Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
***
He squeezes my arm gently, his eyes never leaving mine. "You don't have to go through this alone, Jess."
His words are a lifeline, and I cling to them. But the embarrassment quickly follows the tears. I'm a mess. A crying, incoherent mess. He saw me at my absolute worst. I grip the metal bed rail, my knuckles turning white.
"I… I don't really have anyone else," I admit, my voice barely audible. My parents are gone. Phillip is gone. And I don't know other relatives. It's just… me now.
Ethan's brow furrows slightly. "Hey, don't say that. You have me. And… well, the Digimon, I guess. They're pretty cool, once you get past the whole… digital monster thing." He offers a small, reassuring smile. "Seriously, Jess. Whatever you need, just ask. I can help with… stuff. Rent, food, you know. Whatever."
I manage a weak smile, touched by his sincerity. He's trying so hard to be a good guy, even with everything else going on. "Thanks, Ethan. That means a lot." I take a deep breath, trying to regain some composure. "I think… I think I just need some time to myself right now. To process all this." I try to sound more together than I feel. "Can you… maybe come back later?"
He nods, his understanding gaze softening. "Of course. Yeah. Whenever you're up for it. Just… don't disappear on me, okay?" He squeezes my arm one last time before standing up. "I'll see you later, Jess."
He leaves, and the silence of the room rushes back in, amplified by his absence. I bury my face in my hands, mortified. What was that? Crying like a baby, admitting I have no one. He must think I'm pathetic. I wish the ground would swallow me whole.
My hands tighten on the bed rail, a desperate attempt to ground myself. It's just… so much. The grief, the shock, the sudden, crushing loneliness. I grip the metal tighter, and a strange sensation runs through my fingers.
CRUNCH.
I blink, looking down at my hands. The metal bed rail… it's… bent. Twisted. Like I just crushed a soda can.
What the…?
I stare at my hand, then at the mangled metal.
I shake my head, trying to dismiss the impossible. The bed must have been weak. Yeah, that's it. A coincidence. I close my eyes, needing to just… rest. The exhaustion is a heavy blanket, pulling me under. Sleep is the only escape right now. Maybe in the morning, things will make more sense. Maybe I can figure out how to deal with all of this. For now, though, just sleep.
* * *
The cab pulls up to my building, and I hand the driver a twenty, telling him to keep the change. I need to get back, process… everything. Jessica's okay, physically. That's a relief. But emotionally? She's got a mountain to climb. And the fact that she's all alone… It's not right.
I pull out my phone. Time to let the others know.
Ethan
Jessica's awake. Doctor says she's stable. She's alone though.
Gwen
Oh my gosh, Ethan! That's amazing news! I'm so glad to hear she's okay.
Ethan
Yeah, but… it's rough. Family's gone. She's really alone.
Gwen
Poor Jessica. That's terrible. We'll have to go see her.
Peter
Dude, that's awesome she's awake! So sorry about her family though. That sucks. I'm glad you're there for her.
Ethan
We'll figure it out.
Gwen
Definitely. Let us know when you want to visit. We can go together.
Ethan
Will do. Thanks, guys.
I put my phone down. It's not much, but it's something. Knowing they're there helps a little. Now, I just need to figure out what comes next.
"It's great she's awake, Ethan," Gatomon chirps from my Digivice.
"Yeah, really," BlackGatomon adds, her voice tinged with a surprising softness. "Poor kid. Glad she's got you looking out for her."
I nod, a small smile finally touching my lips. "Yeah, me too. It's good to have her back."
I was about to reach my apartment when I saw Olivia standing right outside my apartment door, watering her plants. She looks up as I approach, a little surprised.
"Ethan! You're back. I saw you leave earlier in such a rush. Everything alright?"
"Yeah, Olivia, mostly," I say, trying to sound more upbeat than I feel. "Jessica. She… she woke up."
Olivia's face softens, her usual playful spark replaced by genuine concern. "Oh, Ethan, that's wonderful news! I remember you mentioning her. But… you also said she lost her family? That's just heartbreaking."
"Yeah," I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "She's physically doing okay. The doctor said she's healthy, all things considered. But… what happens now? She's basically an orphan."
Olivia sets down her watering can, her expression earnest. "Ethan, I… I have something I want to propose." She takes a deep breath. "I want to become Jessica's legal guardian."
I blink, surprised. Olivia? Jessica's guardian? It's… unexpected. But then I think about it. Olivia, with her cozy apartment and her slightly weird coffee, but her big heart. She's not married, no kids of her own. She has the means to give Jessica a good life. A stable one.
"I… wow, Olivia. That's… a really generous offer." I consider it. It could be the perfect solution. "Jessica would need to agree to it, of course. I can't just decide for her."
"Of course, of course," Olivia says quickly. "It's her decision. I just… I feel like I could give her a good home. Like a daughter." Her voice is gentle, a stark contrast to her usual quirky self.
"I'll talk to her tomorrow," I decide. "I'll explain everything. See what she thinks."
Olivia nods, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "I can go with you, if you'd like. To the hospital. I can… help explain things."
I appreciate her commitment. "Yeah, Olivia. That would be great. Thanks."
"I'll start on the paperwork right away," she says, already heading back towards her own apartment. "Should have it ready by tomorrow."
I just stare at her retreating back, a little bewildered. That fast? I shake my head, deciding not to question it. Whatever Olivia's got up her sleeve, it's probably better than Jessica being alone. I turn and head into my own place.
***
Donate Power Stones to support this novel
Advance chapters in patreon.com/Najicablitz