Embers. Chapter One. Part Four

Instructions

Chapter One: On the following Monday, as I entered my first-period class, a wave of giggles and whispers filled the air. Confusion washed over me, and I approached Oliver Stuart, Ash's friend, seeking answers. Oliver's tear-filled eyes met mine, and I noticed a fresh cut on his ear. "What's happening, Oli?" I inquired. His ears perked up, and he spoke with a tremor in his voice. "It's Ash. He fell down the stairs and is currently in the nurse's office. They fear he may require a wheelchair." I could hear the pain in his words, knowing how deeply Ash feared wheelchairs. Oliver's own mother had been in one before her unfortunate demise due to an infected broken leg. She passed away merely a week later. I felt a surge of fear and sympathy, for Ash was not only my best friend but also the person I trusted most in the world. If anything were to happen to him, I was uncertain how I would cope. In an attempt to console Oliver, I nuzzled him gently before taking a seat beside Laurel, my other close friend. Her tail intertwined with mine, and she rested her arm on my shoulder. "Don't be so sad, Royalty," she whispered. "He'll be fine, trust me. It's just a broken leg." I wanted to believe her, but my trust was solely reserved for Ash, and he was not there to reassure me. Throughout the day, I longed for Ash's presence, reminiscing about his shining curls that danced atop his head and the way he confidently tied his plaid shirt around his waist, striding with his chin held high, even in moments of fear or worry. I felt inadequate in comparison to his remarkable qualities. During lunchtime, I made my way to the nurse's office to visit Ash. As I entered the room, I spotted him lying on one of the hospital-like beds. "Hey," I greeted him softly, approaching his bedside. A smile graced his face as he reached out and placed his hand atop mine. "It's just a broken leg, Ro. No need to be scared," he reassured me. I glanced down at his leg, encased in a pristine white cast and resting upon a pillow. Regret washed over me, wishing I had been there to catch him. Tears welled up in my eyes, a familiar occurrence, and I held his hand tightly. "Hey, Ro, remember this?" he chuckled. "'Stick with me, you seem like a nice kid.'" Laughter erupted from both of us, filling the room with warmth and camaraderie. We nuzzled each other, finding solace in our bond. However, a pained sigh escaped Ash's lips, and he rested his head upon the pillow. "Well, bye Ash. I'll see you tomorrow," I said, preparing to leave. "Wait," he called out to me, his voice filled with urgency. "Love you, Royalty." My heart swelled with affection, and trust bloomed within me once more. "Love you too, Ash!" I replied, feeling a renewed sense of hope.