NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Wish
My father once told me that a selfish person cannot live happily; to find happiness, we must fulfill the desires of others.
At first, I dismissed his words as mere platitudes, something said by someone else. But now, I understand their profound meaning.
Let me share with you... my story of fulfilling someone's wish.
It was a day like any other, and I found myself daydreaming on a short bridge overlooking a gently flowing stream. Boredom engulfed me, and I was at a loss for what to do.
"So bored! Why isn't there anything to occupy my time?" I grumbled to myself.
"I can do anything! Well, almost anything, except for making potions maybe..."
"When you're feeling bored and you don't know what to do~ Just grab a friend or two, and the world will smile at you~ Run and jump and sing, let your heart begin to play~ Turn the gray skies blue, let the fun take you away!~" I sang, hoping to alleviate my boredom, but to no avail.
Suddenly, a pair of middle-aged lovers approached me. "Excuse me..."
"Building castles in the sand, swinging high up in the sky~—" I halted my singing and turned to face them.
Instantly, my spirits lifted, for it seemed I would finally have something to do. "Yes! Is there anything I can help you with? Please, ask me to do something!"
"Eh... we were hoping you could assist us with something," the woman said.
"Really?! My name is Arche the sin redeemer! I'm willing to do anything! Except making potions, I'm really bad at that."
"Sin Redeemer..?" The middle-aged man seemed uncertain, weighing whether to trust me or not.
"Hm! I've uncovered the secrets of the circus, defeated werewolves, and saved dragons from cruel humans!" I boasted, hoping to gain his trust.
"That means you are a very great person, right...? Our trivial request won't sit well with you, right?" The middle-aged mother's disappointment was evident in her voice.
"No! I'm willing to do any small thing, I'm even willing to look after your pets!" I exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Then... can we find a better place to chat?" Said the middle-aged man before leading me to a park, where a fairly large grass field stretched out before us, close to the hospital.
As we sat in the park, the mother, Matilda, began, "Let us introduce ourselves first... my name is Matilda, and he is my husband, Gabriel."
"So we have a daughter... Her name is Arabella... all this time she has always lived in the hospital because of her rare disease," Gabriel continued, his voice heavy with emotion.
"She suffered from childhood illnesses, she never felt the things that people her age feel."
"And the doctor said..." Matilda's voice faltered, tears welling up in her eyes, unable to finish her sentence.
"My dear... Let me just tell him," Gabriel interjected, trying to comfort his wife. "The doctor said that Arabella wouldn't live much longer... and advised us to make her wish come true before she died..."
Matilda, unable to contain her emotions, broke down in tears. I was taken aback by the gravity of their request.
I never imagined I would be asked to fulfill the wish of someone who was about to die.
"But... why do you ask a stranger like me to make her wish come true?"
"We're both old... we can't do many things anymore..." Gabriel's voice trembled with emotion. Hearing this, I felt a surge of sympathy. I would be heartless if I didn't accept their plea.
"When all your wishes come true... we will pay you," Matilda added between sobs.
"Okay... I'll do it..." I took a deep breath, knowing this would be a profound and challenging experience for me. "I can make her wishes come true like a genie in a magic lamp."
"Thank you very much..." Matilda managed to say through her tears.
Entering the hospital, I found Matilda and Gabriel waiting outside Arabella's room. With a deep breath, I pushed the door open. The room was dimly lit, and there she was, the sole occupant of the special patient room – Arabella.
I approached her bed slowly. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice weak.
"I'm a traveler! And it seems like I'm lost," I replied with a grin as I pulled up a chair and sat beside her bed.
"Do you know the location of the Supreme Majesty, Great King, Keeper of the Royal Crown, Guardian of Power and Prosperity of the People, Protector of the Heart and Soul of the Nation, Upholder of Justice and Truth, Bearer of Light and Hope for All, Noble Leader Wise and Devoted, Ruler with Infinite Compassion, His Majesty Revered and Beloved by All?" I asked Arabella with a straight face.
"No... and what kind of title is that? It's too long," Arabella answered, puzzled.
"Is that so? That's a shame... so what are you doing here?" I inquired further.
"Can't you see?" she retorted, her tone icy. She reminded me of someone.
"Your name?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer, just to keep the conversation going.
"For what do you need my name?" she replied, leaving me unsure of how to proceed.
"Then what should I call you?"
"It's up to you."
"Okay..." I took a deep breath. "Beautiful woman with long flowing red hair, deep black eyes like a pleasant night, beautiful, sweet, with a captivating smile and an enchanting charm, as if drawing the attention of everyone passing by."
Arabella's face immediately turned red. "Why do you say that?!"
"Is there something wrong, beautiful woman with long flowing red hair, deep black eyes like a pleasant night, beautiful, sweet, with a captivating smile and an enchanting charm, as if drawing the attention of everyone passing by?"
"My name is Arabella! Don't call me that!!" she protested, covering her face with a pillow after screaming in embarrassment.
I chuckled and then introduced myself. "My name is Arche the Sin Redeemer."
"Sin Redeemer..?" Arabella's reaction mirrored her parents'.
"Hm! I was a thief before, you know!"
"A thief?! What is a thief doing in my room?!"
"Now I'm not a thief anymore, you know! I'm wandering to atone for my sins!" I explained, then launching into the story of how I first met Elaina, how she made me aware, and how she made me become a wanderer.
Arabella seemed to really enjoy my story, occasionally interrupting with questions. It was clear she had a penchant for such tales.
"Your story is like a fairy tale, isn't it?" Arabella's eyes no longer held the same lifeless gaze, and a small smile graced her lips.
"But it's not a fairy tale, it's a true story, you know!" I replied, my enthusiasm undiminished. "As a traveler, I've experienced both the wonders and hardships of life."
"I hope I can wander..." Arabella's voice trailed off, her expression filled with longing.
"It's normal for desires to seem unattainable," I reassured her, meeting her gaze. "When I was young, I dreamed of being a hero, but instead, I became a thief."
"It's really the opposite, isn't it?" I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
"But it's different for you... you still have the chance to make your wishes come true, but I..." Arabella's voice faltered, her hope diminishing.
I took a deep breath, knowing what I had to say next wouldn't be easy. "No matter what you try, you won't succeed."
Arabella looked shocked, her dreams suddenly feeling out of reach. She clutched her warm blanket tightly, seeking comfort.
"You can't make your wishes come true if you are alone," I continued gently, hoping to offer her some solace.
Arabella, initially despondent, turned to me with newfound determination.
"If you want, I can help you make your dreams come true..."
"You can make my wish come true...?" Arabella's voice quivered with hope, her eyes searching mine.
"Of course I can... because I am Arche," I replied, seeing a glimmer of hope reflected in Arabella's eyes.
"So, what is your wish?"
"I wish I could study like at school like everyone else, I hope I can go on a picnic, I hope I can listen to music!"
"And finally... I hope I can dance at the event that will be held soon... even though it sounds very impossible.."
Her last wish seemed like an insurmountable challenge, but I was determined to find a way.
"Okay... I've written it down," I assured her, determined to fulfill her wishes, no matter how daunting they may seem.
"Eh? But you didn't bring any notes?"
"I have a very, very good memory, you know!" I said proudly, puffing out my chest. With that, I stood up, knowing there was much to prepare.
"Eh? You're ready to go?"
"We'll meet again tomorrow, don't skip class, okay?" I winked at her mischievously.
Her face lit up with hope. "Yes! I'll wait! Mr. Arche!"
Chuckling, I left the room, catching sight of Arabella's parents watching me with curious and hopeful expressions.
"I'll come again tomorrow," I assured them. "She said she wanted to study like at school and much more."
