AN: You sure are lucky readers! Another chapter in so short of time... amazing! I had free time today so I thought I'd type up some of my handwritten stuff. I have a few things I'd like to address before I let you go onto the next chapter, though. Some of you have been requesting fluff. If it happens, it happens. I'm not going to make it all fluffy-goodness if it doesn't fit in... This story has a few darker portions and all fluff doesn't fit into that, but I will try to add more of the tender scenes, ok? A good compromise? Odd and Jeremy will be coming back a bit more in chapter 29, I think. Well, enough of my babble, on with the chapter! As always, read, review, and enjoy!

"Alright, Miss Ishiyama, your release has been approved," the female doctor said, "You, too, Ulrich. Both of you take it easy today and you can go back to school on Tuesday." Then she smiled at them kindly and said, "I hope you two won't take it the wrong way if I say I don't want to see you in the emergency room for a very long time." Ulrich chuckled in response and Yumi smiled.

"Thank you so much for all you've done for Ulrich and my daughter," Yumi's mom said gratefully.

"You're quite welcome, Mrs. Ishiyama," the doctor replied, "It has been a pleasure having them here. Goodbye and have a good afternoon!" Her goodbyes were echoed by Ulrich, Yumi, and Yumi's parents.

"Mom, Ulrich and I would like to change before we go," Yumi said, sitting up carefully on her bed.

"Ok, dear, do you need help?"

"No, I can do it." Sliding slowly off the bed, Yumi used the nearby chair to help support herself. Her legs still felt weak and her back was aching, but the shreds of her dignity would not admit she needed help. Cautiously, she picked up her right foot slightly and set it down firmly in front of her. Doing the same with her left foot, she slowly moved forward, leaning heavily on the chair. Five slow steps later, she reached one of her destinations: the stand holding her clothes and cell phone. Gathering the items in her left arm, Yumi steeled herself for an unaided trip to the bathroom across the hall. But first, she had to go around her bed. Now that she was starting to get the hang of supporting herself by using other objects, she moved faster and surer. Yumi stopped beside the alongside the bed at the point closest to the door. Turning her head, she looked over her left shoulder at her parents sitting side-by-side on the small couch, talking amongst themselves. Ulrich was carrying his clothes in his newly bandaged hands and was walking her direction. Not wanting to be in his way, Yumi took a tentative step forward as she released the bed. Her body was not prepared to take on its full weight so quickly and her knees crumpled. Before she could fall, Ulrich was beside her with his left arm carefully around her waist to support her.

"Put your arm over my shoulders so I can help you get to the hall," Ulrich said quietly so only Yumi could hear. She complied and slowly the two made their way out into the hall. When they arrived at the bathroom door, they stopped.

"I'll take it from here," Yumi said, giving him a smile of gratitude, then she withdrew her arm from his shoulders. Reaching out her right arm, Yumi placed her hand on the doorknob to support and steady herself. Ulrich removed his arm from her waist slowly, ready to assist her again if she started to fall. Yumi remained upright, though she swayed slightly. Opening the door carefully, Yumi entered the restroom and Ulrich went a few steps over to the men's bathroom and did the same.

Five minutes later, Ulrich emerged from the men's restroom. His bandaged hands had caused a few problems, but he had overcome them. Yumi, however, was having more difficulties. The teen sat on the floor of the restroom with only her black jeans on, trying to figure out how to get her shirt on. Every time she stretched her arms to put the turtleneck on, the muscles on her back would be strained and the pain would increase to the point where she'd have to stop. Finally, she came up with a solution. Bunching the shirt up into a ball, she threw it forcefully at the door and listened to the satisfying 'thud' sound it created. Though throwing the shirt didn't help, releasing some of her anger had felt good. Now Yumi slid across the floor on her butt to the black lump of cloth. This time, she chose a different approach. Instead of trying to put her arms through first, she pulled the shirt over her head, then put her arms in the sleeves. Success! Yumi slid back over to the clothes she had been wearing before and picked up her shoes. After slipping them on and tying them, she picked up her cell phone and put it in her pocket. Then she folded the hospital clothes and held them in her left arm. Using the sink as a support, Yumi stood and made her way to the door. Opening the door, Yumi left the bathroom, then leaned her right side against it once it was closed.

"Ready?" Ulrich asked, looking at her He was leaning against the wall between the two restrooms with his hands in his pockets.

Yumi nodded and Ulrich took his place beside her again and, like before, she leaned on him and he helped support her.

"I wonder what Odd and Jeremy are doing right now," Yumi said, trying to start a conversation.

"Today's Monday so they're probably at the school assembly," Ulrich answered.

"Assembly? What for?"

"I don't know... I think it's some sort of field trip, though."

AN: I know, I know... that chapter didn't have all that much content... it was mainly a transition chapter so I could get Ulrich and Yumi out of the hospital. The next chapter should be a lot better! Here's your spoiler!

'It was starting again. My father called the principal and told him I had to come home, now. The principal said it was a family emergency and he offered to have Jim drive me home, but I refused. There wasn't an emergency - there never was. More than anything, I wish I wouldn't have to go back to that... that place. I can't call it home.'

There you go! I hope you like it! Chapter 28 will be dealing with some background information and such, but it won't be boring. Please leave a review on your way out! Thanks!