Grace

by Dahunts

A story of compassion, friendship, drama, and love. AN: Any comments or anything would be greatly appreciated. If this goes well, I'll upload a new chapter every week(?) Also feel free to message me directly to talk! I take no credit for any lyrics or anything found to be real. I may have also left a hidden reference or two for other animes as well. See if you can find them.

12. Chapter 11

I left the hotel, almost eager to walk around with some spending money. It was getting pretty dark out; The sun was just setting over the horizon. It began snowing lightly, but I was lucky to be wearing a new, clean hoodie. The first thing I had on my mind was to get some fast food. I wandered around in search of a burger joint, but what I ended up with was an entirely different kind of "joint".

I saw a man standing on the sidewalk ahead of me. I meant to walk by him, but he got my attention. "Hey, lookin' for a high?" he whispered to me. It had been a while since I smoked marijuana, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to smoke again. "What do you have?" I asked. "Strawberry cough, Blue Dreams, White Widow, and Blackberry kush. All pre-rolled." he told me. He was a pretty shady guy, but at least I knew he had a variety in his product. "Let me get a nick of Blue Dreams." I said, handing him ten dollars. He pulled a bag out of his coat pocket, full of rolled blunts. He took one out and gave it to me. "Got a light?" I asked, putting it to my mouth. He pulled out a zippo and lit it for me. There weren't any people around, so I smoked it right there on the sidewalk.

Before I continue, let it be known that I don't remember everything that happened that night. I remember wandering around until I found a fast food restaurant, trying to walk normally. I remember the food being the best I've ever had; And me ripping into it like a lion pouncing on a zebra. Next, I remember walking on the sidewalk again, the snowfall getting heavier, but I could barely feel it. I think I remember throwing up on the side of the road because I felt dizzy. The next thing I remember is standing outside of my hotel room and walking in. I saw Kurumi sitting on her bed, watching some show about animals.

The room was filled with that same intoxicating strawberry smell she had that morning. I could have sworn I hear birds chirping inside my head.

Whenever I'm around her, I'm able to think a little bit clearer. I remember pulling out a small stuffed dog from my pocket and handing it to her, muttering something along the lines of "A small 'thank you' for everything you've done for me." She seemed to really enjoy the gift, because her face lit up like fireworks on the fourth of July. She smiled and held the dog to her face. "Thank you, Shawn!" she exclaimed. I smiled and nodded. I went into the bathroom and brushed my teeth, which felt absolutely amazing. I then took off my hoodie and fell onto my bed. I didn't even bother checking the clock. I just felt really tired.

I passed out. That night, I had one of the best night's sleep of my life.

I had a dream that night; one I vividly remember. Me and Kurumi were standing on a beach, watching the ocean sway back and forth. Cherry Blossom trees were implanted in the sand all around us; The flowers falling from the branches. I blinked and we were surrounded by a complete, pitch-black darkness. She was standing in front of me, crying. I put my hands on her shoulders and said, "I won't let it happen to you." over and over again. I hugged her and found myself free-falling above the city we were in. I wasn't scared. The falling felt so surreal and tranquil. Falling above me was Kurumi, who was reaching her hand out to me. I reached up to her, trying with everything I had. As soon as our fingers touched, I blinked and found myself walking down a dimly-lit hallway. Kurumi was smiling at the end, waiting for me. I finally made it to her, but put my hands at her waist; her hands wrapped around the back of my neck.

We kissed.

I thought I kept hearing those birds through it all. Finally, we were surrounded by that pitch-black darkness again. We were side by side, holding hands and watching a fire off in the distance. I couldn't tell what was burning. All I could see was that there was a fire. I looked to Kurumi; She looked at me. "Shawn." she called to me. "What?" I answered. "Shawn." she called again. I answered again. And again. And again. And again. This went on for what seemed like forever. I woke up to daylight, Kurumi standing in front of her bed, calling my name.