"I see... thank you... Arche... You really helped us..." Matilda's eyes sparkled with gratitude, tears flowing freely.
"Time to work!" I declared, marching off to the nursing station to meet the nurse.
"Excuse me, I'd like to bring a whiteboard into the patient's room," I requested politely.
"Sure, may I ask what it's for?" the nurse inquired.
"I want to use the whiteboard to explain some things to the patient," I replied confidently.
"Of course, that's fine. Please go ahead," the nurse granted permission.
"Thank you very much for the permission," I nodded gratefully.
"You're welcome. I hope it helps. If you need anything else, feel free to let me know," the nurse offered kindly.
"Alright, thank you," I replied before leaving the hospital, my mind already planning the next steps.
Determined to make Arabella's wishes come true, I set out into the city, ready to take on any challenge that came my way.
In a bustling and lively city, as twilight approached, I stood at the edge of a rooftop of a stone building. Below, the night market was beginning to buzz with people selling various items, from food to antique goods. However, what I was looking for was a renowned seller of used goods among the locals.
I took a deep breath and leaped to the next rooftop, soaring with perfect precision. My feet landed on the narrow ledge, and quickly I squatted and leaped again.
"Ah, this is what I like!" I exclaimed, running along the rooftop, jumping over gaps between buildings.
As I raced along the rooftops, I suddenly saw a clothesline stretching in front of me. Without hesitation, I jumped and hung onto it. However, the line was not as strong as I had imagined and began to slip slowly.
"Ouch, not as easy as I thought!" I shouted, trying to pull my body up.
With great effort, I managed to reach a small balcony. I rolled onto it, then ran again. This time, I saw a series of tall lampposts.
"This should be fun," I muttered, jumping to the first pole, using the tic-tac technique to bounce from one pole to another.
However, when I reached the last pole, I lost my balance and almost fell. "Whoa! That was close!" my shout echoed in the quiet night.
I continued running along the rooftops, then arrived at a tall wall. Without hesitation, I performed a wall run, stepping on the wall with both feet and leaping to the next rooftop.
"All of this just to find that junk seller!" I exclaimed again, jumping onto a gargoyle statue and standing there to look down.
Down below, I caught a glimpse of a man with a cart full of used goods.
"There you are!" I jumped down from the statue, landing perfectly on the roof of a kiosk.
However, the roof was not as sturdy as I thought, and I fell, landing right in front of the used goods seller.
"Hey, you finally found me!" I said, out of breath. The seller looked at me with a puzzled expression, while the people around started laughing at my dusty and scratched appearance.
"How can I help you?" the seller asked skeptically.
I then asked about an unused whiteboard, the seller then brought a large, dirty whiteboard
I see that this whiteboard needs maintenance
I then brought the white board and a bucket containing tools that could clean and cut the blackboard
Carefully, I lifted the large chalkboard, feeling both courage and a bit of hassle at the same time. Every step on the bustling streets was a challenge.
People looked at me in surprise as I walked sideways, trying to balance with the heavy load on my shoulders.
However, I wasn't alone in this adventure. I also carried a large bucket containing tools for cleaning and cutting the chalkboard.
Every time I crossed a busy street, the bucket vibrated beside me, making odd sounds and drawing curious stares from the people around.
Arriving at the riverbank, I looked towards the swiftly flowing water. With caution, I lowered the chalkboard to the riverbank, then opened the bucket to prepare the necessary tools.
Although my steps were more careful due to the heavy burden I was carrying, the madness still radiated from the act of washing and cutting the chalkboard by the riverside.
I looked at the chalkboard with a serious expression, as if we were debating about who would clean whom.
"Alright, buddy. It's time to clean you up," I said in an exaggerated tone, causing some passersby to glance at me in wonder.
I grabbed a brush from the bucket and started wiping away the thick layers of dust from the surface of the chalkboard.
"Wow, you're like an invincible dust elephant! But don't worry, I have a secret weapon to defeat you!"
I exclaimed enthusiastically as I wiped away.
Every time I wiped, dust flew into the air, making me sneeze incessantly.
"Oops, sorry river, I'm feeding your fish with dust," I joked as I brushed off the dust from my clothes.
As the chalkboard became cleaner, I took a large saw from the bucket and began cutting it into smaller pieces.
"Wow, you're more stubborn than my coffin-making friend! But this time, I'll make you smaller and sweeter," I quipped as I handled the saw with a serious expression.
Every time I cut, the sound of sawing wood made me look around anxiously, afraid that people would hear it and think I was up to mischief.
"Don't worry, chalkboard. This is an operation carried out by the best chalkboard doctor in town!" I said, gazing at the chalkboard with enthusiasm.
The once dirty and large chalkboard had now become cleaner and easier to write on.
"Good as new"
After returning the tools I used to wash the whiteboard to the seller of old goods, I paid for the whiteboard. Surprisingly, the seller gave me half price, seemingly in a good mood. I didn't know what had lifted their spirits, but I was immensely grateful.
Returning to my hotel with the whiteboard, I leaned it against the wall. Opening my wardrobe, I searched for clothes that resembled those of a teacher.
"When I was at the academy, I was asked to become a teacher... but that was a long time ago..." I murmured to myself.
"The lessons taught at the academy are too difficult for Arabella... I have to make easy questions..."
I continued, pulling out the book I bought on the way.
"Luckily it's still daytime... I won't be working overtime."
"But wait... She said she wanted to study like at school, right...? Do I have to bring her food during break time...?" I pondered, realizing there was much to consider.
Determined, I began crafting more than a hundred questions in the book. On several pages, I wrote encouraging sentences for Arabella.
I devised 25 math questions, 25 general knowledge questions, 25 chemistry questions, and 25 physics questions. For the math questions, I included the formulas to solve them, so Arabella could study even when I wasn't there.
Lost in my preparations, I didn't realize it was already dusk. Rushing out, I bought an alarm clock.
"Hmm... there's still something missing..." I mused.
Realizing what it was, I dashed to the doll shop and bought a cute dog doll. Back in my hotel room, I pondered a suitable name. "Hmmm... Pupster...?"
"Well, it's better than Pupfluff," I decided. Turning back to my wardrobe, I picked out suitable clothes, aiming for a teacher's appearance. "White shirt and black tie, done!"
Exhausted but determined, I collapsed onto the bed. Despite not having eaten, I drifted off to sleep, utterly spent from the day's tasks.
When I woke up, I noticed it was already 6 am, an unusually early hour for me. Typically, I don't rise until 9 or 10, but today I had to be at the hospital to be Arabella's teacher.
After a refreshing shower – the first in two weeks, I realized – I dressed in the clothes I had prepared the night before. Gathering my bag filled with books, pencils, Pupster, and the alarm clock, I set off for the hospital with the whiteboard in tow.
On my way, I attracted quite a bit of attention. People stared as if I were moving belongings from an old house to a new one.
Arriving at the hospital, I made my way to the nurse's station. "Hey, good morning! I've got the whiteboard here, just like we talked about yesterday," I announced cheerfully.
"Good morning. Thank you for letting me know. Please go ahead and bring it in," the nurse replied politely.
"Awesome, thanks! This is gonna be fun!"
"I hope so. If you need anything, feel free to let me know," the nurse offered kindly.
"Will do. Thanks, you're the best!"
"You're welcome. I hope everything goes smoothly."
Carrying the whiteboard, I headed to Arabella's room.
"Good morning class!" I greeted as I entered.
"Arche!" Arabella exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy as she noticed the whiteboard. "Y-You brought a whiteboard...?"
"If you're going to study, you've got to have a blackboard, right? It's just like being in a real classroom!"
