Just a Dream

After they had embraced each other within the stars, Jesse had almost immediately begun to give Kaori the cold-shoulder. She had a good idea as to why and had decided to leave him be in order for the cowboy to mourn in peace; away from the one he was trying to mourn. 

Not really knowing what to do when she left the cockpit to leave him be, she had decided on exploring the ship they were in. The most she knew of it was the basic information of what it is and that they were using it to take them back to their own community ship called The Accular. 

The first few rooms she toured of the RV were fascinating, each equipped with a singular circular window, a small kitchen, a bathroom, and at least one bed; though more depending on the size of the room. It almost felt like the cruise she had gone on not too long ago. 

Except, the ship she cruised on back in her lifetime at least looked like the price she had paid. While she knew she didn't fully understand just how much a ticket to go into space was, she could only imagine that it was at least a 6 figure price tag. 

Back in her life, only the well-off were able to afford it, so she could only assume it was the same during this one. 

Kaori was not an interior designer by any means, but even she knew that embedding a few expensive paintings and having exquisite, though minimalistic decor did nothing but make the ship look cheap. Nothing was going to make metal walls look attractive; though it was obvious that whoever had the ships built couldn't give two shits about the way they looked, so long as they did their job. 

But the more she explored, the more it filled her with dread. The ship contained enough beds and amenities to successfully allow 150 people to live comfortably for 3 months, making her feel a bit uneasy as she thought about it. The ship had made it out, though without being used the way it was intended. Not one living member of its community was on board, only the members-turned-zombies they had killed inside the belly. 

After wandering the ship for about an hour, a wave of exhaustion began to overcome her. Having learned the general layout of it as she explored, she made her way into a random room that wasn't far from the cockpit. 

When she sluggishly went inside and locked the door, she hesitated after turning the lights off to sleep, before turning them back on quickly, almost frantically. For the first time in a long time, she was afraid to be in the dark alone. 

As she dragged her feet over to the window of her room, she felt a wave of relief wash over her when she realized she would be able to look through the stars from the comfort of her bed; Directly above the head of her twin bed was the little round window. She climbed onto her slightly raised mattress and frame, 'walked' across it upon her knees, before finally making it to the peep hole called a window. As she began peering out of it, she was using her pillow as a useless stool, squishing it underneath her knees. 

She didn't care, of course. She felt like a kid walking into a candy store for the first time; awestruck. 

In the far distance, she could see the ship they had fallen from being thrown about as it was circling Earth, obviously unstable and about to be shot out of orbit soon; whether into space or back to Earth was a question that could only be answered by watching. 

Then, not far from the orbit itself as well, she could see thousands of ships, anchored in place, lining the Earth; though more existed beyond them, but as they curved with the Earth, they disappeared from her gaze. 

They were well lit, a sign of life instead of death, and it filled her with joy. 

I'm never stepping foot inside another infected ship again! She promised herself, as she yawned loudly. I had my ass kicked all day; I need a nap. Kaori then pushed herself from the window, before quickly twisting around and stuffing herself under the tightly made covers that mimicked a gentle bear hug. As she tucked herself in, she simultaneously plopped her head down upon the pillow she had just flattened. 

Kaori closed her eyes, there is no way this world is real; or even the possibility of reincarnation... Despite all that she had been through, it was making her believe even less that she was truly living this new life. She pulled the blankets over her ears as she snuggled up. No way. 

xxx 

"Hey girl," Mina greeted her over the phone; per usual. They always talked over the phone more than in person, let alone get together in person. Though, she sounded sadder than normal. 

"What's going on, Mina?" Kaori questioned her, curiously as she closed her stream for the night. 

There was a long pause on the other side of the line, followed by a sigh, "I miss you." 

"What do you mean?" Kaori chuckled, "I'm right here." She set her phone down onto her desk as she inserted her pods. "Want to meet up tomorrow for lunch then, if you miss me so much? My treat, I've been wanting to take you out on a date for some time now," she joked, hoping her bland humor would cheer Mina up. 

Instead, she could only hear crying on the other end of it. "I wish we could." 

Kaori was confused. "What do you mean?" 

"For too long we have always been too busy to ever hang out," she heard Mina begin as she fought through sobs. "And now? It's out of reach entirely, Kaori." 

The streamer paused for a moment, before picking her phone back up and peering at the screen. She recognized the general makeup of the picture, but it was blurry; When she went to look at the name as well, it was jumbled and blurred; completely illegible. What's going on?  

Mina continued, suddenly letting out a weak chuckle. "It's only been a day, and already you're appearing in my dreams. I miss you so fucking much Kaori, I wish this wasn't just a dream."