5

"You shouldn't push yourself so hard," Star says and I slowly take my seat.

"Don't be sad," Honey says and slowly gets down from the bed.

She opens the drawer by the bedside and pulls out two cute bear sticker packs.

"Here we are. Come on Star."

I watch in awe as the two decorate the plain bandage on me into a series of bear faces and I can't help but smile.

"How thoughtful of you two. It's perfect," I say and pull them into a hug.

The two giggle and pull me to my feet. They direct me to the chair and I comply.

"Oh, what are you two up to?"

Star nods her head and opens the curtains the afternoon sun filling the room. Honey walks to us holding a colourful box and sits next to Star.

"Let's play a game," she says and I raise my eye brow in curiosity.

"What game?"

She smiles, places the box on the table and opens it revealing puzzle pieces.

"Puzzle?"

Star's eyes light up and I decide to play along. Honey pours all the pieces on the table and places the box revealing the image to made by the pieces.

"A unicorn with wings?"

She nods and we set to make the picture. After a few minutes, the door slides open and I look up as Abryl walks in tray in hand.

"Oh? What are you young ladies up to?"

"Puzzle," Honey says picking a piece.

"We're trying to make this picture," Star says pointing at the box.

"Sounds fun. Care if I join you?"

"The more the merrier."

Abryl places the tray of different snacks and fruits on the table and takes a seat beside me.

"I heard about what happened to you from Luna, how are you holding up?" he asks his gaze resting on my eyes.

"I'll be fine, it'll be better after a day or two."

"I do love your optimism Nine. It's outstanding."

I look at him and he winks playfully before turning his gaze to the image. Pushing away his behaviours, I serve the girls their snacks and hand Abryl a plate. He takes it his fingers lingering on mine and my breath hitches in my throat. I clear my throat and pull my hands from his.

"You'll need your energy if we want to finish this tricky puzzle," I say avoiding Abryl's lingering gaze on me.

Honey yawns as she struggles to keep her eyes open. I tap on my thighs and she walks and cradles on my lap. I turn and look at Abryl finding him cradling a fast asleep Star. He flashes me a wide smile and I return it. After tucking in the two, I clean up the puzzle pieces as Abryl picks the used utensils. Silently, we head out of the door and I turn to Abryl.

"You've stayed with us for quite sometime. Are you sure you won't be fired?"

He places a reassuring hand on my shoulder his customer service smile on his face.

"If they did fire me, where would they find another handsome man like me?" he asks and I roll my eyes.

"You're oddly confident about your looks, aren't you?"

"Why not. Am good looking, aren't I?"

I playfully nudge his ribs and he grunts. He places a hand over the place I hit and fakes pain. I shake my head and limp away from him.

"Hey! Wait up!"

He rushes after me and together we head to the cafeteria.

"How are you getting home?" Luna asks poking her head into my desk.

"Can you stop acting like am disabled?"

Luna walks up to me and turns the chair so that am face to face with her. The serious look in her eyes makes me gulp.

"Who was that guy."

"Which guy?" I manage to ask, her stern voice sending shivers down my spine.

"The guy who carried you before. Who was he? A relative? Friend?"

I shake my head and her squeals make me nearly jump from my seat. She grabs my shoulders and shakes me to and fro till my vision becomes blurry.

"Luna!"

My shout is enough to make her stop and she quickly straightens her back clearing her throat.

"As I was saying, how did you manage to meet such a good looking fella? His looks were unrealistically attractive."

"His attitude says something different," I mumble and Luna turns her attention to me.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Should we head out?"

She nods and slips her hand around my waist steading me as we slowly walk out the doors.

"I'll be fine on my own."

"Are you sure? I can walk you home," Luna says and I shake my head and grab her shoulder.

"You've walked me this far already. I'll be fine on my own, besides my place isn't too far from here."

Luna silently looks at me with an unreadable expression and after a few seconds she sighs and pulls me into a hug.

"Be safe," she says and I pat her back before pulling away.

"You too."

"Text me when you get home okay?"

"I will, now hurry back."

She looks at me before reluctantly nodding and heading down the path. I watch her till she disappears around the corner and turn to head on my way. My walk home takes a longer time than I anticipate and thoughts that had happened during the day unfold in my mind and I sigh. After making it to my apartment, I slump on the couch from exhaustion and turn on the TV. I look at the wall clock and smile to myself as I change channels before landing on an interview with Kahiki.

"Our esteemed viewers, today we have the super star Kahiki in our midst."

Background cheers and shouts echo from the screen as Kahiki makes his appearance. My eyes glued to the screen, I marvel at his handsome face. My phone vibrates and I jerk up at the notification from Luna.

"Crap! I forgot to text her."