I joked, struggling a bit to maneuver the board through the doorway. "Wait... give me a moment."
After some effort, I managed to squeeze the board into the room. "Looks like this board is still too big..."
"Are you okay, Arche?" Arabella asked, concerned.
"I'm perfectly fine! Better than ice cream that fell into the beach sand!" I quipped, determined to keep spirits high.
With a bit more struggle, I finally got the board in place. Setting the alarm clock on Arabella's table, I replaced a painting on the wall with the whiteboard, ready to begin our lesson.
I had prepared several things, and Arabella seemed bewildered by the many items I brought.
"Arche... how much stuff did you bring?" Arabella asked, sounding a bit exasperated.
Ignoring her impertinence, I adjusted my tie and replied sternly, "You rude student! Call me Mr. Arche."
"Huh?—" Before she could protest further, the alarm clock rang, startling Arabella.
"Class starts!" I announced, eager to get the lesson underway.
Arabella was taken aback by the sudden start of the class. I handed her the book. "OK, my beloved students."
"There's only me here..." Arabella muttered.
"Don't chat during class time!" I scolded, determined to set the tone for our classroom environment.
"Today we will study mathematics!"
"Ah crap.. I haven't studied yet.." Arabella whispered to herself.
"Don't worry, Arabella, I'll give you problems that a 13-year-old can do!" I reassured her.
"That makes me annoyed, you know..." Arabella grumbled.
Opening the book I provided, Arabella was surprised by its contents. "Did you write all this?" she asked incredulously.
"Don't think about it... just pretend that now you are in a real class," I replied, hoping to ignite her enthusiasm for learning.
Her eyes seemed to sparkle as she immediately took the pencil I had prepared for her.
"If 3x + 5 = 20, then what is the value of x?" I posed the question, watching her closely.
Arabella was taken aback; she had never encountered such problems before. She quickly scanned the book for a solution.
Realizing I might have given her questions that were too difficult, I decided to simplify. "Okay, let's first look at the equation. 3x + 5 = 20. Now, what do you think we should do first?" I prompted, trying to guide her.
Arabella, who had grasped the concept, responded, "Hmm, I think we should try subtracting 5 from both sides of the equation, right?"
"Absolutely correct, Arabella! Let's subtract 5 from both sides. What happens next?" I encouraged her.
"If we subtract 5, the equation becomes 3x = 20 - 5, which is 3x = 15."
"You've got the first step! Now, how do we find the value of x? What should we do next?" I inquired, impressed by her progress.
"I think we need to divide both sides by 3, so we can get the value of x."
"Hehe, you're absolutely right, Arabella! Let's divide both sides by 3. What's the result?" I praised her.
"The result is x = 15 ÷ 3, which is 5."
"You're doing great, Arabella! Now, let's see if our answer is correct. By replacing x with 5 in the original equation, we can check."
"So, 3 × 5 + 5 = 15 + 5 = 20, so the answer is correct!"
"Hehe, see, you did it! You're learning fast, Arabella," I encouraged her, pleased with her progress. Despite occasional confusion, she managed to answer correctly, showing remarkable improvement.
As I taught her, Arabella proved to be a quick learner. If she attended school like everyone else, I was certain she could be the brightest student.
We delved into general knowledge together, studying for almost two hours. However, I soon realized I had forgotten something. Resetting the alarm clock, I addressed Arabella.
"I have to step away for a moment. Please, don't cheat while I'm gone," I instructed firmly.
"I won't, Mr. Arche," she assured me with a faint smile as I exited the patient's room.
Outside, I accidentally bumped into her parents.
"Ah... Mrs. Matilda and Mr. Gabriel," I greeted them.
"Are you going to see Arabella?" Matilda inquired.
"Yes... how is she, Arche?" Gabriel asked with a smile.
"She's studying. Of course, you can see her," I replied.
"No, I'll visit her during break time," Gabriel decided, smiling.
"Oh, I see...? Break time is in 6 minutes. I have to go buy something," I announced before rushing off. "See you later!"
At the food shop, I ordered snacks reminiscent of those from my academy days. "Hmm... I used to buy these often..." I reminisced, pointing to the cream biscuits.
"Old man! I want to buy cream biscuits!" a familiar voice exclaimed.
After purchasing snacks for Arabella's break, I returned to the hospital. As I reached for the doorknob, I overheard Arabella's parents conversing inside her room.
Realizing they needed time together, I waited outside while enjoying my biscuits.
My keen hearing allowed me to catch snippets of their conversation, though I had no intention of eavesdropping.
"How does it feel to study as if you were in a real school, my dear?" Matilda asked.
"Hmm, it feels... strange, but fun too. Arche helped me a lot. He brought a whiteboard and books with so many questions; I felt like I was in a real class!" Arabella responded.
"That must have been an interesting experience. And Pupster, what role does it play in your learning?" Gabriel inquired.
"Hehe, Pupster? He's my loyal friend! Arche gave him that strange name, but Pupster always sits next to me when I study, like he's listening too," Arabella explained.
"That sounds really amusing. You must be lucky to have friends like Arche and Pupster who care so much about you," Matilda remarked, continuing her questioning.
"Yes, I was really lucky. He makes studying more fun, even though I have to be here," Arabella replied.
In my opinion, she was very fortunate to have such supportive parents when she was at her lowest. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy toward Arabella, who still had that warmth in her life. "Ah... What was I thinking.." I mused to myself.
As the door to the patient's room opened, I saw Arabella's parents coming out. "Arabella is waiting for you, Mr. Arche," her mother informed me with a smile.
Chuckling, I entered the room. "Arabella! Look what I brought!"
I lifted the bag containing strawberry cream biscuits. "What did you bring, Mr. Arche?"
"Biscuits!" I declared, watching as Arabella's face immediately lit up with joy. Handing her the bag, I could see her eyes sparkle with delight. "Cream biscuits?! These are definitely delicious!"
"During break time, the best place to visit is the canteen! I bought them so you could try the food I often bought in the canteen when I was still at the academy!"
"Thank you, Arche!" Arabella exclaimed gratefully. I simply nodded with a smile, then picked up the book Arabella had been using to answer the questions I had written.
"I will check your answers," I announced, beginning to review her work while waiting for break time.
"Hmm, Arabella, there seems to be a small mistake here. Let's take another look. How did you get to this point? Oh, this is one of the toughest questions, isn't it?"
She nodded
"Yes, Arche. I'll try again."
but her eyes appear empty, fixed on the children playing in the park outside the window
"Call me 'Mr Arche'!"
I tried to joke, but I realized that her expression change
"Hey, what's going on? You seem a bit... off"
She tried to smile
"It's nothing, Arche. I'm just a little tired. Let's move on to the next question."
I looking at her attentively
"You know, Arabella, sometimes it's important to take a short break. Let's see what we can learn from the kids outside."
She trying to cover her feelings
"That's true. I'll try again later. But for now, let's focus on this question."
I paused for a moment, considering. "Arabella, would you like to go on a date?" I got up from my seat, took the alarm clock, and set it.
"Eh? What did you say?! A date!?" Arabella exclaimed, clearly surprised.
"Yes, to the field in the park..."
"You must be kidding! How would I get there..? And aren't you embarrassed to date someone like me?" Arabella hesitated, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Hey, don't say that. I can do anything, you know," I reassured her.
"Besides, who cares what other people think? What's important is spending time together," I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Her face turned red. "But..."
"No 'buts.' It's settled then. We'll have a great time, I promise," I insisted.
She smiled shyly. "Okay, let's go then."
Arabella, though initially hesitant, eventually agreed, showing a glimpse of her vulnerability and acceptance of my offer.
