache."

"I'm sorry that happened to you, but you must let them help."

"They can't," he said firmly then in an earnest voice, "but you can." "How?" Yukina asks.

"Tell them that I'm not crazy, that I'm still sane."

Yukina stares at him, "I can't."

Kazuma widen his eyes then in desperation, "Yes you can! The- They don't believe me, but they'll believe you! P- Please tell them! I won't hurt anyone, I promise!"

"But will you not hurt yourself? Will you not try to kill yourself anymore?"

Kazuma didn't answer. She continues, "Kazuma, it's not just our friends I'm worry about. It's you! I don't want you to go and never come back too!" When Yukina said that as she was about to cry, he knew then that he couldn't ask her that when he can't keep his word that he won't try to commit suicide.

"Hey, it's okay Yukina. Please don't cry." he said then notices the paper bag. "What's that you carry? Is it a drink?" He wants to change the subject, and he hadn't drunk anything yet.

Yukina quickly dry her tears and looks at the bag. "Oh well, I got this in case you get lonely here. I hope you don't mind."

"It's not a drink?" he said in disappointment.

"No, but it's something better." she said and then sticks her hand inside since he can't open it himself. When she takes it out, Kazuma was in shock at what he saw.

"I haven't seen it since I was a kid!" he said in awe. "Where did you found it?"

"It was in your closet. Do you like it?"

"Like it? I love it!" he smiles. "Thank you! Could you put him next to me?"

Yukina smiles as she places it near his head. 'He looks like a child just now...' she thought. "Ya know Yukina; my mom gave this to me." She snaps from her thoughts as he starts to speak again. "Did she? Where is she now?" she asked, noticing that of all the times she seen Kazuma's family, there is never a mother around.

Kazuma saddens, "I don't want to talk about it."

She widens her eyes, "Has something happen to her?"

"Please, Yukina."

"...I understand."

Nov. 14: His friend has brought a childhood toy for him - an old stuffed rabbit whose button eye hangs on a loose thread. I have no idea how that would help Kazuma, but he acted calm around Yukina-san and afterwards he does not want to let it go. It might be good for a shock therapy but for now, it holds as a guard to Kazuma's increasing insanity.

Kazuma's POV

(Sighs) This bunny, my old favorite... I never thought I see him again. The last time I held it in my arms is when I last saw mom, alive that is. It used to be so white too... just like that rabbit in the book... I wonder if they would laugh at me if they saw me carrying it, but then what does it matter. Nothing does. It's still soft too... like Eikichi... Her and my bunny always used to stick together before I had any friends and mom would read that bedtime story called, 'Alice in Wonderland'. I would then pretend that I was in Wonderland the following morning. Ironic, considering me somewhat 'fell into a rabbit hole' when... when... I can't even say the name without seeing images of how he and the others suffered! (Sobs)If I hadn't run away when they needed me the most, then they would still be here! I wish I hadn't gotten mix up with the Spirit World! I wish I could go back to the time when I was in 'Wonderland', when mom was there with me! It's not fair that I'm the only one who's alive!!(Cries as he held his stuffed rabbit)

Help...

(Continues crying without paying attention)

Help...us...

(Stops)Huh... great, now I'm hearing voices...

Please... help us...

Be quiet…

Please help us…

(Sits up)QUIT TORMENTING ME! JUST SHUT UP!

(Went quiet)

Last thing I need right now is someone to rub it in, especially when this 'someone' isn't here! (Lays back down and cuddle with his toy)

(The stuffed bunny's head turn towards him) Save us, Kazuma!

(Screams as he quickly sat up and threw his toy across the room) Di... Did that bunny just... talked!? No way, it had to be my imagination...

(He starts to shake in terror as the bunny starts to get up on its own) Save us, Kazuma!

What a surprise; the bunny came alive! (and I made a rhyme!) What will happen next?