Mirage

forty two

Mira's on her way to the hospital again. She again also caught Luis reading a book to his sister. She smiled at the scene.

"Haply I think on thee, and then my state,

(Like to the lark at break of day arising

From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven's gate;

For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings

That then I scorn to change my state with kings."

Luis closed the book, "Sonnet 29, Shakespeare." He said and looked at Mira.

"What does it mean?"

He turned to Aliyah again, "It means, a man is useless and wishes to be fortunate. But remembering that there's a sister in his life, a mother, and a family. The negative feelings change."

Their family is really deep. Aliyah's family was so in depth with their knowledge and meanings. Mira was amazed.

Then Aliyah's finger suddenly moved. She slowly opened her eyes and weakly mumbled.

Both of them were shocked and alerted.

"Aliyah?! Wait I'll call the nurse!" Luis immediately moved while Mira went to Aliyah's side.

"Li," She caressed the girl's hand.

The nurses came and they checked on Aliyah.

Everything was fine, Tita Ellie also came in and the doctor talked to her.

Luis was with Tita Ellie listening to what the doctor is saying while Mira was standing by Aliyah's hospital bed and was eager to talk to her and just be close.

She also already called the girls and they said they will come by as soon as possible.

When the medical staffs went out, Aliyah suddenly talked.

"Mira."

She quickly went to her but when she was about to ask how Aliyah was feeling, the girl beat her to it.

"Are you okay?" Aliyah asked.

Mira can't believe this girl; how can she be so selfless. She didn't think twice to hug Aliyah tight.

"Idiot."

Tita Ellie smiled at the two and nudged Luis, "Labas muna tayo." She whispered to him.

"Ha? Bakit, gusto ko rin makausap si Ali," His mom nudged him again.

"Ano ka ba, be sensitive. Mamaya mo na kausapin kapatid mo, let's go."

The two were left alone as they stayed still on their position. Not uttering another word and just breathing, letting it sink in that Aliyah's awake now.

It has been a week since Aliyah came home from the hospital. She's back in the compound with her mom and older brother.

With Mira from time to time visiting her and Tita Ellie telling her to come by to eat. She hasn't cooked for herself in a while and she isn't complaining.

Mira could also see how Aliyah and her brother is close. It didn't even seem like they just talked again after years of being upset with each other.

"Kuya akin na yann!" Aliyah groaned in frustration. Luis was holding her book up above his head so Aliyah couldn't reach it.

"Babasahin ko lang naman?"

"Eh! Kahit nga si Mira hindi pa yan nababasa!"

Aliyah tried to tip toe and snatched the book from him but he skillfully avoided her hands. It made Aliyah almost fall but Mira held her arm from behind.