"Good! We're going on a date tomorrow morning, okay?"
"Eh? Tomorrow?" Arabella looked surprised. "Can—"
Before she could finish speaking, the alarm clock rang. "Break time is over," I announced, stopping the sound of the alarm clock. Then, I set it again and placed it next to Arabella's table. "Let's get back to studying."
"Eh—"
In the end, I taught her about chemistry and physics. She seemed more confused than usual, perhaps because she had never studied this before and was distracted by our date tomorrow.
"I know you're very enthusiastic about tomorrow's date, but you need to be more focused."
"Huh?! Who's looking forward to and can't wait for a date tomorrow?! Not me!" she protested, her cheeks turning red. She realized that she became more unfocused when she thought about that.
She pushed the thought aside and focused on the questions I wrote, showing less eagerness to go on a date.
I succeeded in helping her regain her focus. After hours of teaching, the alarm clock rang, indicating that study time was over. I stopped the alarm clock and packed my things, except for the whiteboard, into my bag.
"Study time is over. I'll leave the book and pencil here so you can study without me," I informed Arabella.
"Ah, thank you Arche— I mean, Mr. Arche," Arabella said, closing her book.
"See you tomorrow. Sleep well, okay?"
"You don't need to tell me!" she sighed, then asked, "Are you going to take me there in a wheelchair?"
"Yes, but I still have a lot to prepare," I admitted.
"Why are you doing all this just for me? Is it to atone for your sins, or out of pity?" Arabella asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"Hmm..." I pondered, searching for the right words. "Because I want you to experience the joy others feel. Making a beautiful woman like you happy... it brings me joy too."
"In the past, I also longed to experience the same things as others," I explained as I opened the door to the room. "So I truly understand your feelings."
"See you," I said as I left the room and closed the door behind me.
Taking a deep breath, I admitted to myself, "I don't think I'll be able to answer that..." There was no easy way to tell her that her time was limited.
As I walked out, a doctor approached me and tapped me on the shoulder. "Can we talk for a moment?"
"Hm..?" I replied, curious about what the doctor had to say.
We sat on a long bench in front of one of the patient rooms. "What's wrong, Doctor?"
"You're not going to check my teeth, are you?! I've cut back on foods containing sugar!" I joked nervously, recalling my last dental check-up.
"I won't check your teeth, but you should watch your sugar intake," the doctor replied with a chuckle. "What I want to talk about is Arabella."
"Ah... about her," I responded, bracing myself for what the doctor might say.
"Did you know that she only has a few..." the doctor started, his voice trailing off.
"...Few days to live..? I know that. That's why I'm determined to make her wish come true," I finished for him.
"It must be really hard for you, having to fulfill other people's wishes," the doctor commented, his tone filled with sympathy. "You're not stressed about all this, are you?"
"No... I've experienced something harder than this," I confessed.
"I see... Then if you need help, you can ask me," the doctor offered, standing up.
"I need your help," I replied without hesitation.
"Hmm? What can I do for you?" the doctor inquired, looking at me with a curious expression.
Grateful for the offer of assistance, I explained what I needed, and with the doctor's help, I returned to the workshop with the wheelchair he had lent me.
I requested help to modify the wheelchair, but instead, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I knew I had to ensure it was the best it could be for Arabella.
With just the tools from the workshop, I set out to enhance the wheelchair. My goal was to make it more shock-absorbent and supportive.
Adding extra padding to the bottom, I aimed to increase comfort and reduce pressure on Arabella's body.
To ensure its versatility on various surfaces, I installed larger and stronger wheels. I also affixed handles to the sides, ensuring Arabella could grip them comfortably.
After completing the modifications, I carefully engraved Arabella's name onto the backrest. The wheelchair now appeared nicer and was undoubtedly more comfortable than before.
"Thank you for lending me the tools," I expressed my gratitude, tossing a coin to the repair shop owner before returning to my hotel.
Placing the wheelchair in the room, I wasted no time and immediately headed outside to buy everything needed for the picnic.
"I've never been this busy when it comes to picnics," I remarked to myself, feeling the excitement of the upcoming event.
Navigating through the market, I marveled at the fresh fruits and selected the best ones for our picnic. "This will surely make our picnic even more enjoyable!"
Spotting a comfortable-looking carpet, I thought, "This is perfect for sitting under the trees and enjoying the scenery," as I picked it up with enthusiasm.
Moving on to the vegetable section, I carefully selected fresh vegetables for grilling over the campfire. "These will be perfect for our picnic," I smiled, satisfied with my choices.
Next, I chose a cute and unique picnic basket, thinking, "This basket will make us look very stylish during the picnic!"
With all the items purchased, I left the market with a sense of satisfaction. "Shopping is really fun, isn't it? Especially when I manage to negotiate a price."
Returning to my hotel room, I laid out the essential materials and items for the picnic on the bed.
"She also said she wanted to hear music, right...?" I glanced at the guitar in the corner of the room, which I had borrowed from the doctor.
The doctor once aspired to be a musician, but now he was a doctor. "She said she wanted to hear music, right?" I reminded myself.
I then began preparing everything needed for the picnic. I was determined to make it the greatest one she had ever experienced.
The next morning, I woke up realizing I had fallen asleep on the floor. Surveying the messy room, I decided to tidy up and double-checked the preparations I had made the night before.
Changing into fresh clothes and applying some perfume, I grabbed the basket, guitar, and wheelchair. "I am ready!" I declared, brimming with anticipation for the day ahead.
I entered the hospital, greeted the nurse, and received curious glances from the people around, noticing the load of things I carried. As I swung open the door to Arabella's room, I greeted her cheerfully, "Good morning! It's sunny this morning, isn't it?"
"Ah, Arche! You've come." Arabella seemed surprised to see the plethora of luggage I brought along.
"You've brought so many things!" Her gaze shifted to the wheelchair. "The wheelchair looks a little different from the one in the hospital."
"Really? I borrowed this wheelchair and modified it a little to make you more comfortable."
"You can do that!?" Her eyes widened in surprise as I chuckled and approached her.
She noticed her name carved on the wheelchair. "My name..."
"I carved it myself, you know!"
"Why are you doing all this..?"
"Don't talk too much!" I lifted her like a princess, her face turning red.
I slowly settled her into the wheelchair. "This is comfortable..! My previous wheelchair wasn't this comfortable!"
"Are you ready?" I asked.
"Wait-! Are you serious..? I'm just wearing this t-shirt and I..." She looked doubtful. "Aren't you embarrassed..."
"Don't worry... you look beautiful! And I don't feel embarrassed at all, having a picnic with a beautiful woman like you."
"Ah...is that so...? That's nice to hear.." Her cheeks reddened as I wheeled her out of the hospital.
I had obtained permission from the doctor yesterday to take Arabella out. "It's been a long time since I went out..."
We arrived at the garden field, where a big tree awaited. Arabella's face was filled with impatience.
Under the shade of the big tree, I rolled out the carpet and neatly arranged several items. I lifted Arabella and gently placed her on the carpet, ensuring she could lean back against the tree trunk comfortably.
Opening the basket, the aroma of sandwiches filled the air. I had prepared them that morning, making quite a lot. I also brought a water bottle.
"This sandwich looks delicious!"
"You can eat it now," I said, taking one of the sandwiches.
Arabella took the sandwich. "Let's Eat!" She said before taking a bite, her eyes sparkling with delight. "What kind of food is this?! Very delicious!"
"Really? Thank you." I knew she would like it.
"Tell me how to make it!" Her face was full of hope with my answer.
"That's Secret Enmity!"
"Crap! I'll steal your sandwich secret formula! Arche!"
