When I opened my eyes, I was already lying on a hospital bed. I tried to stand up, but my legs are so wounded that it hurts even if I move a little.
"I'm glad you're finally awake," Cain said, approaching from the door. "You've been dormant for a week."
"What? A week?" I exclaimed. My hand went to my head. I remember what happened. Those clergymen were so persistent. I was so beat up. If only I could use my instant death ability on them, but they were range shooters, and it takes a certain distance for that skill to take effect.
"Don't worry about your enemies. The truth is, there's only one enemy left, but she said she won't fight you unless you're in a good state," Cain said.
"Kaila?" I asked. "Does it mean we're the only ones left?"
"Mmm." Cain sat down on the chair beside me. "I made a deal with Alicia. If you win, they'll give us the souls, and if they win, we'll have to give them the souls."
It's still bittersweet to hear such a thing. "Did Kaila visit here while I was asleep?" I asked.
"Yup. In fact, she's outside the room with Alicia. That girl seems to care so much about you when she heard what happened," Cain said.
"Can you tell her I'm sorry?" I requested. "I'm sorry that I can't fight her right now, and I'm sorry to keep her waiting?"
I wonder why... Why did Kaila wait for me to recover when she could actually kill me right now while I'm helpless? She can cut my head off and be free. There's nothing more courageous than offering my own soul for her happiness.
"What am I? Your messenger?" Cain asked.
"Please..." I pleaded.
"Fine." Cain stood up grumpily and went outside the room. He came back after a few minutes.
Kaila stood behind Cain. There are tears in her eyes as she looks at me. Slowly, she walked toward me. "I'm so sorry, Lil. I'm not sorry for what happened to you," she said, wrapping her arms around me. Tears falling down her eyes like raindrops. She laid her head on my chest and listened to my heartbeats. I've never seen her this vulnerable before.
"No, don't say that; it's not your fault," I said, caressing her hair. "You can kill me right here, right now. I won't struggle."
She suddenly stood up and slapped my face so hard. "What are you talking about!" She burst into tears. "How can I kill you in that pathetic condition? Have you lost your mind?"
"Kaila, I—" I tried to explain. I don't want to make it more difficult. If I die here, then we won't have more problems. I'm ready to face death if it can make her happy.
"Don't say anything!" She exclaimed. "It'll be unfair to kill you here right now. I want to fight you all out. You promised me. You won't go easy on me."
I'm lost for words. I don't know what to say anymore. Even if she won't show it, I know she cares for me. I can see it by how she acted.
Kaila turned back. "I'll be waiting until you recover," she said before leaving.
Dammit! Why do I have to fight the girl I like? I'm so unlucky to find love at the wrong time. Getting separated from someone I love is the worst curse of my life. There really are people in this world that can only be in our hearts but not in our lives.
"You heard her," Cain said. "I'm not here to give you more advice. I just want you to follow your heart. It knows the way, and it always takes courage to do that. Stepping into the unknown is the most courageous thing you can do."
"I didn't expect to hear that from you, but thanks anyway. Thanks for the time we've spent together. I learned a lot. I grew up a lot. It's coming to an end soon, but I'll always remember the memories," I said, smiling.
"Oh, Lil, stop being so dramatic!" Cain replied. "I'm going outside. Do you need something?"
"Can you buy me a coffee?" I asked.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll be quick," he said before going outside.
I feel so much pain in my heart, like the strings around my chest are being pulled; it squeezes my heart. My soul is bleeding. My head is aching. I've been preventing myself from crying, and I suddenly burst into tears.
I'm just a kid. I might appear as tough on the outside, but my inner child is screaming. The pain I'm feeling inside is too profound to put into words. I don't know why endings always feel so painful.
A few moments later, Cain came back with a cup of coffee. "Here's your coffee," he said.
"Thanks," I replied, taking the cup of coffee. I opened the lid and drank the coffee. "It's delicious."
"Enjoy it. It might be the last time you can drink it," he said.
"Now you're the one who's being pessimistic."
"Why wouldn't I? You told Kaila to take your life. After everything you've been through, Lil, how could you just give it all up?" Cain asked.
"You told me earlier to follow my heart, so I'm risking it all for what I love," I said.
"But I didn't tell you to give everything until there's nothing left of you."
"I know you're just worried about me. Even if you don't say it, I know you care for me. But this is what I want. Life is too short, and if I ever die tomorrow, I want to die happy that I've done what I love," I said.
Cain looked at me with a shocked expression on his face. Maybe he realized something and thinks that if only he did the same while he was young and alive, he wouldn't regret a thing. If only he had the courage to do what he loves regardless of what other people say, then he'd die happy.
"Okay, fine. You win. Do what makes you happy. That's none of my business anymore. That's your life, and you choose whether you want to live or die," Cain said.
"Thank you," I said as I watched Cain leave the room.