Secondhand Memories (Pioneer English Cell Phone Novel)

Surprises

Chapter 158

Surprises

It was Airu.

I felt my blood rushing back down to my toes.

Surprise turned to disappointment. My dreams crashed into reality.

“Oh. It’s just you.” I muttered.

Chapter 159

Surprises

“Just me?” She looked appalled. “You asked me to come didn’t you?”

I realized what I must have sounded like and apologized. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

“I’m joking.” Her teeth was gritted a second ago but she relaxed and threw me a warm smile.

She grabbed my arm and led me inside.

Chapter 160

Surprises

My heart fell as soon as I saw Aoi.
Asleep.
Soundless.
Silent.
Still.
Was she just sleeping?

Maybe if I went to wake her up her eyes would flutter open in surprise?
Maybe she would hug me tightly and tell me everything was alright?
Maybe she would kiss me and apologize softly in my ear, for being away for so long?

But I guess what could I have expected?
Why would God do me a favour?

I’m nobody. I’m a speck of dust in the universe. Why listen to me?

“Here I’ll take the cake.” She offered. I turned away from Aoi and passed her the box.

For a second, holding the cake, she paused, looking lost.

I arched an eyebrow at her. “Are you okay?”

She seemed to jump out of her trance and shook her head.

“Sorry.” She said, before returning to set the cake on the table.

Chapter 161

Surprises

The others arrived slowly one by one, half an hour later.

Somehow, I never thought a birthday party could carry such a sombre mood.
I couldn’t help but wish that we could all make jokes, laugh and smile together.
I could only wish for the day when Aoi could laugh together with us again.

Someone got out a video camera and started putting the party on tape,
so we all had to brighten up for the video.

“She can watch this when she wakes up.” Someone said.

When she wakes up. When will that be?

Chapter 162

Surprises

There were lots of flowers that day.

There weren’t enough vases to put the flowers in,
so we emptied a few water bottles and jars and filled them up with water.

It was probably the most appropriate present to give to someone who was in coma.
Birthday cards were coupled with get well cards.

I tried to smile every time someone came in and presented Aoi with her birthday gift.
But I could only get sadder.

I wanted to tell them all, “Forget this.” and cancel the party.

I tried to remind myself that the doctor said she would wake up soon.
But it didn’t really make a difference to me.

My friends though, they tried their best to keep bright cheery smiles and laughter.

But they weren't in the same situation.