"Just try if you can, Arabella!"
We laughed heartily at our own jokes.
Arabella continued to eat greedily, her enthusiasm for the sandwich evident. "But really, why can you make food this delicious?"
"I was taught by a really great chef, you know! She has worked in various five-star restaurants."
"So this sandwich is a five-star meal?! Wow! I'm lucky!" Arabella exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with joy.
Actually, no, it's not a five-star sandwich. It takes a long time to make a fancy sandwich like that. But since she seemed happy, I just let her think like that.
"By the way, Arabella, you mentioned an event you wanted to go to, right?"
"Ah, that event... Once a year, there will be an event where two people will dance in the middle of the city."
"This event commemorates the founding of this country." I nodded, recalling similar events I've witnessed before.
"Then when will the event be held...?"
"The day after tomorrow."
I was surprised that the event would start in two days. "Really?"
She nodded, and as we ate sandwiches, we watched children playing tag nearby. "They look very happy, don't they?"
I nodded in agreement. "I hope I can be like them."
"Hmm? It turns out you are still childish," Arabella remarked between bites of her sandwich.
"No... I mean... I want to be like them, who can enjoy life without thinking about what will happen tomorrow," I clarified.
Arabella seemed taken aback by my response. After a moment of silence, she asked something that surprised me, "Arche, you granted my wish because soon I will die, right?"
I was very surprised. It turned out she had known all along. "I knew you would make that expression," she added quietly. "I heard my father and mother talk... and about them wanting to find someone to grant my wish. Then when I told them about you, my parents weren't surprised at all."
"That's why when we first met, I was cold to you so you would stay away from me. But instead, you do all these things..."
I didn't expect her to have this kind of analytical ability, but everything she said was true. I took a deep breath. "When I make your wish come true, I feel very happy, you know."
"There is a wish of mine that has never come true until now. But when I make other people's wishes come true... it makes me happy! I was so happy that I did my best for you, Arabella..." I admitted, smiling faintly. Her face turned red, after all, she was still a woman.
She seemed drawn by my words. "You're so cute when you blush."
"Shut up!" she retorted, looking away and continuing to eat her sandwich.
I chuckled softly, seeing her blush. The pleasure of making her wish come true made me not want to let her leave this world. I'll try to find a cure for Arabella...
"Arche... are you afraid of death?" The sudden question surprised me.
"....." I was shocked, and was silent for a moment. "I'm not afraid of death, but I'm in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first," I answered honestly.
"Did you know? A lot of people do not muster the courage to live their dreams because they are afraid to die," I said, observing Arabella's shocked expression.
"....." Arabella fell silent, processing my words. "Oh, I see...?" she finally responded, her tone reflecting her surprise.
I sensed the tension in the atmosphere and felt uncomfortable. Picnics should be fun, right? To lighten the mood, I picked up the guitar that had been leaning against the tree trunk.
"Want to listen to a song?" I offered, hoping to bring back the enthusiasm.

Arabella's expression immediately changed, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. "I want to!" she exclaimed eagerly.
Taking a deep breath, I began to strum the guitar and sing.
"In the glow of your smile, I find my peace~
Your beauty, a tale untold, never to cease~
With every glance, you steal my breath away~
In the symphony of your presence, my heart will sway~"
"Your grace, a melody, I'm drawn to its song~
In the garden of your soul, I long to belong~
With every beat, my heart's decree~
In the dance of your love, I find my key~"
"In the depths of your eyes, I find my home~
Lost in the ocean of your love, I freely roam~
Your laughter, a sweet serenade to my soul~
In the poetry of your being, I find myself whole~"
"Your grace, a melody, I'm drawn to its song~
In the garden of your soul, I long to belong~
With every beat, my heart's decree~
In the dance of your love, I find my key~"
"In the tapestry of time, you're the masterpiece~
With every moment, my devotion shall not cease~
For in the story of us, you're the sweetest line~
In the ballad of our love, forever you'll shine~"
"Your grace, a melody, I'm drawn to its song~
In the garden of your soul, I long to belong~
With every beat, my heart's decree~
In the dance of your love, I find my key~"
"In the canvas of our love, let our colors blend~
With every breath, our romance shall ascend~
For in the tapestry of life, you're my sweetest art~
In the melody of our love, you'll always have my heart~"
After finishing the song, I noticed Arabella's face turning red, a mix of shock and embarrassment. "Why does it have to be a romance song?! It's embarrassing to hear it!" she protested.
"Then what song do you want to hear? Children's songs?" I teased.
"Quack, quack, waddle, waddle, the duck would say~! Cluck, cluck, peck, peck, the chicken's way~! Side by side, they roam and play~! Ducks and chickens, friends every day~!" I sang a children's song to her, hoping to lift her spirits.
"No! It's not like that... it's just... men sing songs to women... it's like..." Arabella's voice trailed off.
I remembered Arabella's sensitivity to romantic things, likely influenced by the romance novel she had read. Despite my intention to tease her, I realized my choice of song might not have been appropriate.
"At least respect me! I made this song alone, you know!" I defended my choice.
"Eh? You made that song?! That's so cool! You made that in just one night?" Arabella looked genuinely impressed.
"Hm! I'm great, right!?" I boasted, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Keep praising me, keep praising me, keep praising me..."
"You're someone who likes to be praised, aren't you...?" she remarked.
"Everyone likes being praised, right?" I chuckled.
We continued eating, and I noticed sauce on the edge of Arabella's lips. Taking the initiative, I gently wiped it off with my finger. "Just take it slow," I reassured her.
Her face turned red again, and I was confused why her face was red even though I wasn't teasing her. Then, I realized what I had done, and she fell silent.
"You feel embarrassed just because I did that? If I had the intention, I could make you fall in love with me in one day," I teased lightly.
"Shut up! Everyone will definitely feel embarrassed if you do that. You don't need to do it anyway..." she retorted, turning her face away.
"Really? But I have a friend who looks like she would blow me away using magic if I did that to her," I chuckled.
"If I could use magic, I would definitely do the same thing," Arabella said, smiling.
"You're so mean..." I teased back, and we both laughed. Arabella seemed in better spirits than when we first met.
Suddenly, Arabella winced and touched her head. "Are you okay..?" I asked, moving closer to her.
"I'm fine... I just..." Arabella suddenly fell unconscious. I caught her and checked her condition. "She just fainted... I have to take her back to the hospital."
I lifted her gently, carrying her like a princess, and ran hastily to the hospital. Leaving my things under the tree, Arabella's well-being was now my priority.
When I entered the hospital, I met the doctor. "Doctor, help Arabella," I urgently requested.
"Let's take her to the patient's room immediately," the doctor responded. I immediately ran and entered the patient's room.
Gently, I laid Arabella on her bed. "Please come out for a moment, Arche," the doctor requested.
I nodded, not wanting to disturb him, and stepped outside the patient's room, sitting down.
While I was waiting, Arabella's parents approached me. "Arche, is Arabella in the patient's room?"
"She..." I explained what happened to the two of them, which surprised me. They both seemed calm upon hearing my story.
"Fainted again...? She's always prone to sudden fainting spells," they reassured me. They both sat beside me. "So you don't need to worry."
"Oh, I see...?"
"I'm sure Arabella would be very happy to have had a picnic with you," Mrs. Matilda said.
"We had picnics together before, but we didn't seem to be able to make that time memorable," Gabriel added.
"No, you're wrong," I replied firmly. "The most valuable time is time spent with family."
"I'm sure Arabella likes spending time with you more than with me," Gabriel said.
I stood up, realizing I had to pick up the things I left in the park. "See you again," I said as I walked away toward the park.
