14

So there we were, walking down a path in the frosty outside. The fading of the sunlight had also meant the fading of the heat. Wintry air swirled around us, taking every bit of warmth it could.
I exhaled, my breath then visible in the chilly air, disappearing into the darkness. It was a cold and moonless night. The sky was dark and low, so dark that the stars billions of miles away were barely visible in the charcoal sky.
Peace
"Are you okay?" Gage asked, breaking our calming silence as we walked slowly. I nodded, my head turning to face him as I snuggled into my large, thick coat, my hands buried deep into my pockets.
"Yeah," I answered, puffs of breath visible as it left my mouth. "You?" He nodded, giving me a small smile. Thinking alike, we both noticed a bench and sat down together, our eyes watching the empty park in front of us.
Gage sighed, slouching a little on the bench as he looked up at the sky, smiling a little at the stars before meeting my eyes.
"I think. . ." He began, hesitating a little as he looked at me. "We should talk about what keeps happening in that boxing ring. ."
I nodded slowly, licking my lips as I sat up, attentive. "I think so too," I awkwardly responded, giving him my full attention.
He licked his lips too, his eyes glimmering in the darkness as they gazed at me. "What do you think of me? Honestly?"
"I think you're kind hearted," I honestly replied, giving him a small smile. "Sweet, humble, reliable - there are so many positive ways to describe you, Gage. I'm surprised you don't have a girlfriend."
He chuckled gently, shaking his head. "That's the thing," he told me, his eyes filled with seriousness as he responded, "I do have a girlfriend."
My eyes expanded as I looked at him, my jaw dropping. "Wait, what? So, you cheated-"
"Come with me," Gage said, standing and holding out his hand to me, an indecipherable smile on his handsome face. I hesitated before taking his hand and letting him pull me off the bench.
Then we let go and my hand went back into my pocket as we walked in silence whilst I wondered what he was about to show me.
"Are we almost there?" I asked in boredom, after at least thirty minutes of us walking. Gage chuckled, glancing over at me with his captivating eyes. "Yeah, actually. You know, walking is really good for you?"
I groaned, shaking my head. "Yeah, but now I'm tired."
"Well, that means when we get back, as soon as you hit the pillow, you'll sleep."
"I like the sound of that," I grinned, honest. I really did want to sleep.
My eyebrows creased as I noticed where we were approaching, a familiar red plus sign catching my attention.
The automatic doors opened for us and immediately the air was stuffy and the atmosphere had a strong whiff of bleach. The pictures on the walls were cheap benign prints of uplifting scenes and above the double doors are large red plastic signs.
Walking up to the reception, Gage moved there closer, his elbows on the desk as he greeted the receptionist. "Hey, back again," Gage playfully said with a smile, though it seemed slightly sad. He signed us both in.
"Well, you know your way, Gage," The older woman smiled, her eyes glancing over at me. She handed him two passes. Gage smiled back, nodding. "Thanks."
Giving me one, he put his around his neck and I did the same. Then we turned, about to go to the stairs but I took his arm, dragging him to the elevator. He chuckled once more, shaking his head as he pressed the button and we waited for the elevator.
"Gage," I quietly asked, "what are we doing here?" His eyes flickered over to me as he smiled though he seemed slightly nervous. "You'll see, Rose."
I looked away, waiting for the doors to open. When they finally did, we stepped out and Gage led me down what seemed to be the private ward.
On the private ward the atmosphere was completely different. The air had a perfumed scent and every surface was dustless. The nurses were unhurried and they moved with elegance from room to room on their rounds.
There were vases of flowers and beautiful framed pieces of art on the perfectly painted walls. In the corridor was a water dispenser and in most rooms could be heard the noise of a television or talking.
My eyes continued to stare about but Gage took my arm, pulling me out of my thoughts as he led me away, walking down the corridor with me.
Then we stood outside the door and his mesmerising grey eyes. "You ready?"
I nodded, curious to know what - who was inside the room. He twisted the doorknob and opened the door, letting me go in first.
I stepped in and only saw a television and some other items before I turned, blinking in surprise as I saw who was laying on the hospital bed.
There was a girl - a woman who looked my age.
She looked as though she was once beautiful. But the woman had tubes and wires attached everywhere; her nose, my mouth, her fingers, her arms, her neck, her chest and probably in other places I couldn't see.
Her body was covered with a large hospital gown and her collar bone was defined, showing just above her dress. Laying on her back, her head was propped up a little by the bed, to keep her elevated.
Her eyes were shut and her eyelids had faint bags under her eyes. Her face was pale and in a way she looked. . .dead. I could barely see any blush on her.
Her arms and hands were under her blanket, keeping her warm, and what seemed to be quite long hair was in a loose bun at the top of her head.
She was stunning though; her face had small freckles scattered on and her lips seemed perfect, not too big and not too small. She had naturally precise eyebrows and her cheekbones were amazing. She could be a model with her looks.