I cleaned up the picnic spot and returned items like the guitar back to the hospital storage. I heard that Arabella would wake up tonight, but I decided not to go to her. She needed rest.
The next day, I woke up late. It was already 9 o'clock, and I immediately thought about what I should do.
I want to cure Arabella, but how? I've never been a doctor before. I looked out the window, and the sunlight shone on me.
I saw people walking around from my hotel balcony.
"Walking around the city...." I got a great idea. I washed my face and left the hotel through the window, taking the alley as a shortcut to the hospital.
But there were several muggers waiting there. "Oh my, it's very impolite of me to enter someone's house without permission," I said in a mocking tone.
"Bastard, you're insulting us, aren't you?!"
"Did my words sound like an insult to you?"
"Just give me your money, and you can come back safely."
"Oh, sorry, I forgot to bring a donation bag for the street animals."
"Wow, we got a smart one here. I'm asking for money, not metaphors," the other thug said, taking out a gun.
His answer was taking out a knife. "You're starting to piss me off, buddy."
"And what? Are you going to start crying and look for your mommy?"
"I've heard enough of your bullshit. Now, hand over your money or I'll take it by force!" The other thugs looked very upset.
"Don't mess with me," I retorted, stepping back a little.
"Alright, that's enough! I'll take your money, even if I have to force you!"
"Try me, bitch," I said casually.
The first mugger, with a shiny knife in his hand, stepped forward with a threatening look in his eyes. I stood tall, ready to face his first strike. With lightning reflexes, I dodged his initial blow and unleashed my deadly bare-handed attack.
"Hey, don't blame me if my hands are faster than your thoughts!" I said, shaking my head with a distinctive flair.
Meanwhile, the second mugger approached me with a baseball bat in hand. I agilely avoided his attack, then quickly engaged in grappling and tied him up with a move that was almost impressive. The mugger fell silent, unable to believe how quickly he was defeated in my grip.
"Sorry, but I have to 'cancel' your bad plans," I quipped, giving a wry smile.
Suddenly, the third mugger appeared with a pistol in his hand. I remained calm, recalling my weapon defense training. With precise movements, I approached and punched his gun towards the sky. The pistol slipped from his hand, and I caught it in a flash.
"Is that the pistol you stole from the carnival?" I said with a humorous taste that irritated the muggers even more.
There was a sense of panic among the muggers as they realized they were facing someone who was not only strong but also clever. I continued the fight, demonstrating my skill in disarming and weapon defense.
However, in a small mistake, I momentarily let my guard down. A thug's knife managed to nick my cheek, causing blood to trickle down.
"Oops, looks like I should be more vigilant. My cheek doesn't want to look like an abstract painting canvas!" I said, wiping the blood that was dripping from my cheek.
I parried each of their attacks with an unexpected style.
Finally, the muggers fell one by one, unable to overcome my strength and intelligence. With triumph, I looked at them as they lay unconscious, with a victorious smile.
"Perhaps you should consider a safer career, like gardening maybe?" I laughed before walking away.
I walked away from them, heading towards the hospital. As I entered, people's eyes turned to me.
"What's wrong with them?" someone whispered.
Ignoring the murmurs, I made my way to Arabella's room. "Good morning, Arabella!"
Arabella, turning to me, looked surprised. "Why? You're not seeing a ghost, you know!"
I completely forgot about the scar on my cheek. Sitting in the chair next to Arabella, I glanced at her. "Are you stunned by my good looks?"
"Arche, are your cheeks okay?!" Arabella looked worried, while I had forgotten about the wound.
"Ah, this wound...?" I attempted to touch it, but Arabella stopped me.
"If you touch it, it will hurt more, you know! Please get the first aid kit from under the bed."
"No need, this will heal itself! Rather than that, come with me!"
"No! I don't want to go anywhere until I treat your cheeks!" She insisted.
"But—" I had experienced much worse injuries than this one.
"You always make your dreams come true... and that makes me feel indebted..."
"Please... let me help you..." She said, tremblingly and slowly.
I couldn't refuse her request, seeing the sadness in her expression.
I took the first aid kit and gave it to Arabella. "Heal me, Do-ct-or," I joked as I moved to sit on her bed.
I noticed her hands shaking. "How cute..."
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing," I replied with a smile.
"Hey, thanks for taking care of me. Turns out there's an angel here too," I teased with a grin.
Arabella shook her head, but I could see she was trying to hold back a smile.
"Shut up. I just can't stand seeing someone bleeding like this," she replied with a firm but slightly trembling voice.
She started cleaning the wound on my cheek carefully. Her gentle touch made me feel a bit more comfortable, even though the pain was still there. I looked at her with a playful smile.
"You know, your touch almost heals faster than any medicine," I said in a playful tone.
Arabella's face turned even redder.
"Stop talking nonsense. I'm just doing what needs to be done," she said, trying to sound angry, although she was clearly a bit flustered.
As she started to apply a plaster to my cheek, I gazed into her eyes.
"With this, I almost wish to get hurt again just to be taken care of by you," I said.
Arabella immediately paused her work for a moment, staring at me with a fiery look.
"Don't say weird things! I won't take care of you again if that's the case!" she yelled, but I could see a faint smile at the corner of her lips.
I chuckled softly.
"Relax, Arabella. You know, even though you act tough, I know you care," I said in a softer tone.
She finished her work
"It's done. Don't move too much so the plaster doesn't come off," she said, turning away, trying to hide her still-red face.
I smiled contentedly.
"Thank you, Arabella. You're amazing," I said, still in a teasing tone.
Arabella just huffed slightly, but I knew she was actually happy to hear my praise. She took a seat in the corner of the room, trying to keep her distance, but I could see her shy smile from afar.
"So, where did you want to take me?" Arabella asked.
I grinned mischievously, then stood up, reaching for something behind the door. With a theatrical flourish, I brought out a flying broomstick.
"The only magic I can be proud of," I said with a wink. "We're going for a ride around the city."
"You can use a broomstick?! That's great!" Arabella exclaimed.
Without further ado, I picked her up gently and settled her onto the broomstick behind me. "Hold on tight," I advised.
"Wow! This looks really cool!" Arabella said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I opened the large window of Arabella's patient room, and with a burst of exhilaration, we took off into the sky.
The midday sun shone brightly, illuminating the city with its warm light. High above the tall buildings, a gentle breeze swept through, passing over the bustling streets below.
With the flying broom under control, I soared through the clear blue sky, enjoying the view from up high.
Behind me, Arabella sat with her arms around my waist, a bit tense but clearly enjoying this rare experience.
Her long hair fluttered in the wind, adding to the beauty of the moment.
We flew past tall towers, waving at birds passing by, and saw the city from a completely different perspective.
The usually crowded streets looked like tiny lines from up here, and the city's parks looked like vast green carpets.
I heard Arabella's laughter as we swooped down near the surface of the central city lake, creating small ripples on its surface. I slowed down, giving us time to enjoy the stunning view.
The trees around the lake swayed gently, and the lake itself reflected the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing sparkle.
We flew higher again, circling the old clock tower that was the city's icon. From this height, its large bell looked small but still majestic.
We both couldn't help but smile at the beauty usually hidden from everyday sight.
As we continued our journey, I directed the flying broom towards the city's outskirts, where vast green fields stretched out and small forests welcomed us with a calmness different from the city's hustle.
We glided over tall trees, listening to the peaceful and soothing sounds of nature.
Time seemed to move slower as we flew over these extraordinary landscapes. Arabella finally relaxed a bit more, enjoying the journey without much talk.
I could feel the warmth and serenity enveloping us, making this adventure even more special.
When the sun started to set, we decided to return to the city. With agile movements, I steered the flying broom back to the streets, now turning golden under the evening light.
We landed gently on the roof of a tall building, giving us one last view of the city shimmering under the setting sun.
We sat at the edge of the roof, watching the sunset together. The golden light radiated across the sky, creating a beautiful natural painting before our eyes.
A gentle breeze blew, carrying the fragrance from the gardens below. The peaceful and romantic atmosphere made me fall silent for a moment, enjoying this moment with Arabella.
I turned to her and smiled.
"You know, Arabella, moments like this make me grateful to have met you," I said in a softer tone than usual.
Arabella only gave a small smile, looking a bit shy.
"Stop talking so much. Just enjoy the view," she replied, but her voice sounded softer than usual.
As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, the sky's colors transformed into a mesmerizing blend of red, orange, and purple. Suddenly,
without warning, Arabella leaned towards me and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.
I was stunned, speechless. Usually, I was the one who always teased her and made her blush. But this time, she rendered me silent, my heart beating faster.
Arabella quickly pulled away, her face red but a smile on the corner of her lips.
"That... was for the cut on your cheek," she said softly, trying to sound stern though it was clear she was embarrassed.
The atmosphere turned awkward. I didn't know what to say, feeling confused because all this time I had been teasing Arabella just for fun. Now, she had silenced me, and I felt strange.
We both sat in silence, watching the beautiful sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and gold.
"Let's go back, shall we?" I finally broke the quietude.
"Y-Yea..." Arabella's voice trembled, a hint of confusion lingering in the air. That kiss had left me disoriented, and for some reason, it stirred an even stronger desire within me to cure Arabella.
When was the last time I was kissed? When I was still a thief... but that kiss had been a mere ploy, a means to gain trust and facilitate my theft. It had been nothing more than a tactic to deceive.
Entering her room, I carefully settled Arabella onto her bed. "You should rest, okay?"
Arabella nodded, pulling the blanket over her face.
"I'll go home then..." I started to turn away, but felt a tug on my shirt. It was as if Arabella didn't want me to leave.
"I want you here," she whispered from beneath the blanket.
"We can meet again tomorrow. I need to think of a way for us to dance at tomorrow's event."
Arabella released her hold on my shirt. "Tomorrow, huh...?"
"Yeah... see you tomorrow." My voice was soft as I spoke. "Pupster will be here to keep you company."
"Hm." Arabella nodded, retreating under the blanket.
Stepping towards the door, I paused, a sense of unease creeping over me. "Oh, shit! I forgot to lock the door to my hotel room."
Rushing back to my hotel, I confirmed my fears—the door had been left unlocked. "Damn it!"
But the feeling of foreboding lingered. "Is there a thief..? Damn you! Come here, damn thief! I hate thieves!"
That night, I had a dream, a very strange one indeed.
Bound by chains, I watched Arabella walk away from me. I called out to her, but she continued to move further and further away.
I woke with a start, relief flooding over me as I realized it had all been a dream.
"It's just a dream..."
Glancing outside, I noticed the rain pouring down, the sound of it tapping against the window. I saw it was already 8 o'clock.
I washed my face and brushed my teeth, resolved to keep my promise to Arabella. I wouldn't let this rain deter me.
Donning a robe, I made my way to the hospital, darting from one sheltered spot to another to avoid the rain.
"This rain is really troublesome..." I muttered, shaking off my hood and discarding my wet robe.
I hung the robe to dry in the rainy sky, a solitary act amidst the downpour of despair. "I have no other choice," I whispered to the indifferent heavens above.
Entering the hospital with a forced smile, I felt the weight of the curious gazes upon me. Each step felt heavier than the last as I made my way to Arabella's room. With trembling hands, I tried to open the door, only to find it locked.
"Eh... are you changing clothes, Arabella?" I called out softly, hoping for a response.
"Arabella!" I called out again, feeling a tap on my shoulder.
Turning around, I saw Gabriel and Matilda. Matilda's eyes were downcast, while Gabriel's gaze held a sorrow I couldn't comprehend.
"Mr. Gabriel, is Arabella—" I started, but Gabriel's words cut through the air like a sharp blade.
"Arabella is dead, Arche," he said, each word weighing heavily on my soul. Lightning seemed to flash across the sky, mirroring the sudden storm in my heart.
"Eh..." My world shattered into a million fragments at the unexpected news.
The world fell silent, engulfed in an emptiness I couldn't comprehend. My eyes stared blankly, trying to process the unfathomable truth. Each second stretched into eternity, laden with the weight of unbearable sadness.
"You're lying, right...?" I pleaded, searching for a glimmer of hope in Gabriel's eyes.
"Yesterday I met her, she was still very healthy," I protested, clinging to the memories of our time together.
"You met her yesterday?" Gabriel's words hit me like a tidal wave, washing away the fragile remnants of denial.
"Didn't she tell you that yesterday was her last day...? When the doctor checked her condition the day before yesterday," Matilda's voice cracked as she tried to hold back tears.
"The doctor said that Arabella only needed 2 days to live," Gabriel added, his voice heavy with the weight of the truth.
"She didn't tell me that!" I felt a surge of regret, realizing that I had refused Arabella's request to stay longer just the day before.
Did she want to tell me at that time?
Matilda's tears flowed freely now, her grief echoing the storm raging within me. "I'm... happy to be able to... grant her wish before death overtakes her," she managed to say amidst sobs.
"It's impossible, right...? I..." Reality crashed over me like a relentless wave, drowning me in a sea of regret and sorrow.
I realized my arrogance.
I often boasted that I could do anything... but I couldn't save just one person's life.
In the afternoon, when the rain finally stopped, unfamiliar faces gathered at the grave. They were Arabella's relatives, and I couldn't bring myself to stand with them. I didn't feel worthy.
My regret for not finding a cure for Arabella faster consumed me, fueling my self-hatred.
I hid behind a tree trunk, lamenting my stupidity and arrogance.
I was only an ordinary human.
Not an omnipotent being who could do everything.
I could only use broom control magic and a little elemental magic.
But with my arrogance... I claimed that I could do everything.
I...
...Couldn't forgive myself.
I left there, locking myself in my hotel room, feeling the weight of loss pressing down on me like a heavy stone. "I lost my friend again..." I muttered, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. I began to reflect on everything I had done in this city, searching for the point where I had gone wrong, determined not to make the same mistakes.
Accidentally, I drifted into sleep, consumed by the heaviness of my thoughts. When I woke up, I realized it was already evening. My mood remained sour, and I decided to stay in bed, avoiding the world outside.
Unexpectedly, I remained in bed until nightfall. Finally, I rose from my bed, noticing the bustling crowd outside. "Ah... That event, huh..?" I muttered to myself, a bitter reminder of my solitude. Who would I dance with anyway?
Suddenly, a voice echoed from behind me, a voice I thought I would never hear again. "You're so pathetic, aren't you, Arche?" The voice sent a shiver down my spine, and I turned around, hardly believing my eyes.
There, sitting on my bed, was the woman who was supposed to be dead. Her figure was slightly transparent, but her smile was unmistakable. It was Arabella.
"Hm! I'm Arabella! And I'm a Ghost now!" she declared with a mischievous grin.
"I'm sorry... I told you I would cure your illness... but you..." My voice trailed off, my remorse echoing in the small room.
Arabella shook her head. "In fact, from the start I didn't believe you could do it... so you don't need to apologize," she said gently.
"So you already knew that your disease cannot be cured, right?" I asked, feeling a pang of guilt.
"I've had this disease since I was little, so I know my disease best," she replied, her tone soft and understanding.
"Sorry... I said something stupid," I mumbled, feeling the weight of my foolish words.
Arabella approached me, taking my hand in hers. I was surprised she could hold me. "It's not your fault... you indeed said something stupid, but I know that you have good intentions," she said, her voice filled with warmth.
"Good grief... You look absolutely pitiful," Arabella chuckled, breaking the tension with her lighthearted comment.
I realized that ruminating and lamenting mistakes wouldn't change anything. I had to fulfill her last wish.
"Arabella, you can fly or levitate, right?" I asked, a glimmer of hope igniting within me.
"Well... because I'm a ghost, I can," she confirmed.
"Very good, follow me!" I exclaimed, a smile returning to my face. I opened the balcony door and began jumping onto the roof of the house.
"You're crazy, aren't you?" Arabella remarked as she floated alongside me.
"I wish I could levitate or fly too," I said wistfully.
"You have to die first," she replied with a teasing grin.
"Tough requirements, isn't it?" I chuckled, feeling a sense of lightness returning to my heart.
Each jump, each roll, was a dance with the concrete jungle, a testament to my agility and determination.
Beside me, floating effortlessly in the air, was Arabella. Her ethereal form glided smoothly, untouched by the physical world. She had passed away, yet she remained by my side, a silent companion in my journey.
Her presence was both comforting and haunting, a reminder of the bond we shared that transcended life and death.
I vaulted over a railing, landing in a perfect roll on the rooftop below. Arabella hovered just above me, her ghostly figure barely disturbing the air.
"You always did love showing off," her voice echoed softly in my mind, carrying a hint of her usual teasing tone.
I glanced at her, a small smile playing on my lips. "And you always loved watching,"
I replied, my breath steady despite the exertion. She smiled back, her translucent features capturing the essence of the woman I once knew so well.
We moved together in unspoken harmony, my parkour path blending seamlessly with her spectral glide.
I scaled a fire escape, my fingers gripping the cold metal rungs, and she floated upward beside me, her presence unwavering.
The city stretched out before us, a labyrinth of possibilities and memories.
Reaching the top of a particularly tall building, I paused for a moment, catching my breath.
The city center was visible in the distance, its towering structures silhouetted against the dusky sky.
"Almost there," I muttered, more to myself than to Arabella.
She drifted closer, her eyes soft with concern.
"You push yourself too hard sometimes," she said, her voice like a gentle breeze.
I shrugged, a gesture as much for her as for myself. "Can't afford to slow down now," I replied, determination lacing my words.
With a deep breath, I took off again, my body a blur of motion. I sprang from rooftop to rooftop, my movements fueled by a mix of adrenaline and purpose.
Arabella followed, her presence a calming counterpoint to my frenetic pace.
As I approached a wide gap between two buildings, I gathered my strength and leapt, my body soaring through the air.
Time seemed to slow for a moment, the wind rushing past my ears, and then I landed smoothly on the other side, rolling to absorb the impact.
Arabella hovered just above me, her expression proud and amused.
"Show-off," she teased, her voice carrying a warmth that made my heart ache with longing. I chuckled, brushing off the dust from my clothes.
"Can't help it," I replied, giving her a wink.
Finally, we reached the edge of the building that overlooked the heart of the city center. The lights of the city were beginning to twinkle, creating a breathtaking mosaic of illumination.
I stood there, breathing heavily but feeling a deep sense of satisfaction.
Arabella floated beside me, her gaze fixed on the city below.
"It's beautiful," she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of awe and sadness.
I nodded, my eyes following her gaze.
"It is,"
I agreed softly. For a moment, we stood there in silence, the weight of everything unsaid hanging between us.
The city buzzed with life below, but up here, it was just the two of us, caught in a moment suspended in time.
As I prepared to make my descent into the bustling streets below, Arabella's hand brushed against my shoulder, a ghostly touch that sent shivers down my spine.
"I'll be with you," she whispered, her voice like a promise.
I turned to her, my heart heavy yet filled with a strange sense of peace.
"I know," I replied, my voice steady. With one last look at the cityscape, I leapt off the building, plunging into the heart of the city. Arabella followed, her presence a beacon of light guiding me through the shadows.
We saw a lot of people dancing, I walked to the middle and made a pose of wanting to invite her to dance
"Are you serious? You're the only one who can see me, you know!"
Her transparent face showed an expression of disbelief
"Don't you feel embarrassed? You'll be considered crazy!"
"I dont care"
Arabella hesitantly took my hand, we started dancing together
Arabella, unseen by everyone else, floated towards me, her ghostly form glowing faintly. She took my hand, her touch cold yet familiar.
As the music swelled, we began to dance, moving in perfect harmony to the rhythm of the waltz.
Around us, the other dancers continued their own routines, but it didn't take long for a few curious glances to turn into confused stares.
To them, it seemed as though I was dancing alone, twirling and stepping to the beat with no partner in sight. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, a mixture of amusement and bewilderment evident on their faces.
A woman in a red gown nudged her partner, nodding in my direction.
"Look at him," she whispered, barely containing her laughter. "He's dancing by himself."
Her partner, a tall man with a meticulously groomed mustache, frowned and shook his head. "Must be mad," he muttered, his eyes following my movements with a mix of pity and disdain.
I paid no mind to the murmurs around me, my focus entirely on Arabella.
Her eyes sparkled with amusement, fully aware of the spectacle we were creating.
"They're staring," she said with a playful grin.
"Let them," I replied, spinning her around. "They just don't get it."
We moved across the floor, our steps perfectly synchronized. To me, Arabella was as real as anyone else, her presence grounding me in a way nothing else could.
Her laughter, though inaudible to others, filled my heart with joy.
As the music continued, I spun her around, her ghostly dress flowing like water. The other dancers began to clear a path, giving us a wide berth as if my perceived madness might be contagious.
I caught snippets of their conversations, fragments of their incredulity.
"He's completely lost it," someone muttered.
"Poor thing, dancing with an imaginary partner," another chimed in.
But their words couldn't touch me. In Arabella's arms, I was in my element. The world faded away, leaving just the two of us in our private dance.
I could feel the softness of her hand, the lightness of her step, and the undeniable connection that defied the boundaries of life and death.
The music reached its crescendo, and we moved faster, our dance becoming more energetic and free.
I could sense the eyes on me, the judgment and the confusion, but it didn't matter.
Finally, the song came to an end, the last notes lingering in the air.
I dipped Arabella gracefully, holding her close for a moment longer before pulling her back up.
Her laughter was like a gentle breeze, her smile radiant.
"Thanks for the dance," she whispered, her eyes twinkling.
"Anytime," I replied softly.
As the applause erupted around us, I looked up to see a sea of bewildered faces. To them, I had just performed an elaborate dance with an invisible partner.
Some looked amused, others concerned, but all were captivated by the spectacle.
I straightened, letting go of Arabella's hand as she began to fade from sight. She looked at me, her eyes filled with a mix of joy and something deeper, more profound.
"This was my last wish," she said softly, her voice tinged with peace.
"To have one final dance with you. Now, I can finally rest."
Arabella was silent for a moment, she immediately ran and hugged me
"I like you, Arche!"
I was shocked to hear that, and hugged her too, I must be considered a crazy person now
"Thank you for liking a man like me Arabella"
"Goodbye, Arabella," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I'll never forget you."
She smiled, a gentle and serene expression on her face. "Goodbye," she said, her form becoming more transparent with each passing second.
The crowd's murmurs grew louder, but I simply stood there, my heart heavy yet full of gratitude for the time we had shared. Arabella's presence faded completely, leaving behind a warmth in my heart and a sense of closure.
From here, I learned that
Life is not just about having, but about appreciating and being grateful for what we already have.